Lewis And Clark State Park

4.20

24 reviews

21914 Park Loop, Onawa, Iowa, 51040, United States

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,083 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens District 1 Iowa DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,083 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens District 1 Iowa DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lewis And Clark State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25 to $35 depending on site types and amenities. Additional fees may apply for lodge reservations.

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

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 24 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakesites

"Users have mixed experiences at Lewis and Clark State Park. Positive themes include its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and recreational opportunities. However, some users criticize maintenance issues and mosquito prevalence."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

21914 Park Loop, Onawa, Iowa, 51040, United States

Lewis And Clark State Park

21914 Park Loop, Onawa, Iowa, 51040, United States

Driving directionsOn I-29 take the 112th exit for Onawa, Iowa and turn west on Highway 175. Approximately 3 miles west, turn right on Park Loop and you will see signage for Lewis and Clark State Park.

The park is accessible via paved roads, specifically from Interstate 29 and Highway 175. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are mentioned.

Nearby places

Onawa (5 miles east), Blencoe (5 miles east and 7 miles south), Turin (12 miles east), Sioux City (41 miles north), Council Bluffs (65 miles south)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel for vehicles and boats, and camping supplies are available within 10 miles of the park.

Best Time to Camp at Lewis And Clark State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal personality throughout the year. Summer brings warm, languid days with temperatures climbing to the mid-80s, creating perfect conditions for lakeside relaxation despite occasional humid spells. As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and clear, painting the landscape in golden hues. Winter transforms the park into a peaceful retreat where temperatures dip into the 30s, offering solitude seekers pristine, frost-kissed mornings and star-filled nights around warming campfires.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm lake conditions great for beach and boating, but mosquitoes and some maintenance complaints lower enjoyment.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised in reviews for quieter atmosphere and comfortable weather for lakeside activities.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted alongside fall as a preferred season for quieter, comfortable visits and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but no winter activities described; limited recreation and colder conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round.
Current Alerts: None reported.

About Lewis And Clark State Park

Where history meets modern comfort along the tranquil shores of Blue Lake, Lewis and Clark State Park invites you to camp in the footsteps of America's most famous explorers. Wake to misty mornings over the water, enjoy hot showers after a day of adventure, and gather around evening campfires knowing that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark once gazed upon these same Missouri River landscapes. The park's well-maintained facilities include clean restrooms, convenient dump stations, and all the amenities today's adventurers need while staying connected to the wilderness that shaped our nation's story.

The Lewis and Clark State Park campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including RV camping with full hookups, tent camping, and group events. The lakeshore setting is a key attraction.

Historical SignificanceStep back to 1804 when the Corps of Discovery navigated these waters on their legendary journey west. Today, a magnificent full-size replica keelboat stands as a testament to their courage and determination, allowing visitors to marvel at the craftsmanship and imagine the challenges faced by the expedition. Interpretive displays and authentic historical boat replicas transform your camping experience into a living history lesson, where children and adults alike can touch the past and understand the magnitude of Lewis and Clark's achievement.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal personality throughout the year. Summer brings warm, languid days with temperatures climbing to the mid-80s, creating perfect conditions for lakeside relaxation despite occasional humid spells. As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and clear, painting the landscape in golden hues. Winter transforms the park into a peaceful retreat where temperatures dip into the 30s, offering solitude seekers pristine, frost-kissed mornings and star-filled nights around warming campfires.

ElevationThe park rests at the gentle elevations of the Missouri River valley, where the landscape rolls softly between water and prairie, creating comfortable camping conditions year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryBlue Lake's serene oxbow waters tell the ancient story of the Missouri River's ever-changing course, creating a haven for diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Towering cottonwoods and willows provide dappled shade along the shoreline, while native shrubs burst with seasonal colors. Early risers are rewarded with deer grazing in meadows, playful rabbits darting through underbrush, and curious squirrels chattering overhead. Bird enthusiasts will discover a symphony of species, from majestic herons fishing in the shallows to colorful songbirds filling the air with melody.

