Templar State Recreation Area
00 review13185 Templar Dr. S, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States
Templar State Recreation Area
$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 fee information provided.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Big Spirit Lake, Templar State Recreation Area serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Iowa Great Lakes Region. This beloved destination beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed amenities, including charming picnic shelters and scenic gazebos perfect for family gatherings. The park's crown jewel is its protected lagoon boat ramp, where boaters find calm waters for launching even when winds whip across the main lake. Anglers flock here year-round, drawn by the promise of excellent fishing in some of Iowa's clearest, most pristine waters.
Templar State Recreation Area does not offer campsites within its facility. The area focuses more on day-use activities such as picnicking, fishing, and boating rather than overnight stays.
Historical SignificanceThe rich heritage of this cherished recreation area awaits discovery by curious visitors.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Midwest seasons at Templar, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinctive colors. Winter transforms the area into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures occasionally dipping near freezing and snow blanketing the shores. As spring awakens the region, warming temperatures and gentle rains breathe life back into the landscape. Summer arrives with brilliant blue skies and perfect lake weather, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers. Autumn wraps the park in crisp air and stunning clarity, with moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures under remarkably clear skies.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain characteristic of Iowa's lake country defines this scenic recreation area.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched majestically on the western shores of Big Spirit Lake, Templar offers front-row seats to nature's finest water show. The crystal-clear waters stretch endlessly eastward, creating a shimmering canvas that changes with every shift of light. This aquatic paradise forms part of an interconnected chain of glacial gems, with the renowned East and West Okoboji Lakes nearby, creating a water wonderland that has captivated generations of visitors with its remarkable clarity and natural beauty.
Geological RegionTemplar State Recreation Area claims its place in the legendary Iowa Great Lakes Region, home to Big Spirit Lake—Iowa's largest natural lake and a geological treasure carved by ancient glaciers. This magnificent body of water stands as a testament to the powerful forces that shaped the landscape thousands of years ago, creating the stunning lake country that continues to draw visitors from across the Midwest and beyond.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is available within the facility.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo recommendations as camping is not available.
Best CampsitesNo campsites, so no best sites applicable.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo campsites available; layout includes picnic shelters, gazebos, and a boat ramp.
Open and Closed SeasonNot mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsNo platforms mentioned for reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up camping availability mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyNot mentioned.
Activities you can enjoy
Templar State Recreation Area offers various outdoor activities, prominently featuring lake-based recreation such as fishing. Spirit Lake, the largest natural lake in Iowa, is highly regarded for its fishing opportunities, with species like walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass available. The area also features a popular boat ramp that provides protection from wind due to its lagoon setting. Picnicking facilities, including one reservable shelter and two gazebos available on a first-come, first-served basis, offer spaces for family gatherings. Additionally, neighboring Crandall’s Beach is suitable for swimming and sunbathing, although details on swimming facilities directly within Templar Park are not specified.
Fishing
Spirit Lake offers some of the best fishing in Iowa. Fish species include walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads. User review: "The lake water is also clean and see through. Fished there for an hour, no catch, but wrong timing is why."Boating
Templar Park features a boat ramp located on a lagoon, allowing users to launch boats even on windy days. The ramp is considered one of the most popular in the area.Beach activities
Crandall’s Beach, located north of Templar Park, provides opportunities for sunbathing and splashing in clear waters.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific mention of fire policies.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsDeck conditions may not be optimal based on user reviews. No other hazards explicitly mentioned.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories noted.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
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
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
Ranger Station contact number: 7123373211 (specific proximity to hospitals or police not detailed).
Good to know
Peak season datesNot provided.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly located on Big Spirit Lake; known for its clean and clear waters.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention that the deck near the lake is not in optimal condition.
HostNo specific information about campground hosts.
Campground Map
13185 Templar Dr. S, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States
Driving directionsTake Hwy 9 in Spirit Lake. Turn north on Peoria Ave. Peoria Ave turns into County Road M49/240th Ave. Follow to the entrance of Templar Park (2 miles).
The road is accessible via paved highways (Hwy 9 and County Road M49/240th Ave). Not mentioned if seasonal closures are applicable.Nearby places
Spirit Lake: 2 miles
Nearby supplies
Information not clearly stated.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Templar State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate mixed experiences at Templar State Recreation Area, with positive sentiments about clean bathrooms and the accessibility of the lake. However, the fishing deck's condition is noted as suboptimal.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, clear lake water, accessible picnic and boating facilities.
Common Concerns
Fishing deck is in poor condition.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring fishing gear and check the condition of facilities before use.
Camper Quotes
"The bathrooms are very clean though." "The lake water is also clean and see through." "There is a walk-out deck to fish from but the deck isn't in the greatest condition."
Last updated August 10, 2025