Pilot Knob State Park
00 review2148 340th Street, Forest City, Iowa, 50436, United States
Pilot Knob State Park
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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
Both electric and non-electric campsites are available, with a maximum fee of $35 per night. Modern amenities included.
About this campground
Step back in time at Pilot Knob State Park, where the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on through meticulously crafted stone structures built in 1924. Crowned by a historic observation tower that graces the National Register of Historic Places, this treasured park invites adventurers to explore winding trails, discover rare bird species, and cast their lines into pristine waters where nature's stories unfold with each visit.
Pilot Knob State Park offers a variety of camping options, including electric and non-electric campsites, as well as modern facilities such as showers and restrooms.
Historical SignificanceWander among the enduring masterpieces of the Civilian Conservation Corps, where skilled craftsmen of the 1930s left their mark in stone. Marvel at the rustic shelters that have sheltered generations of visitors, cross gracefully arched bridges that span gentle streams, gather in the historic amphitheater that still hosts park programs, and climb the magnificent 30-foot observation tower that stands as a testament to American ingenuity and determination.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Iowa's wilderness, where winter wraps the landscape in crystalline beauty with temperatures hovering around 26°F during the day and dipping to a crisp 11°F at night. Summer brings a complete metamorphosis, with warm 81°F days perfect for hiking and cool 62°F evenings ideal for stargazing under frequently clear skies that showcase the Midwest's celestial splendor.
ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates natural vantage points and intimate valleys throughout its landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover one of Iowa's most extraordinary ecological wonders at Dead Man's Lake, the state's only floating sphagnum bog that seems to defy nature's usual rules. This remarkable 15-acre lake harbors an otherworldly ecosystem where highly acidic waters create conditions found nowhere else in the region, supporting rare aquatic life that has adapted to thrive in this unique environment.
Geological RegionEncompassing 700 acres of ecological diversity, Pilot Knob State Park showcases Iowa's hidden geological treasures. The park's crown jewel, Dead Man's Lake, represents the state's sole floating sphagnum bog—a geological phenomenon where layers of moss create a living carpet atop ancient waters. These highly acidic lakes nurture extraordinary biodiversity, including the carnivorous sundew plant that lures unsuspecting insects into its sticky embrace, demonstrating nature's fascinating adaptations in this rare prairie ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is mentioned as an available amenity at the campground, but no specific details about the accessibility features are provided.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes is provided.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information about campsite privacy is provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit maximum stay limit provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit limit on guests provided.
Groups
No information about group camping sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDetails of site layout not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round campground.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Pilot Knob State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities that include hiking, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park also features two lakes, one of which is a floating sphagnum bog hosting unique species, and another that is suitable for fishing.
Hiking
The park offers thirteen and a half miles of hiking trails that are described as excellent in the authoritative content. It is noted that 'The park has excellent trails for hikers and horseback riders,' providing access to the park's natural beauty and wildlife.Fishing
The park features a 15-acre lake that supports bass and bluegill fishing. It is also a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter. According to the authoritative content, 'Pilot Knob also has a 15-acre lake that has good bass and bluegill fishing.'Biking
Mountain biking is listed as one of the available activities within the park.Boating
Boating is allowed with electric trolling motors only on the park's 15-acre lake.Wildlife viewing
The park is listed in the Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide and is described as a wonderful area for bird watching, especially during migrations. Deer and turkeys are also frequently spotted.Winter Activities
Winter activities at the park include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.Water Sports
Electric trolling motors are allowed for boating on the lake, but no additional non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh-acidity lakes and bogs may pose hazards for hikers unfamiliar with the terrain. Wildlife such as deer and turkeys are prevalent.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Forest City Medical Clinic is within 10 miles. The nearest hospital is greater than 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility for waste disposal. No specific information on recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresDead Man's Lake and two other lakes are within the park.
HostUser reviews highlight a very nice campground host.
Campground Map
2148 340th Street, Forest City, Iowa, 50436, United States
Driving directionsGo 3 miles east of Forest City on Hwy 9. Turn right/south on 205th Ave and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
No specific mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain. Roads appear accessible year-round.Nearby places
Forest City (4 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: grocery store, fuel station, retail shops for firewood and drinks, and swimming pool.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Pilot Knob State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Pilot Knob State Park as a great and lovely campground with enjoyable trails.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The campground is described as 'lovely' and 'great' by users. The hiking trails are positively noted, and the campground host has also been mentioned positively.
Common Concerns
No common complaints are mentioned in the user reviews provided.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations are provided by users.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not discussed in the user reviews provided.
Camper Quotes
1. 'A lovely campground! Very nice host. The dogs enjoyed the hiking trails.' – Sherrill Stramara, May 2022.
2. 'Great campground!' – Susan Schmidt, August 2023.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground are provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
One user mentioned dogs enjoying the hiking trails, indicating that the park may be pet-friendly.
Last updated August 10, 2025