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of the Missouri River's restless wanderings, Blue Lake showcases nature's patient artistry as a peaceful oxbow lake cut off from the main channel. This geological wonder provides a unique window into the river's dynamic history, where ancient meanders became today's tranquil camping paradise. The surrounding landscape bears witness to countless floods and course changes that shaped the very ground where Lewis and Clark made their historic passage, creating rich bottomlands and diverse ecosystems that continue to evolve with each passing season.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No explicit limits mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.

Groups

No specific details about group site capacity or vehicle limits are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground lies along the lakeshore but specific details about site numbering or looping are absent.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through the Iowa DNR website.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is mentioned in reviews but not detailed in terms of site numbers or patterns.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not explicitly described, but one review notes difficulty changing reserved sites.

AccessibilityThe park provides handicap access and modern restrooms. However, no specific user reviews address the quality or usability of these accessibility features.

Site SizeSites are well-spaced, and some are located along Blue Lake, providing scenic views.

PrivacyThe campground has well-spaced sites. One user commented, 'Sites are well spaced out.

Recommended SitesChoosing lakeside sites is advised for better views and proximity to the water.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Lewis and Clark State Park have access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife observation. The park also hosts historical and cultural programs, with a full-size reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat for visitors to explore.

HikingTrails in the park are suitable for leisurely hikes, where visitors can observe a variety of trees, shrubs, and wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Birdwatching is also a popular activity.

FishingFishing is permitted in Blue Lake, which is noted for its recreational appeal. However, no details are provided about the types of fish available.

SwimmingSwimming is available at the park's beach, which features soft sand. One review describes the beaches as 'nice and well cared for.'

BoatingBoating is a popular activity on the 250-acre Blue Lake. The park has a double boat ramp, and there are no restrictions on motor size.

Wildlife viewingWildlife observation opportunities include deer, rabbits, squirrels, and various bird species. Canada geese are frequently mentioned in reviews.

Beach activitiesThe beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. However, some reviews note that the beach's condition depends on lake levels, with one user stating, 'Beach was grown up due to low lake levels.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitos are frequently mentioned in user reviews as a nuisance. Low lake levels and overgrown grass during drought were also cited as issues.

Active AlertsNone reported.

Fire PolicyFire grills are available at picnic grounds. Specific campfire rules are not stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include a hospital and medical clinic within 10 miles of the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility, but no detailed information on recycling facilities or pickup schedules is provided.

Water FeaturesDirectly adjacent to Blue Lake, with access to a beach and double boat ramp.

Camp HostCampground hosts Gary and Pat are positively mentioned in reviews for their helpfulness and maintenance efforts.

Weather at Lewis And Clark State Park

Reviews

4.2

24 reviews

Satisfactory

Lewis And Clark State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users have mixed experiences at Lewis and Clark State Park. Positive themes include its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and recreational opportunities. However, some users criticize maintenance issues and mosquito prevalence.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the park's quiet and clean environment, the scenic setting along Blue Lake, and the variety of recreational opportunities. One user remarked, 'Nice campground, very...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance, uncut grass, and high mosquito levels. One reviewer noted, 'Not well maintained. Long grass needed mowing, LOTS of mosquitoes!'

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend enjoying the park's amenities, such as the beach and boating facilities, but suggest bringing mosquito repellent due to the high prevalence of mosquitoes.

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer can be challenging due to mosquitoes and maintenance issues, while spring and fall are praised for their quieter atmosphere and comfortable weather conditions.

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great campground and visitors center has Great Lewis and Clark boat display.' - William Whaley 2. 'Showers are hot, toilets are clean, and makes a camping trip for the family comfortable.' - Kate...

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites along Blue Lake are praised for their views and frequent sightings of Canada geese. One user commented, 'Some sites are along Blue Lake with lots of Canada geese coming and going.'

Based on 24 reviews