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Established Camping

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect

There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 319-436-7716 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.

The campground is closed each year from November 16 - March 31.

This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - November 15 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, near Palo, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a mix of comfort and adventure. The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, making it suitable for everyone from families to solo adventurers.

Visitors rave about the well-maintained grounds and the clean facilities, including showers and restrooms. One camper noted, “The cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition,” which sums up the vibe here perfectly. You’ll find plenty of shade from the trees, and the picnic tables are a great touch for outdoor meals.

For those who love to explore, there’s an 8-mile hiking trail that loops around the lake, providing a bit of elevation change and stunning views. Kayaking and fishing are popular activities, with easy access to the water for those looking to paddle around or cast a line. As one long-time visitor shared, “I often head here for a few days in the Spring and Summer for a day of fishing.”

While the campground has rules, like a two-car limit per site, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.

Description

DNR - Parks

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a premier outdoor recreation venue of Linn County. This recreation area is home to a 410 acre lake, 1,517 acres of public hunting grounds, a swimming beach, campgrounds, and twelve miles of multi-use trails. As a unique resource, showcasing large tracts of restored prairie.
Pleasant Creek Recreation Area creates a wide variety of enjoyable outdoor experiences for all visitors.
As a "no-wake" lake, Pleasant Creek is popular for windsurfers, kayaks, canoes, SCUBA diving and pontoon boats. Near perfect water clarity during spring, and most of the summer, allows great visibility for divers. Kayak and diving lessons are offered throughout the summer by local certified instructors.

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is open to hunting and trapping in season. Dog training is allowed year-round at the field trial grounds.

Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information. This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.

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Location

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Interstate 380, take the Center Point Exit 35. Go southwest on Highway W36 also called Lewis Bottoms Rd. for five miles to McClintock Rd Turn right/west onto McClintock Rd, drive for one half mile on McClintock Rd and into the parks main entrance.

Address

4530 McClintock Rd
Palo, IA 52324-0242

Coordinates

42.11705607 N
91.8264704 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 5, 2020

Nice cabin vacation

Cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition.  The gentleman that takes care of the campground takes great pride in his work and it shows - kudos to him!  There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop.  there is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to "bail out" so take water and pace yourself.

SiteCabin 3
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2019

Fantastic youth group campgrounds

We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing.  I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years.  I have not had any issues at all.  I have stayed in a regular tent campgounds and the youth group campsites.  I often head here for a few days in the Spring and Summer for a day of fishing as well.  My son and I like to get the canoes and Kayaks out and paddle around the lake.  The fish cleaning stations are well maintained and the location is not too far away from town.

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2019

Camping mid-week

We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week. Weekends are pretty much sold out.
We love the area. Kayaking, biking, and fishing. Very well maintained grounds.
Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in.
My only complaint. Thurs evening we had friends join us. The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule. He forced 3 over 65 couples to drive to a parking lots and I shuttled them back and forth. Really? Do us Seniors party too hard for you? Haha I understand rules but I don’t have to like them... 😃

  • Review photo of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area by David J., August 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area by David J., August 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area by David J., August 17, 2019
Reviewed Mar. 31, 2019

Beautiful

It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster. Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

Well maintained with trees!

The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade. visited in July

Site55
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?

    Camping at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area can cost between $12.00 and $60.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area does not have wifi.