Rice Lake State Park
00 review2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, Lake Mills, Iowa, 50450, United States
Rice Lake State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
No camping allowed at Rice Lake State Park.
About this campground
Nestled along the shores of a sprawling 1200-acre lake, Rice Lake State Park offers an intimate 15-acre retreat where history meets recreation. The centerpiece of this charming park is its magnificent stone shelter, crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, which stands as a testament to Depression-era craftsmanship. Whether you're casting a line for walleye at dawn, gathering with loved ones for a lakeside picnic, or scanning the waters for migratory birds, this compact park delivers big experiences against the backdrop of one of the region's most productive fishing lakes.
Rice Lake State Park is designed for day-use activities like picnicking and water recreation. No camping accommodations are available.
Historical SignificanceThe park's crown jewel is its historic stone shelter, a masterpiece of rustic architecture built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. This enduring structure, constructed from local stone by young men during America's Great Depression, serves as both a functional gathering space and a living monument to the CCC's legacy of conservation and craftsmanship. The shelter continues to host family reunions, community events, and quiet moments of reflection, connecting today's visitors with eight decades of park history.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Rice Lake State Park in different hues, from the vibrant greens of summer that create perfect picnicking weather to the golden autumns when migrating waterfowl fill the skies. Spring brings renewed life to the lake's shores, while winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland ideal for contemplative walks and wildlife observation.
ElevationThe park's gentle terrain makes it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, with level paths leading from the historic shelter to scenic viewpoints along the lake's edge. This easy topography creates ideal conditions for leisurely strolls and ensures that everyone can enjoy the waterfront vistas.
Natural Features and SceneryRice Lake's 1200 acres of shimmering water create a natural amphitheater of beauty and biodiversity. The lake teems with a fisherman's dream roster of species—largemouth bass lurking in the shallows, schools of crappie suspended over submerged structure, and hefty northern pike patrolling the weed edges. Bluegill, perch, walleye, and bullheads round out the aquatic cast. Above the water, the lake serves as a crucial habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a premier destination for birders who come to witness spectacular migrations and observe year-round residents in their natural habitat.
Geological RegionThis 15-acre park embraces a small but scenic portion of Rice Lake's extensive shoreline, creating an intimate window into a much larger aquatic ecosystem. The interplay between the compact parkland and the expansive 1200-acre lake creates a unique environment where visitors can experience both the tranquility of a small park and the grandeur of a major water body.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is available within the park.
Sites SizeNo campsites are available at this park.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNull
Open and Closed SeasonNull
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityNull
Cancellation PolicyNull
Activities you can enjoy
Rice Lake State Park offers a variety of lake-related activities, including boating and fishing. Birdwatching is also popular due to the diverse species that inhabit or migrate through the area.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Rice Lake, home to species such as bass, bluegill, walleye, perch, northern, crappie, and bullheads. However, visitors are advised to check current length and possession limits.Boating
Boating is permitted, and any size motor is allowed on the 1,200-acre Rice Lake. Activities such as water skiing and jet skiing are common.Wildlife viewing
The park is a habitat for a variety of songbirds and migratory birds, including pelicans that stop at the lake during their migration.Water Sports
Jet skiing and water skiing are among the water sports allowed due to the unrestricted motor size on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsNull
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.9 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
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station (phone: 6415814835). Additional emergency services null.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo information provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water features1200-acre Rice Lake provides boating and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsNull
HostDirect Line and Ranger Station available for assistance.
Campground Map
2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, Lake Mills, Iowa, 50450, United States
Driving directionsOn Hwy 9 about five miles east of Forest City or eleven miles west of Interstate 35 take R74 north. Travel north about seven miles and turn east on 425th St. Travel about another mile and turn north on 235th Ave. Rice Lake is on your right about one mile.
NullNearby places
Lake Mills (unknown distance), Forest City, Joice, Leland, Scarville
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Rice Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews explicitly provided. Based on authoritative descriptions, the park is primarily a destination for picnics, boating, and fishing.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The park is appreciated for its scenic picnic areas and diverse bird species. The lake supports a variety of motorized water activities.
Common Concerns
The absence of camping facilities may be a drawback for those seeking overnight stays.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Check fishing length and possession limits before visiting. Reserve the CCC-built stone shelter online for gatherings.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews by season available.
Last updated August 10, 2025