Clear Lake State Park

4.14

103 reviews

6490 S. Shore Dr., Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,263 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Clear Lake State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,263 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Clear Lake State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Clear Lake State Park

$14.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $14 for electrical sites to $19 for full hookups as noted by user reviews. Premium amenities are limited, contributing to the lower...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$19.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 103 reviews

696 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakebeachwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Clear Lake State Park is well-received by most visitors, with many praising its beautiful landscape, clean facilities, and variety of amenities. However, some concerns about campsite leveling, crowding, and the lack of water hookups have been noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6490 S. Shore Dr., Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428, United States

Clear Lake State Park

6490 S. Shore Dr., Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428, United States

Driving directionsTake exit 193 off of I-35. Head West on Hwy 106 until the first four-way stop. Take a left to the South on 8th Ave and follow for about a mile. Then take a right on 27th S. Follow until the stop sign. Park entrance is right across the road.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but some user reviews have mentioned challenges with narrow or unlevel roads inside the campground. Roads leading to the campground from major highways are well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Nearby places

Clear Lake (adjacent), Mason City (12 miles), Ventura (6 miles), Garner (13 miles)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as fuel, firewood, bait, drinks, and ice are available within a mile of the campground. Grocery stores are located greater than a mile away. Clear Lake’s town center offers additional retail and food options.

Best Time to Camp at Clear Lake State Park

Experience the full drama of Iowa's changing seasons at Clear Lake. Summer days invite you to bask in comfortable temperatures perfect for swimming and water sports, while autumn paints the oak groves in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the hills and creating a peaceful retreat for hardy campers. Spring awakens the landscape with fresh greens and wildflowers, though pack your rain gear for those refreshing April showers that keep everything lush and vibrant.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and beach use; very popular but can be crowded on weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn highlights oak groves and quieter trails; foliage and views praised.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Shoulder season offers fishing, fewer crowds and emerging foliage; facilities more available than winter.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but bathhouses/water limited; reviewers mention peaceful snowy visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June through August are reportedly the busiest months based on user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping is permitted year-round, although bathhouses and water hookups are unavailable during the winter/off-season.
Current Alerts: Testing on the lake has led to recommendations against swimming at certain times due to water turbidity.

About Clear Lake State Park

Nestled along the southeastern shores of Iowa's magnificent 3,643-acre Clear Lake, this beloved 55-acre state park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning landscape of rolling hills crowned by ancient oak trees. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for an afternoon adventure, or gathering around a picnic table as the sun sets through the canopy, Clear Lake State Park offers an authentic Iowa outdoor experience. As one of the state's most cherished camping destinations, it seamlessly blends natural beauty with endless recreational possibilities.

Clear Lake State Park supports diverse camping styles, including options for RVs, tents, and group camping. The majority of sites are electric-only, with some featuring full hookups.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the park's crown jewel—a magnificent stone lodge crafted by skilled Works Progress Administration artisans in 1938, standing as a testament to American craftsmanship and resilience. Just minutes away, the legendary Surf Ballroom preserves a poignant piece of rock 'n' roll history as the venue where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper played their final concert before that fateful winter night in 1959. This blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Clear Lake State Park a destination where nature and history intertwine.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Iowa's changing seasons at Clear Lake. Summer days invite you to bask in comfortable temperatures perfect for swimming and water sports, while autumn paints the oak groves in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the hills and creating a peaceful retreat for hardy campers. Spring awakens the landscape with fresh greens and wildflowers, though pack your rain gear for those refreshing April showers that keep everything lush and vibrant.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates natural amphitheaters and cozy hollows throughout the campground, offering both scenic vistas and sheltered camping spots that enhance your outdoor experience.

Natural Features and SceneryWander through cathedral-like groves where century-old oak trees stretch their mighty branches overhead, creating a natural sanctuary that changes with every season. The park's varied landscape of gentle hills, hidden thickets, and sun-dappled clearings provides refuge for an enchanting array of wildlife—from wise old owls hooting in the twilight to playful squirrels chattering in the canopy, curious raccoons exploring after dark, and graceful deer stepping quietly through morning mist. Beyond the treeline, Clear Lake's pristine waters sparkle invitingly, with sandy beaches perfect for building castles and prime fishing spots where walleye, yellow bass, and catfish await patient anglers.

