🌤 Weather at McIntosh Woods State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–70 °F | 57–82 °F | 24–74 °F | 7–30 °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 Mason City Municipal Airport, 7 mi away, elevation 1,225 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
McIntosh Woods State Park is a public state park in Iowa near Ventura in Cerro Gordo County. Spanning 60 acres and established in 1943, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Ventura |
| County | Cerro Gordo County |
| Park Size | 60 acres |
| Established | 1943 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
McIntosh Woods State Park is located near Ventura, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 43.1258, -93.4589.
Things to Do
Iowa state parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes beyond the classic rolling farm fields, featuring deep river valleys, natural lakes, loess hills, and ancient limestone bluffs. Activities revolve around the water, with excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, boating on natural and man-made lakes, and pleasant beach swimming. Land activities include camping in shaded hardwood forests, hiking expanding trail networks, exploring unique geological formations like the Maquoketa Caves, and cycling on extensive paved rail-trails that frequently connect park units across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for lake activities and family camping, though July and August can bring high heat and humidity. Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit, offering cooler, comfortable temperatures, beautiful hardwood foliage, and excellent conditions for hiking and fishing without the summer crowds. Spring (April–May) provides great mushroom hunting (morels) and spring wildflower blooms. Winter is quiet, but several parks offer cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Visitor Tips
Iowa stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Half of all campsites are reservable, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. When visiting cave parks like Maquoketa Caves, check for any temporary closures related to bat protection (White-Nose Syndrome) and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
McIntosh Woods State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
McIntosh Woods SP — 100 acres on Clear Lake. The park’s lake, wetlands, and forest support bald eagles, white pelicans, and great blue herons. Walleye and yellow bass fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Clear Lake — adjacent — famous as the site of Buddy Holly’s last concert (February 2, 1959 — “The Day the Music Died”) at the Surf Ballroom.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Clear Lake State Park is a short drive away, and Pilot Knob State Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at McIntosh Woods State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 51 sites — Standard Electric 45 sites (20/30 or 30 amp; no 50-amp service) and Standard Non-Electric 4 sites; RV pad lengths 30-82 ft, back-in except for one 65-ft pull-through. Modern restroom and shower building; fish cleaning station. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed at all standard electric and non-electric campsites. |
| Reservations | Reserve at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or (877) 427-2757. |
| Special sites | 2 yurts (the only yurts in the Iowa state park system), $60/night, $360/week; boat launch ramp on Clear Lake. |
| Season notes | The campground closed November 15, 2025 for a full renovation, including new 50-amp electric service, new water lines, upgrading all sites to full hookups, a new shower building, new ADA-accessible sites, and parking/road improvements. The DNR's goal is to reopen the redesigned campground for the 2027 camping season. |
Camping questions about McIntosh Woods State Park
Can you camp at McIntosh Woods State Park?
Yes. McIntosh Woods State Park has 51 campsites. Standard Electric 45 sites (20/30 or 30 amp; no 50-amp service) and Standard Non-Electric 4 sites; RV pad lengths 30-82 ft, back-in except for one 65-ft pull-through. Modern restroom and shower building; fish cleaning station.
How do you reserve a campsite at McIntosh Woods State Park?
Reserve at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or (877) 427-2757.
Are pets allowed at the McIntosh Woods State Park campground?
Pets allowed at all standard electric and non-electric campsites.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at McIntosh Woods 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 McIntosh Woods 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 McIntosh Woods State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
