How much does camping cost at Pine Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Pine Lake State Park range from $30-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pine Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Lake State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Pine Lake State Park?

Pine Lake State Park is open Dates not specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pine Lake State Park?

Yes, Pine Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Pine Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Pine Lake State Park: Fires are allowed in designated areas; no additional restrictions noted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pine Lake State Park have?

Pine Lake State Park has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Lake State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Pine Lake State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pine Lake State Park?

Pine Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pine Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Pine Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pine Lake State Park

3.95

21 reviews

22620 County Highway S56, Eldora, Iowa, 50627, United States

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Pine Lake State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Pine Lake State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Lake State Park

$30.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $30 for standard campsites to $50 for premium cabins.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Premium Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

6418585832

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

22620 County Highway S56, Eldora, Iowa, 50627, United States

Pine Lake State Park

22620 County Highway S56, Eldora, Iowa, 50627, United States

Nearby places

Eldora lies one mile west of the park

Steamboat Rock lies two miles to the north

Iowa Falls is 20 miles northwest

Marshalltown is about 40 miles southeast.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, gas, and other essentials are available in Eldora, approximately one mile away. Additional services like firewood, bait, and convenience items are available within a mile of the park.

Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 20: Exit U.S. Hwy 20 at the Eldora/Steamboat Rock exit, turn south on county road S-56. Stop at the four way stop in Steamboat Rock and continue south on County Road S-56 for about two miles. The campground will be on the left at the stone portal. The rest of Pine Lake will be on both sides of the road before you reach state Highway 175. Hwy 175: From Eldora on Hwy 175 on the east edge of Eldora, turn north on the first left through the stone portals on S-56. Lower Pine Lake will be on your right. The cabins and the Iowa River will be on your left. The campground and Upper Pine Lake will be on your right approximately one and one-half miles from Hwy 175 on County Road S-56.

County Road S-56 provides paved access, and there are no seasonal closures mentioned. Navigation is straightforward, with clear landmarks such as the stone portal. Accessibility does not seem challenging, though attention should be paid to navigating multiple turns.

Weather at Pine Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Pine Lake State Park

Fall delivers the best mix of comfortable temperatures and reduced crowds. Daytime highs drop from the 70s in September to the 50s by late October, with nights in the 30s and 40s. Oak and hickory color peaks in late September through October, while the white pines hold their green. Spring brings 0.2 to 1.5 inches of weekly rainfall, nurturing wildflowers but creating muddy trail sections. Summer heats up the swimming beach and lake activities. Winter closes most facilities but leaves the frozen lake open for solitude.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers best temps and reduced crowds; oak and hickory color change highlighted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Dates not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round availability mentioned for park facilities; specific seasonal changes not detailed.

About Pine Lake State Park

Pine Lake State Park sits near Eldora along the Iowa River valley, where 50 campsites and historic cabins occupy a wooded setting at 994 feet elevation. The park combines full hookup sites with 1930s-era CCC cabins, though recent reviews flag persistent mouse issues in cabin units. Fees run $30-50 per night.

Pine Lake State Park offers several camping options, including RV and tent camping, as well as cabins for those who prefer more structured accommodations.

Historical Significance

Iowa dedicated Pine Lake as a state park in 1926 during the early conservation movement. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone-and-timber cabins during the 1930s using local materials. These structures remain in use today, though maintenance standards vary according to recent visitor reports.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best mix of comfortable temperatures and reduced crowds. Daytime highs drop from the 70s in September to the 50s by late October, with nights in the 30s and 40s. Oak and hickory color peaks in late September through October, while the white pines hold their green. Spring brings 0.2 to 1.5 inches of weekly rainfall, nurturing wildflowers but creating muddy trail sections. Summer heats up the swimming beach and lake activities. Winter closes most facilities but leaves the frozen lake open for solitude.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates intimate camping spaces and scenic vistas throughout the property, with subtle elevation changes that add character to every trail and campsite.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Iowa River has carved sandstone formations and a mosaic of woodland, prairie remnants, and water features into the surrounding farmland. White pines rise above oak-hickory forest, and rare fern species colonize shaded hollows near the outcroppings. Pine Lake anchors the park's 160 acres, offering a beach and boat access. Elevation stays near 1,000 feet across the valley floor.

