Templar State Recreation Area

1 review

13185 Templar Dr. S, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,411 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Not mentioned.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Gull Point State Park Staff site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,411 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Not mentioned.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Gull Point State Park Staff site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

13185 Templar Dr. S, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States

Templar State Recreation Area

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.

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer supports peak boating, fishing and swimming; boat launch and beach access highlighted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Midwest fall colors and lake views remain attractive; fewer activities than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings lake thaw and fishing; scenery returns though peak boating lags summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter described as a crystalline landscape, but no winter-sport facilities listed.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo campsites available; layout includes picnic shelters, gazebos, and a boat ramp.

Reservation PlatformsNo platforms mentioned for reservations.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up camping availability mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyNot mentioned.

AccessibilityHandicap access is available within the facility.

Recommended SitesNo recommendations as camping is not available.

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.

FishingSpirit 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."

BoatingTemplar 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 activitiesCrandall’s Beach, located north of Templar Park, provides opportunities for sunbathing and splashing in clear waters.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDeck 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

Reviews

0.0

1 reviews

Limited 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

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, clear lake water, accessible picnic and boating facilities.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

Fishing deck is in poor condition.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring fishing gear and check the condition of facilities before use.

Based on 1 reviews

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."

Based on 1 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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