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.

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