Clear Lake State Park
00 review6490 S. Shore Dr., Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428, United States
Clear Lake State Park
$14.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$19.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $14 for electrical sites to $19 for full hookups as noted by user reviews. Premium amenities are limited, contributing to the lower price points.
About this campground
Nestled along the southeastern shores of Iowa's magnificent 3,643-acre Clear Lake, this beloved 55-acre state park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning landscape of rolling hills crowned by ancient oak trees. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for an afternoon adventure, or gathering around a picnic table as the sun sets through the canopy, Clear Lake State Park offers an authentic Iowa outdoor experience. As one of the state's most cherished camping destinations, it seamlessly blends natural beauty with endless recreational possibilities.
Clear Lake State Park supports diverse camping styles, including options for RVs, tents, and group camping. The majority of sites are electric-only, with some featuring full hookups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the park's crown jewel—a magnificent stone lodge crafted by skilled Works Progress Administration artisans in 1938, standing as a testament to American craftsmanship and resilience. Just minutes away, the legendary Surf Ballroom preserves a poignant piece of rock 'n' roll history as the venue where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper played their final concert before that fateful winter night in 1959. This blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Clear Lake State Park a destination where nature and history intertwine.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Iowa's changing seasons at Clear Lake. Summer days invite you to bask in comfortable temperatures perfect for swimming and water sports, while autumn paints the oak groves in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the hills and creating a peaceful retreat for hardy campers. Spring awakens the landscape with fresh greens and wildflowers, though pack your rain gear for those refreshing April showers that keep everything lush and vibrant.
ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates natural amphitheaters and cozy hollows throughout the campground, offering both scenic vistas and sheltered camping spots that enhance your outdoor experience.
Natural Features and SceneryWander through cathedral-like groves where century-old oak trees stretch their mighty branches overhead, creating a natural sanctuary that changes with every season. The park's varied landscape of gentle hills, hidden thickets, and sun-dappled clearings provides refuge for an enchanting array of wildlife—from wise old owls hooting in the twilight to playful squirrels chattering in the canopy, curious raccoons exploring after dark, and graceful deer stepping quietly through morning mist. Beyond the treeline, Clear Lake's pristine waters sparkle invitingly, with sandy beaches perfect for building castles and prime fishing spots where walleye, yellow bass, and catfish await patient anglers.
Geological RegionClear Lake State Park occupies a special corner of northern Iowa's lake country, where ancient glaciers carved out the spectacular 3,643-acre Clear Lake thousands of years ago. The park's distinctive landscape showcases the region's glacial heritage through its gently rolling hills, fertile draws, and the magnificent oak savannas that have thrived here for generations. This unique combination of pristine freshwater lake, mature hardwood forests, and prairie remnants creates a diverse ecosystem that represents the very best of Iowa's natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park has some facilities described as accessible, including paved areas for wheelchairs near bathrooms. However, there are complaints about handicap sites not being properly designated or differentiated from standard sites.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as varying in size, with some sites being spacious while others are narrow or tightly packed. Many sites are pull-through and accommodate RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; sites are generally described as fairly close together, with some areas feeling crowded, especially on busy weekends.
Total Campsites55 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUse leveling equipment for uneven sites. Sites near the lake provide good views but may be busier.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight pull-through sites and those closer to the lake as desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Self-check-in process
- no specific check-in time mentioned.
Stay Limit
Camping during the off-season is allowed, but facilities like bath/shower houses and water are turned off. There is no specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests per site is a common policy in similar state parks.
Groups
No specific group camping facilities or policies are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are described as pull-through or gravel pads with electric-only hookups. Some areas have newly installed picnic tables and fire pits.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping is permitted year-round, although bathhouses and water hookups are unavailable during the winter/off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, as suggested in the authoritative content.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in sites are available most of the time, but weekends and holidays are very crowded.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit details provided about cancellation rules.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Clear Lake State Park offers a rich variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy lake activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also features hiking and biking paths, bird watching opportunities, and access to playgrounds for families.
