Templar State Recreation Area
00 review13185 Templar Dr. S, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Not mentioned.
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Not mentioned.
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Templar State Recreation Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee information provided.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Reserve America
Provider7123373211
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 0 reviews
101 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanwaterlake
"User reviews indicate mixed experiences at Templar State Recreation Area, with positive sentiments about clean bathrooms and the accessibility of the lake. However, the fishing deck's condition is noted as suboptimal."
Fees & Passes at Templar State Recreation Area
Free
Campsite fees
Cancellation: Not mentioned.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gull Point State Park Staff website.
Best Time to Camp at Templar State Recreation Area
Experience the full drama of Midwest seasons at Templar, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinctive colors. Winter transforms the area into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures occasionally dipping near freezing and snow blanketing the shores. As spring awakens the region, warming temperatures and gentle rains breathe life back into the landscape. Summer arrives with brilliant blue skies and perfect lake weather, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers. Autumn wraps the park in crisp air and stunning clarity, with moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures under remarkably clear skies.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Not mentioned.
- Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories noted.
About Templar State Recreation Area
Nestled along the pristine shores of Big Spirit Lake, Templar State Recreation Area serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Iowa Great Lakes Region. This beloved destination beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed amenities, including charming picnic shelters and scenic gazebos perfect for family gatherings. The park's crown jewel is its protected lagoon boat ramp, where boaters find calm waters for launching even when winds whip across the main lake. Anglers flock here year-round, drawn by the promise of excellent fishing in some of Iowa's clearest, most pristine waters.
Templar State Recreation Area does not offer campsites within its facility. The area focuses more on day-use activities such as picnicking, fishing, and boating rather than overnight stays.
Historical SignificanceThe rich heritage of this cherished recreation area awaits discovery by curious visitors.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Midwest seasons at Templar, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinctive colors. Winter transforms the area into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures occasionally dipping near freezing and snow blanketing the shores. As spring awakens the region, warming temperatures and gentle rains breathe life back into the landscape. Summer arrives with brilliant blue skies and perfect lake weather, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers. Autumn wraps the park in crisp air and stunning clarity, with moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures under remarkably clear skies.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain characteristic of Iowa's lake country defines this scenic recreation area.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched majestically on the western shores of Big Spirit Lake, Templar offers front-row seats to nature's finest water show. The crystal-clear waters stretch endlessly eastward, creating a shimmering canvas that changes with every shift of light. This aquatic paradise forms part of an interconnected chain of glacial gems, with the renowned East and West Okoboji Lakes nearby, creating a water wonderland that has captivated generations of visitors with its remarkable clarity and natural beauty.
Geological RegionTemplar State Recreation Area claims its place in the legendary Iowa Great Lakes Region, home to Big Spirit Lake—Iowa's largest natural lake and a geological treasure carved by ancient glaciers. This magnificent body of water stands as a testament to the powerful forces that shaped the landscape thousands of years ago, creating the stunning lake country that continues to draw visitors from across the Midwest and beyond.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is available within the facility.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo recommendations as camping is not available.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo campsites available; layout includes picnic shelters, gazebos, and a boat ramp.
Open and Closed SeasonNot mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsNo platforms mentioned for reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up camping availability mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyNot mentioned.
Activities you can enjoy
Templar State Recreation Area offers various outdoor activities, prominently featuring lake-based recreation such as fishing. Spirit Lake, the largest natural lake in Iowa, is highly regarded for its fishing opportunities, with species like walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass available. The area also features a popular boat ramp that provides protection from wind due to its lagoon setting. Picnicking facilities, including one reservable shelter and two gazebos available on a first-come, first-served basis, offer spaces for family gatherings. Additionally, neighboring Crandall’s Beach is suitable for swimming and sunbathing, although details on swimming facilities directly within Templar Park are not specified.
Fishing
Spirit Lake offers some of the best fishing in Iowa. Fish species include walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads. User review: "The lake water is also clean and see through. Fished there for an hour, no catch, but wrong timing is why."Boating
Templar Park features a boat ramp located on a lagoon, allowing users to launch boats even on windy days. The ramp is considered one of the most popular in the area.Beach activities
Crandall’s Beach, located north of Templar Park, provides opportunities for sunbathing and splashing in clear waters.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific mention of fire policies.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsDeck conditions may not be optimal based on user reviews. No other hazards explicitly mentioned.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories noted.
Weather at Templar State Recreation Area
8
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Ranger Station contact number: 7123373211 (specific proximity to hospitals or police not detailed).
Good to know
Peak season datesNot provided.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly located on Big Spirit Lake; known for its clean and clear waters.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention that the deck near the lake is not in optimal condition.
HostNo specific information about campground hosts.
Campground Map
13185 Templar Dr. S, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States
Driving directionsTake Hwy 9 in Spirit Lake. Turn north on Peoria Ave. Peoria Ave turns into County Road M49/240th Ave. Follow to the entrance of Templar Park (2 miles).
The road is accessible via paved highways (Hwy 9 and County Road M49/240th Ave). Not mentioned if seasonal closures are applicable.Nearby places
Spirit Lake: 2 miles
Nearby supplies
Information not clearly stated.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
0 reviews
Templar State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate mixed experiences at Templar State Recreation Area, with positive sentiments about clean bathrooms and the accessibility of the lake. However, the fishing deck's condition is noted as suboptimal.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, clear lake water, accessible picnic and boating facilities.
Common Concerns
Fishing deck is in poor condition.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring fishing gear and check the condition of facilities before use.
Camper Quotes
"The bathrooms are very clean though." "The lake water is also clean and see through." "There is a walk-out deck to fish from but the deck isn't in the greatest condition."
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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