Geological RegionClear Lake State Park occupies a special corner of northern Iowa's lake country, where ancient glaciers carved out the spectacular 3,643-acre Clear Lake thousands of years ago. The park's distinctive landscape showcases the region's glacial heritage through its gently rolling hills, fertile draws, and the magnificent oak savannas that have thrived here for generations. This unique combination of pristine freshwater lake, mature hardwood forests, and prairie remnants creates a diverse ecosystem that represents the very best of Iowa's natural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Self-check-in process
no specific check-in time mentioned.

Stay Limit

Camping during the off-season is allowed, but facilities like bath/shower houses and water are turned off. There is no specific stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site is a common policy in similar state parks.

Groups

No specific group camping facilities or policies are described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are described as pull-through or gravel pads with electric-only hookups. Some areas have newly installed picnic tables and fire pits.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, as suggested in the authoritative content.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in sites are available most of the time, but weekends and holidays are very crowded.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit details provided about cancellation rules.

AccessibilityThe park has some facilities described as accessible, including paved areas for wheelchairs near bathrooms. However, there are complaints about handicap sites not being properly designated or differentiated from standard sites.

Site SizeCampsites are described as varying in size, with some sites being spacious while others are narrow or tightly packed. Many sites are pull-through and accommodate RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; sites are generally described as fairly close together, with some areas feeling crowded, especially on busy weekends.

Total Campsites55 campsites

Recommended SitesUse leveling equipment for uneven sites. Sites near the lake provide good views but may be busier.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Clear Lake State Park offers a rich variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy lake activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also features hiking and biking paths, bird watching opportunities, and access to playgrounds for families.

HikingThere are walking and biking trails available, though it is noted there are no dedicated hiking trails within the campground itself.

FishingFishing opportunities at Clear Lake are abundant, with the lake offering good catches of walleyes, muskie, northern pike, bullheads, catfish, yellow bass, crappies, and other panfish. Scenic Woodford Island is a popular fishing spot.

SwimmingThe park features a 900-foot sandy beach with unsupervised swimming. The beach is well-maintained and popular among families.

BikingBiking paths extend around the park and are suitable for casual riders. Trails also connect to the nearby town and lake areas.

BoatingBoating activities include skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and sailing. The lake is well-suited for various watercraft, though some reviews mention issues with boats docking near swimming areas.

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant in the park, with opportunities to spot owls, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, various songbirds, and even deer.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome reviews mention uneven or sloped camping sites requiring leveling equipment. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the summer months.

Active AlertsTesting on the lake has led to recommendations against swimming at certain times due to water turbidity.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, and fire rings are provided at each site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles, there is a hospital available for medical emergencies. Police services are accessible in the nearby town of Clear Lake.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, and trash disposal is described as very organized by reviewers.

Water FeaturesThe park is located on the southeastern corner of Clear Lake, which offers sandy beaches, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Camp HostMixed reviews about campground hosts. Some are described as friendly and helpful, while others are noted as unaccommodating.

Weather at Clear Lake State Park

Reviews

4.1

103 reviews

Satisfactory

Clear Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Clear Lake State Park is well-received by most visitors, with many praising its beautiful landscape, clean facilities, and variety of amenities. However, some concerns about campsite leveling, crowding, and the lack of water hookups have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 103 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the park's proximity to Clear Lake, the abundance of recreational activities, and the clean, well-maintained facilities. The beach, playground, and picnic areas are particularly...

Based on 103 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include uneven campsites, tight spacing between sites, and limited water hookups. Noise and crowding on weekends are also common grievances.

Based on 103 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites in advance, especially during peak season. Bringing extra leveling blocks for RVs is advised due to uneven campsites. Visitors also suggest bringing bug spray, as...

Based on 103 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busy during summer weekends, with many families enjoying the lake and beach. Off-season camping is quieter but lacks access to running water and flush toilets.

Based on 103 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Very nice place. Stayed two nights. We explored the town and had some food near Madison City. Lake was a little turbid and it was recommended that people not swim due to some recent testing.'...

Based on 103 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 98: Full hookup; small, gravel, and tight with roads on both sides leading to traffic issues. - Site 13: Good size, but electric hookup placement was inconvenient. - Site 15: Steeper than...

Based on 103 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews on accessibility. Some users reported accessible features like paved areas, but issues were noted with the camp host taking the designated handicap site.

Based on 103 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but the park enforces strict leash laws. Some pet owners felt singled out for minor infractions, while others appreciated the family-friendly environment.

Based on 103 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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