How much does camping cost at Rice Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Rice Lake State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

Rice Lake State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Null

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

Rice Lake State Park is open Null. 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 Rice Lake State Park?

Rice Lake State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Rice Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Rice Lake State Park: Null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Rice Lake State Park?

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

What activities can I do at Rice Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Rice Lake State Park include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rice Lake State Park

3.42

12 reviews

2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, Lake Mills, Iowa, 50450, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rice Lake State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rice Lake State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Rice Lake State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No camping allowed at Rice Lake State Park.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, Lake Mills, Iowa, 50450, United States

Rice Lake State Park

2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, Lake Mills, Iowa, 50450, United States

Nearby places

Lake Mills (unknown distance), Forest City, Joice, Leland, Scarville

Nearby supplies

Null

Weather at Rice Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Rice Lake State Park

Fall, particularly September through October, combines mid-40s to mid-60s daytime temperatures with peak waterfowl migration and active walleye and bass fishing. Cooler water and calmer winds favor both anglers and birders. The stone shelter offers a windbreak for lakeside observation. Crowds thin out significantly after summer. Expect crisp conditions and prepare for temperature swings between midday and evening.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall (Sept–Oct) highlighted for peak waterfowl migration and active walleye/bass fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Null

About Rice Lake State Park

Rice Lake State Park occupies 15 acres along the shore of a 1,200-acre lake near Lake Mills, Iowa. The park centers on a stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. There are no campsites. Visitors come for day-use fishing, boating, picnicking, and waterfowl observation. The compact footprint creates an intimate access point to a much larger lake.

Rice Lake State Park is designed for day-use activities like picnicking and water recreation. No camping accommodations are available.

Historical Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the park's stone shelter in 1934 during the Great Depression. The structure uses local stone and remains available for reservations. It's a functional piece of New Deal-era infrastructure, not a museum exhibit. Groups still use it for reunions and gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsFall, particularly September through October, combines mid-40s to mid-60s daytime temperatures with peak waterfowl migration and active walleye and bass fishing. Cooler water and calmer winds favor both anglers and birders. The stone shelter offers a windbreak for lakeside observation. Crowds thin out significantly after summer. Expect crisp conditions and prepare for temperature swings between midday and evening.

ElevationThe park's gentle terrain makes it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, with level paths leading from the historic shelter to scenic viewpoints along the lake's edge. This easy topography creates ideal conditions for leisurely strolls and ensures that everyone can enjoy the waterfront vistas.

Natural Features and SceneryRice Lake stretches across 1,200 acres, supporting populations of walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, perch, and bullheads. The lake attracts waterfowl and shorebirds during migration and year-round. The park's 15 acres provide a narrow window onto this aquatic system. Enough shoreline for casting and launching, but the real scenery is the water itself. Elevation sits at 1,316 feet.

Geological RegionThis 15-acre park embraces a small but scenic portion of Rice Lake's extensive shoreline, creating an intimate window into a much larger aquatic ecosystem. The interplay between the compact parkland and the expansive 1200-acre lake creates a unique environment where visitors can experience both the tranquility of a small park and the grandeur of a major water body.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Rice Lake and its surrounding natural environment.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are available; the park focuses on day-use facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Null

Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Amenities available

Rice Lake State Park primarily serves as a recreational park for picnicking and lake activities. It lacks camping facilities, but there is a stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1934 that can be reserved online for gatherings or events.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Rice Lake State Park offers a variety of lake-related activities, including boating and fishing. Birdwatching is also popular due to the diverse species that inhabit or migrate through the area.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.4

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

No user reviews explicitly provided. Based on authoritative descriptions, the park is primarily a destination for picnics, boating, and fishing.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

The park is appreciated for its scenic picnic areas and diverse bird species. The lake supports a variety of motorized water activities.

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of camping facilities may be a drawback for those seeking overnight stays.

Based on 12 reviews

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Go if

Anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, or crappie, and birders chasing fall migration, including pelicans passing through. The lake allows any motor size, and fall temps in the mid-40s to 60s keep crowds thin.

Skip if

Overnight camping is off the table entirely, full stop. There are no campsites, no hookups, no tent pads. Anyone planning to sleep here will need to find lodging near Lake Mills or Forest City.

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