Mcintosh Woods State Park

About

McIntosh Woods State Park, established in 1944, occupies 60 scenic acres on the northwest shore of Clear Lake in northern Iowa. The campground offers 45 electric sites (20/30 amp) and 4 non-electric tent sites, with modern restrooms, showers, and a dump station. The park also features two yurts, the only ones in Iowa's state park system, one of which is ADA accessible. The park is popular for water-based recreation, with a boat ramp, two fishing jetties (one ADA accessible), a fish cleaning station, and a beach swimming area. A 1.5-mile boardwalk trail winds through mallard marsh to a wildlife viewing blind. Adjacent Ventura Cove features a paved bike trail that continues around Clear Lake. The campground recently underwent renovation to upgrade electrical service to 50-amp, add full hookups to all sites, install a new shower building, and create new ADA-accessible sites. Reservations are 100% required and can be made up to 3 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.

Directions

Take Exit 194 off Interstate 35 and go west on Highway 18 approximately 5 miles to McIntosh Road. Turn south to the park entrance.