Pine Lake State Park

4.21

21 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pine Lake State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pine Lake State Park site

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

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$50.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

6418585832

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 21 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomslocationsites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Pine Lake State Park

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Lake State Park

Experience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasonal beauty at Pine Lake. Winter transforms the park into a serene wonderland, with snow blanketing the historic cabins and frozen lake creating a pristine landscape for quiet contemplation. As spring awakens the forest, moderate rainfall (typically 0.2 to 1.5 inches weekly) nurtures wildflowers and fills the air with the sweet scent of renewal. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and hiking, while autumn paints the woodland in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your camping adventure.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer active with beach, boating, swimming and paddling; but remains peaceful per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage, trails and quieter conditions make autumn appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely good for wildlife and trails; seasonal specifics not detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park open year-round; winter scenery and frozen lake noted but limited winter activity details.

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

Nestled in a tranquil woodland setting near the meandering Iowa River, Pine Lake State Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm. Here, modern camping amenities meet the enduring legacy of the 1930s, where original stone and timber cabins crafted by the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps still welcome visitors today. Whether you choose a traditional campsite beneath the canopy of mature trees or opt for the rustic elegance of a historic CCC cabin, you'll find yourself immersed in the peaceful rhythms of Iowa's natural landscape.

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 SignificanceStep back in time at one of Iowa's pioneering state parks, proudly dedicated in 1926 when the conservation movement was just taking root across America. The park's crown jewels are the masterfully constructed buildings created by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. These enduring structures, built with local materials and timeless craftsmanship, stand as monuments to both human resilience and the early vision of preserving Iowa's natural treasures for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasonal beauty at Pine Lake. Winter transforms the park into a serene wonderland, with snow blanketing the historic cabins and frozen lake creating a pristine landscape for quiet contemplation. As spring awakens the forest, moderate rainfall (typically 0.2 to 1.5 inches weekly) nurtures wildflowers and fills the air with the sweet scent of renewal. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and hiking, while autumn paints the woodland in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your camping adventure.

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 SceneryDiscover a captivating tapestry of ecosystems where dense woodlands give way to the sparkling waters of Pine Lake and the flowing Iowa River. Ancient sandstone outcroppings emerge from the forest floor like natural sculptures, while pockets of native prairie grass sway in the breeze, remnants of Iowa's vast grassland heritage. The park harbors botanical treasures including rare fern species thriving in shaded hollows and majestic white pines that tower above the canopy, their evergreen boughs whispering stories of centuries past.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 layoutIncludes 50 campsites, cabins, and facilities arranged near the lakes and trails.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

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.

HikingThe park features several miles of hiking trails that branch off from a 2.5-mile paved multi-purpose trail. Trails vary in difficulty, from flat and easy to steep and rough, leading through wetlands, woodlands, and prairie remnants. One visitor mentioned that 'a trail runs through the grounds and along the water,' offering scenic views.

FishingFishing is available in Upper and Lower Pine Lakes, as well as the Iowa River. Local anglers report catches of bass, crappie, northern pike, and catfish. 24-hour fishing access is designated on specific shoreline segments. Electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes.

SwimmingA beach located on the lower lake offers unsupervised swimming and sunbathing for visitors of all ages.

BikingThe 2.6-mile paved bike trail connects the cabins and campground to the beach on Lower Pine Lake and fishing access on both lakes. The trail is described as multi-purpose and suitable for casual biking.

BoatingBoth Upper Pine Lake and Lower Pine Lake have boat ramps for convenient lake access. However, only electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes.

Wildlife viewingThe park's diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife. One visitor described seeing 'deer, squirrels, and birds' during their stay. Trails and areas along the Iowa River provide good viewing opportunities.

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.

Camp HostNo information available on campground hosts.

Weather at Pine Lake State Park

Reviews

4.2

21 reviews

Satisfactory

Pine Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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