🌤 Weather at Lake Cornelia State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–72 °F | 59–85 °F | 25–76 °F | 6–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Clarion, 5 mi away, elevation 1,156 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Iowa’s Wright County Fishing Gem — 80-Acre Lake, Bass + Bluegill + Catfish, Camping, Nature Trails, Family-Friendly Recreation
Lake Cornelia State Park is a state park in Wright County, Iowa. The park features an 80-acre fishing lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie, camping with electric hookup sites, nature trails through prairie and woodland, picnic shelters, boat ramp (electric motors only), and a quiet family-friendly setting in north-central Iowa.
Lake Cornelia is a quiet, family-friendly fishing destination in north-central Iowa’s agricultural heartland. The 80-acre lake sits within rolling prairie and woodland terrain that provides scenic contrast to the surrounding farmland. The electric-motors-only restriction keeps the lake calm and peaceful — ideal for bank fishing, kayaking, and quiet canoeing.
The lake is regularly stocked by the Iowa DNR and supports a healthy population of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. Several fishing jetties provide accessible shore fishing for families with kids and mobility-limited anglers.
Fishing
| Species | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Good | Structure-oriented |
| Bluegill | Good | Family-friendly, panfish |
| Channel Catfish | Good | Bottom fishing |
| Crappie | Fair | Spring/fall best |
Things to Do
- Fishing — 80-acre lake, 4 species, jetties
- Camping — electric hookup sites
- Kayaking/canoeing — electric motors only, calm water
- Nature trails — prairie and woodland
- Picnicking — shelters available
- Bird watching — prairie habitat
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wright County, north-central Iowa |
| Lake | 80 acres — electric motors only |
| Camping | Electric hookup sites |
| Fishing | Bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie |
| Managed By | Iowa DNR |
| Coordinates | 42.7361° N, 93.7056° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Cornelia SP — on Lake Cornelia. The park’s lake, forest, and prairie support white-tailed deer, great blue herons, and songbirds. Largemouth bass and bluegill fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Clinton County — surrounding.
What fish are in Lake Cornelia Iowa?
Lake Cornelia in Wright County, Iowa, supports largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. The 80-acre lake is regularly stocked by the Iowa DNR and restricted to electric motors only, keeping it calm for fishing and kayaking. Fishing jetties provide accessible shore fishing. Camping with electric hookups is available at the state park.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Beeds Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Cold Springs State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Iowa state parks online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
⛺ Camping at Lake Cornelia State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 106 sites — 68 sites with sewer/water/electric service and 38 sites with electric-only service; three modern restrooms and two restroom/shower buildings; wireless service throughout the park. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | First-come, first-served; no online reservation system; no stay-length restriction on sites. Contact (515) 532-3185. |
| Special sites | Dump station on site; boat harbor for fishing and boating access. |
| Season notes | Operates April 15 - October 15 under Wright County Conservation Board management. |
Camping questions about Lake Cornelia State Park
Can you camp at Lake Cornelia State Park?
Yes. Lake Cornelia State Park has 106 campsites. 68 sites with sewer/water/electric service and 38 sites with electric-only service; three modern restrooms and two restroom/shower buildings; wireless service throughout the park.
How do you reserve a campsite at Lake Cornelia State Park?
First-come, first-served; no online reservation system; no stay-length restriction on sites. Contact (515) 532-3185.
Source: wrightcounty.iowa.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Cornelia State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Lake Cornelia State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lake Cornelia State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
