Reservations are strongly recommended at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground, particularly on weekends, when sites tend to sell out well in advance. The campground sits within Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area outside Palo, Iowa, and runs from April 1 through December 31, with nightly rates ranging from $18 to $60. Full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer are available for RVs, though at least one reviewer notes that individual site hookups may vary, and a dump station is located near the entrance road. Access has a rough reputation, so drivers towing larger rigs should take that into account.
Water access is the draw here. The lake supports fishing from shore and by boat, kayaking, and an approximately 8-mile hiking loop with some elevation gain and limited bailout points along the way. Tent sites have good separation, with waist-high prairie vegetation between some sites providing a degree of privacy, along with shade and nearby water spigots. Fish cleaning stations are well maintained and conveniently located. The campground enforces a two-car-per-site rule, which is worth knowing if you plan to have guests join you.
"Not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition," notes Mitch C. of the cabins, a sentiment that extends to the grounds overall. Multiple reviewers across several years consistently flag cleanliness as a standout. The campground also has youth group sites, making it a recurring destination for scouting trips and family outings. Anglers and paddlers who want a more primitive experience nearby might consider Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite about 3.5 miles to the southeast.
Description
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.
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 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.
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - November 15 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.
The Pleasant Creek Campground 3 standard electric sites 61 and 63 are closed through November 15, 2026, due to renovations. (Updated July 15, 2026)
The campground is closed each year from November 16 - March 31.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground is located in Iowa near Shellsburg
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 Lane Turn right/west onto McClintock Lane, drive for one half mile on McClintock Lane and into the parks main entrance.
Address
4530 McClintock Lane
Palo, IA 52324-0242
Coordinates
42.11705607 N
91.8264704 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
- 20 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 38 min from Waterloo, IA
- 39 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 18 min from Dubuque, IA
