Templar State Recreation Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 1, 2026 and operates through September 30, 2026. Shelter reservations open January 3, 2026.
Fire Weather Watch issued March 26 at 1:57PM CDT until March 28 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Iowa, Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, O'Brien, Clay, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Woodbury and Ida. In Minnesota, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles, Jackson, Pipestone and Rock. In Nebraska, Dixon and Dakota. In South Dakota, Beadle, Kingsbury, Brookings, Gregory, Jerauld, Sanborn, Miner, Lake, Moody, Brule, Aurora, Davison, Hanson, McCook, Minnehaha, Charles Mix, Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, Lincoln, Bon Homme, Yankton, Clay and Union. * WINDS...South 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
About
Templar State Recreation Area occupies 10 acres on the western shore of Big Spirit Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The park's main draw is its boat ramp, which is one of the most popular on Big Spirit Lake due to its location in a protected lagoon that provides calm water for launching even on the windiest days. Spirit Lake, the largest natural lake in Iowa, offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads. The recreation area includes three picnic shelters: one large shelter accommodating up to 100 people available for reservation, and two gazebos accommodating up to 40 people each available on a first-come, first-served basis. All provide scenic settings for family gatherings and cookouts overlooking the lake. Shore fishing is available along the waterfront. The park is managed by Gull Point State Park staff as a satellite area. Templar State Recreation Area is located 2 miles north of the city of Spirit Lake in northwest Iowa's premier lakes region, which offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities across multiple state parks and recreation areas.
Directions
Take Highway 9 in Spirit Lake. Turn north on Peoria Avenue. Peoria Avenue turns into County Road M49/240th Avenue. Follow to the entrance of Templar Park, approximately 2 miles north of Spirit Lake.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (712) 337-3211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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