Black Hawk State Park

4.40

60 reviews

228 South Blossom St, Lake View , Iowa, 51450, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Iowa

Quick Facts

1,227 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Black Hawk State Park Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,227 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Black Hawk State Park Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Black Hawk State Park

$16.00 - $16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Based on user reviews, the fee for electric sites is $16 per night. It is unclear if there are other pricing structures.

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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

7126578712

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 60 reviews

415 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciouslake

"User reviews of Black Hawk State Park are mixed, with positive comments focusing on the natural beauty, cleanliness of facilities, and variety of activities. Negative reviews often highlight issues with campsite spacing, unwelcoming campground hosts, and poorly maintained swimming areas."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

228 South Blossom St, Lake View , Iowa, 51450, United States

Black Hawk State Park

228 South Blossom St, Lake View , Iowa, 51450, United States

Driving directionsWhile on Hwy 71/175 turn south onto Madison Street. Turn East onto 3rd Street. Turn South onto Blossom Street. Blossom Street turns into S. State Rd and this will lead to the campground approximately 2 miles past the cabin.

Accessible by paved roads, but the access road to individual campsites is reported as narrow, potentially making site navigation challenging depending on the specific spot.

Nearby places

Lake View (2 miles, about 5 minutes)

Carroll (33 miles, about 40 minutes)

Denison (45 miles, about 55 minutes)

Storm Lake (35 miles, about 45 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Less than 1 mile - local grocery store, fuel stations, Dollar General, laundry

Lake View has restaurants and coffee shops.

Best Time to Camp at Black Hawk State Park

Experience four distinct seasons at Black Hawk, where warm summer days invite endless water activities and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn paints the deciduous trees in brilliant golds and crimsons, the crisp air brings perfect camping weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland where dedicated anglers drill through ice in pursuit of their catch, and special golfing events add unexpected variety to the cold-weather calendar. Spring arrives with renewal and moderate temperatures, though visitors should prepare for Iowa's characteristically dry conditions punctuated by occasional winter snowfall that blankets the historic structures in pristine white.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for water activities and events; clean facilities and full services noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Deciduous forests provide strong autumn color and quieter shoulder-season visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers migratory birds, budding forest and lake activity ramping up; fewer crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Park open year-round but limited winter activities and fewer services; some winter reviews noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months, especially July, coincide with local events such as the Lake View Water Carnival.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Black Hawk State Park

Nestled along the shores of Iowa's pristine Black Hawk Lake, this beloved state park welcomes families and outdoor enthusiasts with both electric and non-electric campsites designed for every camping style. Modern restroom facilities and hot showers ensure comfort after days spent exploring, while the thoughtfully placed fish cleaning station speaks to the park's angler-friendly atmosphere. Children delight in the playground equipment, and friendly volleyball matches on the courts create lasting memories as the sun sets over the water. Whether you're casting a line from the shore, launching your boat for a day on the lake, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance, Black Hawk State Park serves as your gateway to authentic Iowa outdoor adventures.

Black Hawk State Park accommodates RVs, tents, and group camping. There is also cabin lodging available.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands shaped this park during the Great Depression era. These historic stone and timber structures stand as monuments to American resilience and craftsmanship, offering visitors a tangible connection to the young men who transformed raw landscape into the cherished recreational haven enjoyed today. Each building tells a story of hope during hardship, making your camping experience not just a getaway, but a journey through living history.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Black Hawk, where warm summer days invite endless water activities and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn paints the deciduous trees in brilliant golds and crimsons, the crisp air brings perfect camping weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland where dedicated anglers drill through ice in pursuit of their catch, and special golfing events add unexpected variety to the cold-weather calendar. Spring arrives with renewal and moderate temperatures, though visitors should prepare for Iowa's characteristically dry conditions punctuated by occasional winter snowfall that blankets the historic structures in pristine white.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Black Hawk State Park provides ideal camping conditions for RVs and tents alike, with level sites that make setup a breeze. This accessible landscape allows campers of all ages and abilities to navigate the grounds comfortably, while subtle elevation changes add visual interest without challenging accessibility. The moderate topography creates perfect natural drainage for campsites and offers just enough variation to keep hiking interesting without being strenuous.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover 957 acres of shimmering water at Black Hawk Lake, where morning mist dances across the surface and sunset paints the sky in brilliant hues. Mature deciduous forests provide cooling shade and create a tapestry of color through the seasons, while the unique lime rock camping spots offer solid, well-drained surfaces that stay comfortable even after rain. The Stubb Severson Nature Trail winds through diverse habitats, revealing hidden wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic vistas at every turn. Historic CCC structures punctuate the natural landscape like artistic sculptures, their weathered stones and timbers blending seamlessly with the surrounding beauty.

Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of Sac County, Iowa, Black Hawk State Park holds the distinction of bordering the southernmost glacial lake in the United States. This unique geological heritage created the stunning 957-acre Black Hawk Lake, carved by ancient ice sheets that sculpted the Iowa landscape thousands of years ago. The park's distinctive lime rock formations provide naturally stable camping surfaces, while the surrounding deciduous forest ecosystem thrives in the rich glacial soils. This remarkable intersection of geological forces has created an outdoor paradise where campers can literally set up camp on the ancient foundations of North America's glacial past.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No specific information on group site capacity or accommodations was found.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground layout includes multiple sections, some near the lake, with narrow access roads.

Reservation PlatformsDirect contact at Ranger Station (7126578712); no online platforms mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information provided on walk-up sites; however, many reviews suggest sites may fill during weekends and events.

AccessibilityHandicap access is available at the park. Specific facilities include accessible fishing piers and restrooms.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some large spots available. Some campers noted a preference for larger sites during their visits.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is minimal, as many users observed that the sites are situated close together. However, a few larger sites near the lake offer more space.

Recommended SitesFor better space and views, choose larger campsites or those by the lake.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

Black Hawk State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and cycling. The park also features disc golf, picnicking, and playgrounds for children.

HikingThe Stubb Severson Nature Trail spans 1.6 miles and offers information about local vegetation along with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Additionally, the Sauk Rail Trail—33 miles long—connects Black Hawk State Park with Swan Lake State Park, providing a hard-surfaced path for activities like biking, hiking, and snowmobiling during the winter.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Black Hawk Lake. The lake contains species such as catfish, crappies, walleyes, bluegills, sunfish, and largemouth bass. A fish cleaning station is available, and 50% of the lake shore is publicly accessible.

SwimmingTwo unsupervised swimming areas are available. One is located at the east end of the campground, while the other is at Denison Beach along the North Shore. Some user reviews mentioned geese feces affecting the cleanliness of the swimming beach.

BikingThe Sauk Rail Trail, a 33-mile hard-surfaced trail, is suitable for biking, offering scenic views and connectivity to another state park. Users noted that the trail is excellent for both casual and advanced cyclists.

BoatingThe 957-acre Black Hawk Lake permits all sizes of motorboats. Three boat ramps are available, and paddle boating and kayaking opportunities are present.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, waterfowl, and songbirds can be seen while exploring the trails, especially the Stubb Severson Nature Trail.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReports of geese feces on beaches, narrow access roads to campsites, and algae in the lake water. Wildlife sightings are possible.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM onwards, strictly enforced.

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles - hospital in Lake View; Ranger Station contact: 7126578712.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available at the campground for waste disposal. Recycling facilities were not mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Black Hawk Lake with opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Camp HostMixed reviews about hosts from user feedback. Some found hosts helpful and accommodating; others noted instances of perceived rudeness.

Weather at Black Hawk State Park

Reviews

4.4

60 reviews

Recommended

Black Hawk State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Black Hawk State Park are mixed, with positive comments focusing on the natural beauty, cleanliness of facilities, and variety of activities. Negative reviews often highlight issues with campsite spacing, unwelcoming campground hosts, and poorly maintained swimming areas.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the cleanliness of the park and restrooms. The fish cleaning station was well-received, as were the trails, large lake, and recreational opportunities. Some reviewers appreciated...

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised included the close proximity of campsites, the uncleanliness of the beach swimming area, and interactions with campground hosts described as rude or overly strict.

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting during the week when the campground is less crowded. They also suggest avoiding the swimming area if cleanliness is a primary concern. Some advise arriving early to secure a...

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekday visits are generally quieter, while weekends are busier. During the summer, the park hosts several annual events that might appeal to visitors seeking a lively atmosphere. In the winter,...

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The park is kept very tidy and clean." "Showers are clean but require constant button pressing." "Great shaded campsites and beautiful lake views." "Camp hosts were rude and unwelcoming." "The beach...

Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 31 was highlighted as the best site by one reviewer. Campsites closer to the lake are generally preferred for their views and spacing.

Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

Black Hawk State Park is noted for its handicap-accessible fishing piers and restrooms, though no specific user feedback on overall accessibility was available.

Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but interactions with hosts regarding barking dogs were mentioned as negative by some reviewers.

Based on 60 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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