Rice Lake State Park

Star3.83
12 reviews
2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, Lake Mills, Iowa, 50450, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Rice Lake State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No camping allowed at Rice Lake State Park.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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What Campers Say

3.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterlake

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

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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

Driving directionsOn Hwy 9 about five miles east of Forest City or eleven miles west of Interstate 35 take R74 north. Travel north about seven miles and turn east on 425th St. Travel about another mile and turn north on 235th Ave. Rice Lake is on your right about one mile.
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Nearby places
Lake Mills (unknown distance), Forest City, Joice, Leland, Scarville
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Rice Lake State Park

Each season paints Rice Lake State Park in different hues, from the vibrant greens of summer that create perfect picnicking weather to the golden autumns when migrating waterfowl fill the skies. Spring brings renewed life to the lake's shores, while winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland ideal for contemplative walks and wildlife observation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers boating, picnicking and birdwatching in vibrant conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Golden autumns and migrating waterfowl are noted attractions in fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring migrations and birdwatching make the park attractive in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter service or activity details; likely limited recreational options in cold months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Null
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Rice Lake State Park

Nestled along the shores of a sprawling 1200-acre lake, Rice Lake State Park offers an intimate 15-acre retreat where history meets recreation. The centerpiece of this charming park is its magnificent stone shelter, crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, which stands as a testament to Depression-era craftsmanship. Whether you're casting a line for walleye at dawn, gathering with loved ones for a lakeside picnic, or scanning the waters for migratory birds, this compact park delivers big experiences against the backdrop of one of the region's most productive fishing lakes.
Rice Lake State Park is designed for day-use activities like picnicking and water recreation. No camping accommodations are available.
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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.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Rice Lake, home to species such as bass, bluegill, walleye, perch, northern, crappie, and bullheads. However, visitors are advised to check current length and possession limits.
BoatingBoating is permitted, and any size motor is allowed on the 1,200-acre Rice Lake. Activities such as water skiing and jet skiing are common.
Wildlife viewingThe park is a habitat for a variety of songbirds and migratory birds, including pelicans that stop at the lake during their migration.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

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Weather at Rice Lake State Park

Reviews

3.8
12 reviews
Mixed 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

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check fishing length and possession limits before visiting. Reserve the CCC-built stone shelter online for gatherings.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews by season available.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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