Mcintosh Woods State Park
Closed — Closed for the 2025-2026 winter season due to scheduled campground renovation. The campground closed November 15, 2025 and will remain closed through March 31, 2026. Reservations available starting April 1, 2026 via the Iowa State Parks online system.
High Wind Warning issued March 14 at 11:37AM CDT until March 16 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...North winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55-65 mph possible. * WHERE...Much of central Iowa. * WHEN...From 1 PM Sunday to 4 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. With snowfall, white-out conditions are expected at times.
Blizzard Warning issued March 14 at 11:34AM CDT until March 16 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS SUNDAY INTO MONDAY MORNING... .A significant winter storm will impact parts of the Upper Midwest this weekend, mainly from Sunday through Monday morning. Widespread snow will fall across Iowa with higher amounts of 6+ inches possible north and east. Winds will gust 55-65+ mph, resulting in significant drifting of snow and visibility reductions. Travel will become very dangerous, if not impossible at times across parts of northern and eastern Iowa. Precipitation will begin as rain on Sunday morning and transition to a wintry mix, which may produce a light glaze of ice, before transitioning fully to snow. * WHAT...Mixed precipitation followed by blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze possible. Winds could gust as high as 55 to 65 mph. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Iowa. * WHEN...From 7 AM Sunday to 7 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage and result in power outages.
About
McIntosh Woods State Park is a 60-acre natural refuge located on the northwest shore of Clear Lake in northern Iowa. Founded in 1944, the park serves as a major access point to Clear Lake, the state's second-largest natural lake, and is a popular destination for anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The park features a shaded campground with 45 electric sites and 4 non-electric sites, along with the distinction of hosting the only two yurts in the Iowa state park system. One yurt is ADA accessible. Modern amenities include a restroom and shower building, dump station, and a new playground. The campground is 100% reservable through Iowa State Parks' online system. Site driveways range from 30 to 82 feet, with one pull-through site available. Recreational opportunities abound at McIntosh Woods. The park provides the largest boat ramp on Clear Lake with extensive paved parking, making it a premier launch point for anglers pursuing walleye, muskie, northern pike, catfish, yellow bass, and panfish. Two fishing jetties offer shoreline access, one of which is ADA accessible, along with a modern fish cleaning station. A sandy beach on the peninsula provides swimming opportunities, while a one-mile interpretive hiking trail winds through the park, featuring a boardwalk through Mallard Marsh that leads to a wildlife viewing blind. Winter visitors enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Two open picnic shelters and numerous grassy, shaded picnic areas are available throughout the park.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 82ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| McIntosh_Woods@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (641) 829-3847 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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