🌤 Weather at Pilot Knob State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–68 °F | 58–81 °F | 24–73 °F | 6–28 °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 Forest City 2 NNE, 4 mi away, elevation 1,280 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pilot Knob State Park delivers Iowa’s most unique geological landscape – knob and kettle terrain left behind by retreating glaciers 15,000 years ago. From the historic CCC observation tower on Iowa’s highest point (1,450+ feet), you’ll survey a primordial landscape of conical hills and bowl-shaped depressions. Below lies Deadman’s Lake, Iowa’s only floating sphagnum bog – home to carnivorous sundew plants found nowhere else in the state.
What Makes Pilot Knob Unique
CCC Observation Tower
A 34-foot tower built from glacial boulders, on the National Register of Historic Places. Panoramic views from 1,450+ feet elevation.
Glacial Terrain
“Knob and kettle” landscape – conical hills (kames) and bowl-shaped depressions (kettles) formed 15,000 years ago.
Deadman’s Lake
Iowa’s only floating sphagnum bog. Home to carnivorous sundew plants and rare pond lilies found nowhere else in Iowa.
Pilot Knob Lake
15-acre fishing lake for bass, catfish, and bluegill. Electric motors only. Popular for ice fishing in winter.
Observation Tower
The CCC-built observation tower is the park’s centerpiece – a 34-foot structure built from glacial boulders (igneous and metamorphic rocks carried from Minnesota and Canada by glaciers). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the tower offers sweeping views of Iowa’s highest terrain.
- 📏 Elevation: 1,450+ feet above sea level
- 🧱 Construction: Glacial boulders, CCC-era (1930s)
- 👁️ Views: Knob and kettle terrain, forests, lakes
- 🥾 Access: Via Tower Connector Trail
Deadman’s Lake – The Floating Bog
Deadman’s Lake isn’t a typical lake – it’s a 4-acre floating sphagnum bog, the only one of its kind in Iowa. The bog mat floats on water, creating unique acidic conditions that support:
- 🪴 Carnivorous Sundew Plants: These insect-eating plants thrive in the bog’s nutrient-poor conditions
- 🪷 Rare Pond Lilies: Three species, one found nowhere else in Iowa
- 🌿 Sphagnum Moss: The bog’s floating mat is composed of this unique moss
Viewing: The Deadman’s Trail circles the bog with interpretive signs. Do not step on the floating mat – it’s fragile and potentially dangerous.
Hiking Trails
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Tower Connector Trail | 0.5 mi | 🟡 Moderate | Direct access to observation tower |
| Deadman’s Trail | 1.2 mi loop | 🟢 Easy | Circles the floating bog; interpretive signs |
| Pilot Knob Lake Trail | 1.0 mi | 🟢 Easy | Circles fishing lake; connects to beach |
| Equestrian Trail | 4.0 mi | 🟡 Moderate | Horses allowed; also open for hiking |
Winter Activities: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling (designated trails), ice fishing, ice skating on Pilot Knob Lake.
Fishing at Pilot Knob Lake
| Species | Best Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | May–September | Good catches reported |
| 🐱 Channel Catfish | Summer nights | Stocked |
| 🔵 Bluegill | Year-round | Great for kids |
Boats: Electric trolling motors only. No gas motors.
Camping
| Site Type | Count | Hookups |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Sites | ~35 | Electric |
| Non-Electric | ~15 | None |
Amenities: Modern restrooms, showers, warming house (winter). All sites reservable.
FAQ
What is “knob and kettle” terrain?
Glacial deposits created this landscape. “Knobs” (kames) are conical hills of sand and gravel; “kettles” are bowl-shaped depressions where ice blocks melted.
Can I walk on Deadman’s Lake bog?
No! The floating sphagnum mat is fragile and dangerous. View from the trail only.
🗼 Stand at Iowa’s Highest Point
Pilot Knob offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in Iowa – ancient glacial terrain, a floating bog, and panoramic views from a historic tower.
📍 Address: 2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436
📞 Phone: (641) 581-4835
🌐 Reservations: iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Pilot Knob 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.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, McIntosh Woods State Park is a short drive away, and Eagle Lake State Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Pilot Knob State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 62 sites — 48 Standard Electric sites, 20/30 amp, $22/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15). 12 Standard Non-Electric sites, $14/night peak. 1 Standard Full Hook-Up site, $34/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site, $15/night peak. RV lengths accommodated from 20 to 60 feet depending on site. Modern showers, restrooms and a trailer dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (877) 427-2757. Standard sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance; shelters require at least 4 days' notice, up to 12 months in advance. |
| Special sites | 3 shelters, two of them ADA accessible. Trailer dump station on site. |
Camping questions about Pilot Knob State Park
Can you camp at Pilot Knob State Park?
Yes. Pilot Knob State Park has 62 campsites. 48 Standard Electric sites, 20/30 amp, $22/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15). 12 Standard Non-Electric sites, $14/night peak. 1 Standard Full Hook-Up site, $34/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site, $15/night peak. RV lengths accommodated from 20 to 60 feet depending on site. Modern showers, restrooms and a trailer dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Pilot Knob State Park?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (877) 427-2757. Standard sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance; shelters require at least 4 days' notice, up to 12 months in advance.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pilot Knob 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 Pilot Knob 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 Pilot Knob State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
