Best Camping Beaches in Iowa

Clear Lake State Park is nestled on the southeast shore of Clear Lake, offering a serene and natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans 55 acres yet provides a diverse range of activities, including swimming, picnicking, fishing, and boating. Its stunning 900-foot sandy beach is a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. The surrounding area features mature oak trees and small wildlife habitats, adding to its natural beauty. Scenic Woodford Island, located just off the park shoreline, serves as a unique wildlife habitat and a prime fishing spot. The nearby town of Clear Lake offers additional amenities like shopping and dining options.

Visitors can enjoy a vibrant social scene in Clear Lake, with numerous events throughout the year. The park's historic lodge, built by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, is an ideal venue for family gatherings and weddings. Overall, Clear Lake State Park offers a blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The park's campground, one of the most popular in Iowa's state park system, includes modern restrooms, shower facilities, and electric hookups, providing comfortable accommodations for campers to immerse themselves in nature.

Emerson Bay State Recreation Area is a scenic state park located in Milford, Iowa, set along the picturesque shores of West Okoboji Lake. This recreation area is prized for its gentle sandy beach and tranquil waters, making it an inviting spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park exudes a relaxed, natural vibe with plenty of open space for picnicking and leisurely strolls by the lake, framed by lush greenery and well-maintained grounds. It provides a perfect blend of water recreation and peaceful retreat, ideal for visitors seeking both active and laid-back experiences.
With its bayside location, Emerson Bay offers a variety of beach activities complemented by a campground featuring full hookups, appealing to campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. The area’s expansive beach and boat ramps enhance its appeal for those interested in boating and fishing. Despite its modest facilities, the park’s charm lies in its serene environment and accessibility, attracting locals and tourists who appreciate outdoor adventures framed by Iowa’s scenic lake landscape.
The overall ambiance at Emerson Bay is casual and family-friendly, making it a favored spot for day trips and weekend camping. Its location near Milford ensures that visitors can easily access nearby dining and lodging, rounding out the recreational experience with convenient amenities close at hand.

Whitebreast Beach, located near Knoxville, Iowa, offers a picturesque getaway with its extensive stretch of golden sand. This beach is perfect for activities like swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and camping. It combines natural beauty with rich local history and lore, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors. The surrounding landscape includes numerous hiking trails and museums, providing a comprehensive experience of Iowa's natural and cultural heritage.

Whitebreast Beach is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water sports, nature exploration, and relaxation. The nearby Whitebreast Recreation Area offers camping facilities, adding to the beach's appeal for those seeking an extended stay. Despite its beauty, the beach does not have lifeguards on duty, and pets are not allowed, ensuring a safe and clean environment for all guests.

This scenic destination is nestled by beautiful Lake Red Rock, offering stunning views and opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere, explore local festivals, and immerse themselves in the area's unique history.

North Overlook Beach is nestled in the charming town of Pella, Iowa, offering a serene escape with its golden sands and tranquil waters. Although not sprawling, the beach provides a perfect setting for relaxation and light water activities like swimming and picnicking. It is located near Lake Red Rock, offering beautiful scenery and a chance to unwind.
The area is surrounded by the lush greenery of North Overlook Recreation Area, which includes a playground and access to the Volksweg Trail. The region's Dutch heritage adds a cultural depth to the area, making it a unique and enriching destination for visitors.
With its scenic views and natural beauty, North Overlook Beach is a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful retreat in Iowa.

Sandy Beach Campground is a scenic and well-maintained campground located on the northern shores of Coralville Lake near Solon, Iowa. Nestled among mixed hardwood forests in the Iowa River Valley, the campground offers a tranquil setting with abundant wildlife, including whitetail deer, turkeys, and waterfowl, making it ideal for nature lovers. The area is framed by rolling terrain that provides beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding natural landscape, delivering a serene outdoor experience just minutes away from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
Coralville Lake itself is a multi-use project primarily focused on flood control and water management, but it also boasts extensive recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. Sandy Beach Campground offers a mix of campsites from full hook-up to primitive tent sites, catering to various camping preferences. The vibe here is peaceful yet lively with families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts frequently visiting to enjoy the lake's clear waters and natural beauty throughout the year.
With easy access and modern facilities amidst a forested landscape, Sandy Beach Campground provides a popular base for exploring nearby attractions and indulging in a range of water and land activities. Whether you seek quiet relaxation or active recreation, this lakeside retreat balances nature, convenience, and community spirit for a memorable beach camping experience.

Big Creek State Park, located in Polk City, Iowa, offers a serene lakeside beach experience. Nestled within a natural setting, the beach features a golden sand shore and is ideal for swimming, picnicking, and family outings. The park is built around Big Creek Lake, which serves as a popular spot for fishing and boating, with various equipment available for rent. While not a traditional seaside destination, Big Creek Beach provides an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like hiking and biking on trails that connect to nearby areas.
The park's proximity to Des Moines, about 15 miles north-northwest, makes it an accessible getaway for city dwellers. Big Creek State Park is also a notable example of land management and recreation integration, originally developed for flood control purposes. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including picnic shelters, a playground, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Despite its many attractions, Big Creek Beach lacks lifeguards and accommodations for people with disabilities, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Marble Beach is a scenic state recreation area located on the shores of Spirit Lake, the largest natural lake in Iowa. This 64-acre park is renowned for its large campground, offering both electric and non-electric campsites, making it a top destination for campers, anglers, and boaters in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The park provides a paved trail that connects to several miles of recreational trails, offering an excellent opportunity for hiking and biking.
Spirit Lake is famous for its diverse and abundant fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and muskellunges, attracting anglers from across the Midwest. The area offers easy access to boat launches, ensuring a great boating experience.
Marble Beach is part of a broader recreational landscape that includes nearby attractions such as Crandall's Beach, which offers a beautiful setting for swimming and sunbathing.