Geological RegionPine Lake State Park showcases the diverse beauty of Iowa's river valley landscape, where the patient work of the Iowa River has carved a haven of natural wonder amid the surrounding farmland. Fascinating sandstone formations reveal millions of years of geological history, while the interplay of woodland, water, and prairie creates a rich mosaic of habitats. Here, towering white pines stand sentinel alongside rare fern groves, creating an unexpectedly diverse botanical paradise in the heart of the Midwest's agricultural country.

Scenic ViewsSites offer views of the Iowa River, Upper and Lower Pine Lakes, and surrounding woodlands.

Lodging & AccommodationsStone and timber cabins, built by the CCC and the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, are located along the Iowa River. These cabins include modern amenities such as heating, air conditioning, ovens/stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators, but renters must bring their own bedding and cookware. Cabins accommodate 4-6 people, and the Pine Creek cabin is mobility-accessible.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in details posted at gazebo or individual sites
no specific check-in time noted.

Check-out

Check-out time is unspecified.

Stay Limit

Visitors can stay for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard cabins accommodate up to six guests, while smaller cabins accommodate up to four guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 50 sites spread near the lake and trailheads. Layout details aren't specified in available data, but facilities include flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Reviews note the camping area lacks ADA accessibility despite the park's accessible cabin option.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the park reservation system.

Walk-in Availability25% of campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy details provided.

AccessibilityThe Pine Creek cabin is accessible to the mobility-impaired. However, the campground itself lacks ADA-accessible facilities.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the river and trails are recommended for proximity to wildlife and scenic views.

Best CampsitesReviews mention Pine Creek Cabin for accessibility and lake views, though all cabins share the documented mouse problem. Campers praise the standard sites as "very nice" without naming specific loops or numbers. Weekday visits offer noticeably quieter conditions than weekends.

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Amenities available

Pine Lake State Park offers a diverse set of amenities catering to various recreational needs. The campground features 50 amp electrical service, modern showers, restrooms, and a trailer dump station. Additionally, the park has a charming stone and timber lodge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935, offering event rentals. For picnickers, there are four areas, including the Hogsback Bluffs Picnic Area, which overlooks the lower lake, and others located at the Upper Lake Boat Ramp and Circle Point. Cabins equipped with modern conveniences like heat, air conditioning, and fireplaces are available as well. Water hydrants, a playground, and wildlife viewing areas are also part of the facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pine Lake State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking on trails that span different terrains, swimming at the unsupervised beach on the lower lake, and fishing opportunities in both lakes and the Iowa River.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCabins have been noted for mouse infestations in user reviews. No other significant hazards are mentioned.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated areas; no additional restrictions noted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are implied but not specified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include medical facilities in Eldora, which is one mile away. The park also provides Ranger Station contact information at 641-858-5832.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility, but no additional details about recycling options or schedules were provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Upper and Lower Pine Lakes and the Iowa River, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pine Lake State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's clean facilities, peaceful environment, and abundant wildlife. However, a significant issue with mice infestation in the cabins was noted by one reviewer.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the clean restrooms, 'very nice campsites,' and the park's tranquil atmosphere. The location, trails, and proximity to Eldora were frequently appreciated.

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

A notable complaint from a cabin renter mentioned a severe issue with mice infestation, describing it as 'off the charts.' This detracted significantly from their experience.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience and ensuring to bring all necessary supplies for cabin stays, such as bedding and cookware.

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that weekdays and off-season visits are quieter. Summer appears to be an active time for the park but still offers peaceful experiences.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms are clean and appear to be newly remodeled." "It feels like you're out in nature, but are only a couple minutes from Eldora." "The mice are so bad it's crazy."

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

One cabin, Pine Creek, is accessible to the mobility-impaired, but the campground lacks general ADA-compliant facilities.

Based on 21 reviews

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Go if

Anglers and families who want a lake, a beach, and full hookups within a mile of Eldora groceries. Fall is the sweet spot: oak and hickory color peaks late September through October, crowds thin, and the facilities stay open.

Skip if

Cabin renters should know about the mouse problem first. Multiple reviewers flagged infestations as severe. Wheelchair users also get a rough deal: the park's accessible cabin exists, but the campground itself has no ADA facilities.

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1215 220th Street, Gladbrook, Iowa, 50635, United States

Union Grove State Park wraps 110 acres of lake and woodland into northwest Tama County's agricultural landscape, about 20 minutes from Gladbrook. The campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and two ADA-accessible cabins, with fees ranging from $15 to $80 per night. Reviews praise the quiet atmosphere and clean facilities, though tent campers should expect sloped sites and occasional maintenance gaps.