Elinor Bedell State Park
00 review1619 260th Ave, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States
Elinor Bedell State Park
$15.00 - $80.00 / 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
The campground charges fees ranging from $15 to $80 depending on the type of site and group size. Additional fees for shelters and party rentals may apply.
About this campground
Discover the pristine beauty of Iowa's Great Lakes at Elinor Bedell State Park, where rolling prairies meet the sparkling waters of East Lake Okoboji. This treasured landscape, generously gifted to Iowa by conservationists Berkley and Elinor Bedell, invites you to explore miles of paved trails winding through restored wetlands and majestic oak savannas. As one of Iowa's newest state parks, this protected sanctuary offers an intimate connection with nature while preserving the open spaces that make this region so special.
The campground primarily caters to RV camping with full hookups. Tent camping facilities are not explicitly mentioned, but the park supports a range of outdoor recreational activities.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable park stands as a testament to the vision of Berkley and Elinor Bedell, whose dedication to conservation created a lasting legacy for future generations. Berkley, who served northwest Iowa in the U.S. Congress for 12 years, and his wife Elinor understood the irreplaceable value of preserving these natural spaces. Their generous donation ensures that the beauty of Iowa's Great Lakes region remains accessible to all who seek solace in nature.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Elinor Bedell. Winter transforms the park into a serene wonderland, with snow blanketing the prairies from January through mid-May. As spring emerges, the landscape awakens with wildflowers and migrating birds, though occasional showers refresh the wetlands. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for lakeside adventures and trail exploration. Fall paints the oak savannas in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating stunning vistas across the park.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates natural vantage points throughout the park, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of native Iowa ecosystems where restored prairies wave in the breeze, wetlands teem with wildlife, and ancient oak savannas provide shaded respites. The park's crown jewel is its shoreline along East Lake Okoboji, where crystal-clear waters reflect endless skies. This diverse landscape creates a haven for native plants and animals while offering visitors countless opportunities to witness nature's daily drama unfold.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes Region, the park showcases the area's unique geological heritage. This glacially-carved landscape features a remarkable diversity of habitats, from native prairie grasslands that once covered much of Iowa to precious wetlands that filter and store water. The oak savanna areas represent one of North America's rarest ecosystems, creating a living museum of the region's natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes an extensive system of paved hiking trails accessible for persons with mobility impairments. The trails are connected to key areas such as the wetlands and the lake.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as extremely long but also noted to be uneven in many cases, which presents challenges for leveling RVs.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information available about site privacy, but the campground layout appears open with limited shade.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers should take extra-long hoses due to utility placements at the back of sites. Reviews suggest avoiding sites near the road for quieter experiences.
Best CampsitesThere are only 8 campsites, all pull-through blacktop sites with full hookups. User reviews do not specify individual site numbers as favorites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
.Campground rules on maximum stay limits are not mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No rules regarding maximum guests per site were provided.
Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 8 pull-through blacktop sites near the park entrance. Reviews mention uneven surfaces and limited shade.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground appears to operate year-round, but some amenities like water may not be available during certain periods, as noted in a review about mid-April conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, but the platform name was not specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information about walk-up availability at campsites was provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules were not provided in the sources.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The park offers various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and biking. The paved trail system is 1.2 miles long and provides scenic views of the restored landscapes. There are also dirt trails near the lake leading to a public dock. The Iowa Great Lakes region is known for excellent fishing opportunities, and East Okoboji Lake is a prime spot for game fish.
Hiking
The park features approximately 7,500 feet of paved trails and additional dirt trails near the lake. The paved trails are wheelchair accessible and offer scenic views of the lake and wetlands.Fishing
Fishing is a major attraction in the Iowa Great Lakes region, including species such as walleye, northern pike, bass, perch, and catfish. East Okoboji Lake is highly regarded for its fishing opportunities.Biking
Biking trails are available, but some user reviews note that tree roots have made parts of the trails rough.Boating
The park supports boating activities, including access to East Okoboji Lake. A public dock is accessible from the trails.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The park supports activities such as boating and fishing but does not specifically mention non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies were detailed, but each site includes a fire ring.
- Quiet hours were not specified, though road noise was noted in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsReviews mention uneven campsites and poor utility placements, which could pose hazards during setup. Wildlife hazards are not specified.
Active alerts. No active alerts, closures, or advisories were noted in the source.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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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
Within 10 miles: hospital, medical clinic, police stations, and other emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesExact peak season dates are not outlined, though summer months are likely busier considering the regional popularity.
Trash and recyclingThe park has trash facilities, but issues were reported in user reviews about overflowing bins that were hard to use due to a chain across them.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground sits on the shore of East Lake Okoboji, offering direct access to fishing spots, a dock, and boardwalks by the lake.
Common complaints"Sites are very unlevel and lack shade or trees." "Road noise from the busy road nearby." "50 amp outlets don't work." "Trash bins were nearly full with limited access."
HostUsers reported an absence of clear check-in procedures or host interactions, though one noted seeing a DNR employee on the fourth day.
Campground Map
1619 260th Ave, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States
Driving directionsLocated on County Road M56 on the east side of East Lake Okoboji.
The campground is accessible via County Road M56, located off the main traffic flow but near a busy road, as noted in user reviews. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.Nearby places
Spirit Lake, Milford, Wahpeton, Okoboji, West Okoboji, and Arnolds Park. Exact distances and travel times are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: grocery store, retail shops for camping supplies, fuel, firewood, drinks, ice, and seasonal concessions.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Elinor Bedell State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the park as small and peaceful, with convenient access to the Iowa Great Lakes region. Common praises include the playground, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. However, complaints highlight uneven sites, lack of shade, road noise, and occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
"Exceeded expectations, even though they were low. The paved trail was wonderful and hardly any bugs." "Great little out-of-the-way park for camping, hiking, taking the kids for a small play park."...
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Common Concerns
"The campground is very small, and every site is full hookup." "No shade or trees...sites are very unlevel...no facilities." "The hookups are all at the very back of the sites so take extra long...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Take extra-long hoses for hookups, as they are located at the back of the sites." "Use your phone GPS instead of Garmin to locate the park." "Be prepared for unlevel sites; leveling blocks might be...
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Seasonal Insights
During mid-April, issues such as no water availability and full trash bins were reported. Summer reviews frequently mention road noise and lack of shade. Spring and fall reviews highlight the beauty...
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Camper Quotes
"The campground is very small, and every site is full hookup." - Bryan Swanson. "Exceeded expectations, even though they were low. The paved trail was wonderful." - Luke Gorski. "Great little...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Some users recommended avoiding certain sites if evenness is a priority. Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but reviewers note uneven pads and bulging asphalt.
Accessibility Features
The paved trails are highlighted as being wheelchair accessible, making the park friendly for individuals with mobility impairments.
Pet-Friendly Features
"Our pup Molly loves the walk from the camper to the play area." Pets appear to be allowed, but no official policy is mentioned.
Last updated August 10, 2025