Pilot Knob State Park

Star4.55
14 reviews
2148 340th Street, Forest City, Iowa, 50436, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,407 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Pilot Knob State Park
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Both electric and non-electric campsites are available, with a maximum fee of $35 per night. Modern amenities included.
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
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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Reserve America
Provider
6415814835
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"User reviews generally describe Pilot Knob State Park as a great and lovely campground with enjoyable trails."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2148 340th Street, Forest City, Iowa, 50436, United States

Pilot Knob State Park

2148 340th Street, Forest City, Iowa, 50436, United States

Driving directionsGo 3 miles east of Forest City on Hwy 9. Turn right/south on 205th Ave and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
No specific mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain. Roads appear accessible year-round.
Nearby places
Forest City (4 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: grocery store, fuel station, retail shops for firewood and drinks, and swimming pool.

Best Time to Camp at Pilot Knob State Park

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Iowa's wilderness, where winter wraps the landscape in crystalline beauty with temperatures hovering around 26°F during the day and dipping to a crisp 11°F at night. Summer brings a complete metamorphosis, with warm 81°F days perfect for hiking and cool 62°F evenings ideal for stargazing under frequently clear skies that showcase the Midwest's celestial splendor.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Trails, wildlife viewing, fishing and boating are at their best in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Scenic vistas and trails make fall attractive for hiking and photography.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Birdwatching and the unique bog ecosystem become especially active in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 9% in IA

Ice fishing, cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing available; campground open year‑round.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round campground.

About Pilot Knob State Park

Step back in time at Pilot Knob State Park, where the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on through meticulously crafted stone structures built in 1924. Crowned by a historic observation tower that graces the National Register of Historic Places, this treasured park invites adventurers to explore winding trails, discover rare bird species, and cast their lines into pristine waters where nature's stories unfold with each visit.
Pilot Knob State Park offers a variety of camping options, including electric and non-electric campsites, as well as modern facilities such as showers and restrooms.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
No explicit maximum stay limit provided.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Pilot Knob State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities that include hiking, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park also features two lakes, one of which is a floating sphagnum bog hosting unique species, and another that is suitable for fishing.
HikingThe park offers thirteen and a half miles of hiking trails that are described as excellent in the authoritative content. It is noted that 'The park has excellent trails for hikers and horseback riders,' providing access to the park's natural beauty and wildlife.
FishingThe park features a 15-acre lake that supports bass and bluegill fishing. It is also a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter. According to the authoritative content, 'Pilot Knob also has a 15-acre lake that has good bass and bluegill fishing.'
BikingMountain biking is listed as one of the available activities within the park.
BoatingBoating is allowed with electric trolling motors only on the park's 15-acre lake.
Wildlife viewingThe park is listed in the Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide and is described as a wonderful area for bird watching, especially during migrations. Deer and turkeys are also frequently spotted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh-acidity lakes and bogs may pose hazards for hikers unfamiliar with the terrain. Wildlife such as deer and turkeys are prevalent.

Weather at Pilot Knob State Park

Reviews

4.6
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pilot Knob State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Pilot Knob State Park as a great and lovely campground with enjoyable trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is described as 'lovely' and 'great' by users. The hiking trails are positively noted, and the campground host has also been mentioned positively.
Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

No common complaints are mentioned in the user reviews provided.
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations are provided by users.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not discussed in the user reviews provided.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'A lovely campground! Very nice host. The dogs enjoyed the hiking trails.' – Sherrill Stramara, May 2022. 2. 'Great campground!' – Susan Schmidt, August 2023.
Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground are provided.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One user mentioned dogs enjoying the hiking trails, indicating that the park may be pet-friendly.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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