Clear Lake State Park

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Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

Clear Lake State Park offers diverse activities on one of Iowa’s most popular lakes. The 3,000-acre lake is a draw for boating, fishing and windsurfing. The park features 50 acres of open spaces and mature oak trees along with a highly popular campground. 

Several acres of picnic grounds with tables and grilles are available for day-use. The nearby town of Clear Lake is a summer tourist destination with numerous stores and restaurants.

Plan Your Visit

• Boat in the waters of Clear Lake or soak up the sun at the 900-foot sandy beach area. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing or sightseeing at the lake. Year-round fishing brings anglers from all over to test their luck catching walleye, muskie, northern pike and more.
• Camp in one of the most popular campgrounds in Iowa’s state park system. The campground contains two modern restrooms, shower facilities and two dump stations. A quarter of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advanced reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Clear Lake State Park.
• Explore the 3-acre Scenic Woodford Island donated to the state of Iowa in 1971 by the Woodford family. The island is managed for wildlife habitat and serves as an excellent spot for fishing.
• Reserve an open shelter or day-use lodge for a family gathering. The historic lodge near the beach contains a rustic fireplace, restroom and kitchen and provides a great venue for company events, weddings or large gatherings. The Ritz Shelter is ADA accessible. Lodge and shelter reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Clear Lake State Park.

After Hours Fishing

Open to fishing activity between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. in addition to normal park hours. All fishing must be done from the bank in the areas designated for each lake or river. Vessels are not permitted on the lakes after 10:30 p.m. Parking is allowed in specially marked lots only.

Ritz Unit, Cerro Gordo County: The boat ramp, courtesy dock, fishing dock and parking lots.

Amenities at a Glance

• Playground
• Swimming beach
• Hiking trails
• Day-use lodge ; ADA accessible
• Shelters
• Modern restroom
• Showers
• Electric campsites
• Full hook-up campsites
• Non-electric campsites
• Dump station

Explore the Park

• Clear Lake State Park map and flyer
• Clear Lake State Park campground map