Clear Lake State Park - United States
Discover the RVezy RV rental marketplace
About Clear Lake State Park
RV quick facts for Clear Lake State Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Max RV length | Sites accommodate larger RVs; confirm specific site lengths when reserving through Iowa DNR |
| Full hookups | No. Campground offers electric sites; no full hookups on site |
| Dump station | Dump station available in the campground |
| Generator hours | Quiet hours 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. per Iowa state park rules |
| Cell service | Generally reliable; park is adjacent to the city of Clear Lake |
| Road restrictions | No significant RV road restrictions; paved park roads with standard turning radii |
| Reservation window | Reservations accepted up to 3 months in advance via Iowa State Parks reservation system |
Featured RV rentals for Clear Lake State Park
Best time to visit Clear Lake State Park
Late May through early September offers the warmest weather and full access to the beach, boat ramps, and campground, with average highs in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. June and August are popular for families, while the Fourth of July week around Clear Lake draws very large crowds, so reservations should be made well in advance. Early fall brings cooler nights, fewer bugs, and excellent fishing. Winters are cold and snowy, with reduced services and water shut off at the campground.
Water shut off at campground; limited winter services
Reduced winter services; ice fishing popular on the lake
Shoulder season; water and showers typically still off
Water and modern services typically come back online
Spring storms possible; reservations recommended for Memorial Day
Peak bug season; busy weekends
Peak season; book sites well in advance, especially around July 4
Warm and popular; music and festival weekends common in town
Pleasant shoulder season with fewer crowds
Fall colors; water typically turned off mid to late month
Reduced winter services; water off
Reduced winter services; day-use and limited camping
Things to do at Clear Lake State Park
- Swimming at the Sand Beach EasyRV parking available
The park's sandy beach on Clear Lake is a central attraction in summer. Lifeguards are not provided, but the gradual shoreline and designated swim area make it popular with families. Parking nearby can accommodate RVs during non-peak hours.
- Boating on Clear Lake EasyRV parking available
Clear Lake is one of Iowa's largest natural lakes and is open to motorboats, pontoons, sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards. The state park operates boat ramps with trailer parking suitable for RV tow vehicles.
- Fishing the Jetty and Shoreline EasyRV parking available
Clear Lake is well known for walleye, yellow bass, muskie, bluegill, and crappie. A fishing jetty inside the park provides easy shoreline access, and boat anglers have deeper structure across the lake.
- McIntosh Woods Paved Multi-Use Trail Easy
A paved trail connects the Clear Lake area and nearby McIntosh Woods State Park on the north shore, offering a flat, family-friendly route for walking and biking. The trail is suitable for riders of all ages.
- Picnicking and Day-Use Areas EasyRV parking available
The park has multiple picnic areas with tables, grills, and shelters overlooking the lake. Paved loop roads and pull-through parking make it easy to stop for lunch with a motorhome or tow vehicle.
- Visit Historic Surf Ballroom (Nearby) Easy
A short drive from the park in the town of Clear Lake, the Surf Ballroom is a National Historic Landmark tied to early rock and roll history. It makes a classic rainy-day or evening side trip from the campground.
- Winter Ice Fishing Moderate
When the lake freezes, Clear Lake becomes a popular ice fishing destination for yellow bass, walleye, and panfish. Winter services are reduced, but day-use access remains available.
RV delivery to a campground, made simple
Skip the pickup. Skip the towing. Get an RV delivered and set up at your campsite so you can arrive, unpack, and start your trip stress-free.
Choose your perfect RV
Browse RVs that offer delivery to your site and book the one that fits your budget and adventure style.
Lock in your campsite
Reserve your campsite with the hookups and amenities you need. We’ll help you find RVs that meet site requirements.
Arrive and relax
Your host delivers and sets up the RV before you get there. Just show up and start enjoying your trip.
Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
RV Rentals Clear Lake State Park
Clear Lake State Park, IA, United States
How to get to Clear Lake State Park
The park is just off Interstate 35 in north-central Iowa, roughly a 2-hour drive north of Des Moines and about 2 hours south of Minneapolis, Minnesota. From I-35, exit at Clear Lake and follow local routes south around the lake to the park entrance; the roads are paved, relatively flat, and easy to navigate with a large RV. There are no tunnels, mountain passes, or steep grades to worry about, though strong crosswinds on I-35 can affect high-profile rigs. The nearest major airport for fly-and-rent travelers is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP), about 140 miles north, with Des Moines International (DSM) about 125 miles south.
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
RVezy rentals
- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability