McIntosh Woods State Park is not the biggest state park in Iowa – it’s just 60 acres. It’s not the most famous Iowa park – it’s tucked away in Northern Iowa, near Mason City. But this is a park you might want to visit because it has a couple of special features: an incredibly soft sand beach and private yurts that any camper can reserve. McIntosh Woods is a park unlike any other in Iowa.

Here’s what you need to know to plan a getaway to McIntosh Woods State Park.

The park has been an escape for generations of nature lovers. It was founded in 1944 and it's located on the northwest shore of Clear Lake.
Tripadvisor / Stanbro81
The park has two yurts that can be reserved. They are the only yurts in the Iowa State Park system and they offer comfortable and unusual camping accommodations.
Visit Mason City
The yurts are in a private area of the park and they have their own toilet/shower house. The yurts are small but make good use of space with bunk beds and a full-sized futon. One of the yurts is ADA accessible.
Reserve America

Related Stories

Pitch Your Tent In The Lush Grapevines Of This Iowa Winery That's Also A Campground

Pitch Your Tent In The Lush Grapevines Of This Iowa Winery That's Also A Campground

 Spend The Night At Iowa's Most Haunted Campground For A Truly Terrifying Experience

Spend The Night At Iowa's Most Haunted Campground For A Truly Terrifying Experience

 Sleep Among Towering Oaks At The Luna Valley Farm Glampground In Iowa

Sleep Among Towering Oaks At The Luna Valley Farm Glampground In Iowa
Windows allow air to circulate but you may want to bring a fan if you're camping in warm weather - the yurts have electricity so you can plug one in.
Reserve America
A short distance from the yurts you'll find Clear Lake. It's popular with anglers - two jetties provide fishing access and the lake contains walleye, muskie, Northern pike, catfish, yellow bass and panfish. There's a fish cleaning station and boat ramp on the shore.
Tripadvisor / Sharolyn L
The 3,643-acre lake has a soft sand beach. It's located on a peninsula and it's the perfect place to relax on a warm Iowa summer day. The shoreline also offers incredible sunset views.
Tripadvisor / Stanbro81

McIntosh Woods State Park has traditional campsites as well if the yurts are not available. If you want to stretch your legs, there’s a 1,5-mile boardwalk trail to explore in the park and a short bike trail that skirts the lake. Looking for more great camping spots? Here are some more options to consider.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
McIntosh Woods State Park, 1200 E Lake St, Ventura, IA 50482, USA