Hiking
There are walking and biking trails available, though it is noted there are no dedicated hiking trails within the campground itself.Fishing
Fishing opportunities at Clear Lake are abundant, with the lake offering good catches of walleyes, muskie, northern pike, bullheads, catfish, yellow bass, crappies, and other panfish. Scenic Woodford Island is a popular fishing spot.Swimming
The park features a 900-foot sandy beach with unsupervised swimming. The beach is well-maintained and popular among families.Biking
Biking paths extend around the park and are suitable for casual riders. Trails also connect to the nearby town and lake areas.Boating
Boating activities include skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and sailing. The lake is well-suited for various watercraft, though some reviews mention issues with boats docking near swimming areas.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the park, with opportunities to spot owls, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, various songbirds, and even deer.Beach activities
Beach activities include swimming and sunbathing on the sandy shore. Some concerns about water quality have been raised in user reviews.Winter Activities
Camping is allowed during the off-season, but water and bath/shower facilities are turned off. A year-round pit toilet is available.Water Sports
Water sports include kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and water skiing. Clear Lake provides excellent conditions for these activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, and fire rings are provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews mention uneven or sloped camping sites requiring leveling equipment. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the summer months.
Active alertsTesting on the lake has led to recommendations against swimming at certain times due to water turbidity.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Within 10 miles, there is a hospital available for medical emergencies. Police services are accessible in the nearby town of Clear Lake.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through August are reportedly the busiest months based on user reviews.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, and trash disposal is described as very organized by reviewers.
Proximity to water featuresThe park is located on the southeastern corner of Clear Lake, which offers sandy beaches, fishing, and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsSites are reported to be uneven and cramped. Some reviews mention noise issues and poor signage.
HostMixed reviews about campground hosts. Some are described as friendly and helpful, while others are noted as unaccommodating.
Campground Map
6490 S. Shore Dr., Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428, United States
Driving directionsTake exit 193 off of I-35. Head West on Hwy 106 until the first four-way stop. Take a left to the South on 8th Ave and follow for about a mile. Then take a right on 27th S. Follow until the stop sign. Park entrance is right across the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but some user reviews have mentioned challenges with narrow or unlevel roads inside the campground. Roads leading to the campground from major highways are well-maintained and easy to navigate.Nearby places
Clear Lake (adjacent), Mason City (12 miles), Ventura (6 miles), Garner (13 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as fuel, firewood, bait, drinks, and ice are available within a mile of the campground. Grocery stores are located greater than a mile away. Clear Lake’s town center offers additional retail and food options.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Clear Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Clear Lake State Park is well-received by most visitors, with many praising its beautiful landscape, clean facilities, and variety of amenities. However, some concerns about campsite leveling, crowding, and the lack of water hookups have been noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the park's proximity to Clear Lake, the abundance of recreational activities, and the clean, well-maintained facilities. The beach, playground, and picnic areas are particularly...
Show more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include uneven campsites, tight spacing between sites, and limited water hookups. Noise and crowding on weekends are also common grievances.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend reserving sites in advance, especially during peak season. Bringing extra leveling blocks for RVs is advised due to uneven campsites. Visitors also suggest bringing bug spray, as...
Show more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busy during summer weekends, with many families enjoying the lake and beach. Off-season camping is quieter but lacks access to running water and flush toilets.
Camper Quotes
- 'Very nice place. Stayed two nights. We explored the town and had some food near Madison City. Lake was a little turbid and it was recommended that people not swim due to some recent testing.'...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 98: Full hookup; small, gravel, and tight with roads on both sides leading to traffic issues.
- Site 13: Good size, but electric hookup placement was inconvenient.
- Site 15: Steeper than...
Show more
Accessibility Features
Mixed reviews on accessibility. Some users reported accessible features like paved areas, but issues were noted with the camp host taking the designated handicap site.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but the park enforces strict leash laws. Some pet owners felt singled out for minor infractions, while others appreciated the family-friendly environment.
Last updated August 10, 2025