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Established Camping

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

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.

Due to a construction project in the campground - The 3rd campground (sites 43-55, 71) will close for the season on September 2nd, 2025. The remaining campsites and cabins will close for the season October 5th, 2025.

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

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

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground 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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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2025

Great Experience

This is a great campground.  The camp sites were nice and the restrooms were not bad.  There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground by Chad R., July 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground by Chad R., July 20, 2025
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 Campground by David J., August 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground by David J., August 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground 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

Are there cabins available at Pleasant Creek campground in Iowa?

Yes, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area does offer cabin accommodations. The cabins are clean and well-maintained, though they are described as basic rather than luxury accommodations. They provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping while still allowing visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings. For specific cabin availability, amenities, and reservation requirements, contact the park office directly as these details may change seasonally.

What amenities are available at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area campground?

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area campground offers well-maintained facilities with both tent and RV sites. The campground features picnic tables, shade trees, and water access points close to each site. Tent sites are particularly noteworthy, with waist-high prairie flowers providing privacy between spaces. A water and sewer station is available at the entrance, though individual sites don't have private hookups. The campground includes restroom facilities and dumpsters accessible via trails from the camping areas. Well-maintained grounds and new picnic tables enhance the overall camping experience.

How do visitor reviews rate Pleasant Creek campground?

Pleasant Creek campground consistently receives high marks from visitors, with many giving it perfect or near-perfect ratings. Campers particularly praise the privacy of tent sites, the well-maintained grounds, and the attentive campground staff. The recreational opportunities, especially water activities on the lake, are frequently highlighted as standout features. Weekends tend to be very popular with sites often filling up, while weekday visits offer a quieter experience. Many return visitors have been camping at Pleasant Creek for years, noting its consistent quality and natural beauty.

What recreational activities can I do at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offers diverse recreational opportunities centered around its beautiful lake. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing (both from shore and by boat), and swimming at the beach area. An 8-mile hiking trail loops around the lake with some elevation changes, making it suitable for day hikes. Biking trails are also available for cycling enthusiasts. The park is particularly popular with Scout groups for water activities. With its well-maintained grounds and natural setting, Pleasant Creek provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round.