Mcintosh Woods State Park

4.45

42 reviews

1200 East Lake Street, Ventura, Iowa, 50482, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa Forest Camping Iowa

Quick Facts

1,253 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,253 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mcintosh Woods State Park

$20.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 to $35 depending on the type of campsite and amenities. The two yurts available for rent are unique accommodations on the...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

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

4.45

Recommended

Based on 42 reviews

278 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noise

"The majority of user reviews for McIntosh Woods State Park are positive, highlighting clean facilities, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the park's unique yurts. Negative comments often focus on the proximity of campsites to each other and occasional noise disturbances."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1200 East Lake Street, Ventura, Iowa, 50482, United States

Mcintosh Woods State Park

1200 East Lake Street, Ventura, Iowa, 50482, United States

Driving directionsTake Exit 194 off of Interstate 35 and go west on Hwy 18 approximately five miles to McIntosh Rd. Turn south to the park entrance.

Accessible via paved roads from Interstate 35 and Hwy 18. No seasonal closures or road conditions noted.

Nearby places

Clear Lake (approx. 1 mile), Mason City (approx. 10 miles east), Garner (approx. 7 miles west), Ventura (near park).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, fuel for vehicles and boats, firewood, bait, and tackle within 10 miles. Farmers market in Ventura offers bundles of oak firewood for $5 on Saturdays.

Best Time to Camp at Mcintosh Woods State Park

Four distinct seasons paint McIntosh Woods in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland where frost sparkles on bare branches and the lake often freezes solid. As spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers, temperatures climb and the park bursts into verdant life. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for beach lounging and cool evening campfires, while autumn sets the woods ablaze with golden maples and russet oaks reflecting brilliantly off the water's surface.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in IA

Summer is popular for swimming, boating and fishing; many summer activity reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for vibrant foliage and scenic views in seasonal reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings vibrant foliage and birding; good for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round with ice fishing and cross‑country skiing, but extreme cold can limit users.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Mcintosh Woods State Park

Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Clear Lake, McIntosh Woods State Park beckons adventurers with its canopy of mature trees casting cool shadows over camping spots and winding trails. Here, traditional tent camping meets exotic accommodation as authentic yurts dot the landscape, while the gentle lapping of lake waters provides a natural soundtrack. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day on the water, or spotting migrating birds through the marshlands, this lakeside haven offers endless ways to connect with nature.

McIntosh Woods State Park offers a mix of camping options, from tent and RV sites to unique yurt accommodations.

Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of Central Asian heritage without leaving Iowa at McIntosh Woods, home to the state's only traditional yurt camping experience. These circular dwellings, inspired by the portable homes of Mongolian and Kazakh nomads who have used them for thousands of years, offer a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern comfort. Their presence here creates a cultural bridge, allowing visitors to experience a taste of nomadic life while exploring Iowa's natural treasures.

Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint McIntosh Woods in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland where frost sparkles on bare branches and the lake often freezes solid. As spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers, temperatures climb and the park bursts into verdant life. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for beach lounging and cool evening campfires, while autumn sets the woods ablaze with golden maples and russet oaks reflecting brilliantly off the water's surface.

ElevationThe park's gentle terrain rolls softly toward Clear Lake's shoreline, creating natural amphitheaters for camping and easy access to water activities. While specific elevation data isn't available, the landscape provides comfortable walking conditions for all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryA 60-acre tapestry of natural beauty unfolds at McIntosh Woods, where towering shade trees create cathedral-like groves perfect for afternoon picnics. Sandy beaches invite barefoot strolls and sandcastle building, while the surrounding marshlands teem with wildlife and serve as vital habitat for countless species. Forest trails weave through the woods, revealing hidden clearings and stunning lake vistas at every turn, making each visit a new discovery.

Geological RegionPerched on the northwest shore of Clear Lake—Iowa's second-largest natural lake—McIntosh Woods State Park serves as a verdant gateway to this glacially-carved aquatic gem. This 60-acre sanctuary preserves a precious remnant of the native woodlands that once lined the entire lakeshore, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's pre-settlement landscape while providing modern recreational opportunities at the intersection of forest and water.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are arranged for privacy as much as possible, with shaded areas and back-in sites dominating the campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through official state park reservation systems.

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation PolicyNo specific rules for cancellation were mentioned.

AccessibilityThe park includes handicap-accessible facilities, such as fishing docks and restrooms, according to official amenities descriptions.

Site SizeCampsites are described as both electric and non-electric. Some reviewers note that 'lots look small for camper and truck,' indicating tighter campsite dimensions.

PrivacySomewhat private, depending on occupancy. User reviews note that 'sites are arranged for privacy, as much as possible,' but others mention that sites are close together, particularly when the campground is full.

Recommended SitesPrimitive site 048 has level ground for a gazebo but lacks a level gravel driveway. Other sites offer shaded areas and proximity to amenities.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Lodging and accommodations

Glamping

Activities you can enjoy

McIntosh Woods State Park is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing are also available in winter.

HikingThe park features a one-mile interpretive hiking trail, which includes a boardwalk through Mallard Marsh leading to a wildlife viewing blind. Several user reviews highlight the trail as 'great for families' with 'lots of interesting things to see.'

FishingFishing is a major draw at McIntosh Woods State Park, with Clear Lake offering species such as walleye, panfish, and channel catfish. The park provides a modern fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. Reviews describe fishing as 'amazing' and a highlight of the park.

SwimmingThe park features an unsupervised beach that is described as clean and relatively private. A user commented, 'Walking out into the lake wasn’t covered with rocks, which my feet really appreciated.'

BoatingThe largest modern boat ramp on Clear Lake is located in the park, and there is ample vehicle trailer parking. Activities include kayaking, jet skiing, and sail boating.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers bird watching and wildlife photography opportunities, particularly around the Mallard Marsh and the viewing blind. Reviewers note 'great bird viewing spots' and 'beautiful flora and fauna.'

Beach activitiesThe beach area supports swimming and other beach-related activities. A user noted that it was 'a clean, quiet beach with fewer rocks compared to other areas.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLate-night noise complaints and cramped campsites have been mentioned in reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted. Firewood can be purchased at a nearby farmers market for $5.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Suggested but not officially enforced.

Emergency ServicesHospital and medical clinic within 10 miles in Mason City.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Clear Lake with lakefront yurts, a beach, and a boat ramp.

Camp HostCampground hosts received mixed reviews, with some praising their helpfulness and others encountering rudeness.

Weather at Mcintosh Woods State Park

Reviews

4.5

42 reviews

Recommended

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

The majority of user reviews for McIntosh Woods State Park are positive, highlighting clean facilities, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the park's unique yurts. Negative comments often focus on the proximity of campsites to each other and occasional noise disturbances.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, the scenic views, and the variety of activities offered. Comments such as 'absolutely loved this park' and 'the campground was...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include closely spaced campsites ('camp sites are packed like sardines'), occasional noise disturbances at night, and the need for updated electrical hookups for RVs.

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer recommends buying firewood at the Ventura farmers market, as advised by a park ranger. Others suggest staying in the yurts for a unique experience and planning visits during migration...

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted for vibrant foliage, while summer is popular for water activities. Winter offers unique opportunities like ice fishing and snowshoeing, though extreme cold may limit some...

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

'McIntosh Woods was great and I will be going back.' 'The beach was clean, and the campgrounds were quiet and relatively peaceful.' 'The park has plenty of shaded areas and is unique with its yurts.'...

Based on 42 reviews