🌤 Weather at Pine Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–70 °F | 59–84 °F | 26–76 °F | 8–32 °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 Eldora, 2 mi away, elevation 1,073 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pine Lake State Park is a public state park in Iowa near Eldora in Hardin County. Spanning 654 acres and established in 1926, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Eldora |
| County | Hardin County |
| Park Size | 654 acres |
| Established | 1926 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Pine Lake State Park is located near Eldora, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 42.3778, -93.0631.
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
Pine Lake 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
Pine Lake SP — 585 acres — features two lakes and native white pine forest — a relic from when Iowa’s climate was cooler. The park’s pine forest, lakes, and prairie support bald eagles, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer. Largemouth bass and bluegill fill the lakes.
Nearby Attractions
Eldora — adjacent. Iowa Falls — 20 miles north — the “Scenic City” with a limestone-carved river gorge.
More parks in Iowa: Dinesen Prairie State Preserve and Beeds Lake State Park. See the full Iowa state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at Pine Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 76 sites — 64 Standard Electric sites, 20/30/50 amp, $24/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Non-Electric sites, $16/night peak. 3 Standard Full Hook-Up sites (electric/water/sewer), $36/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site. RV lengths accommodated from 20 to 60 feet depending on site. Modern restrooms and showers, trailer dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 Modern Family Cabins ($90/night, $540/week peak) and 2 Studio Family Cabins ($75/night, $450/week peak); heat, air conditioning and fireplace. One cabin is ADA accessible. Renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, toiletry items, cooking utensils and dinnerware. |
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Campsites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance, until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival; cabins and shelters require at least 4 days' notice, up to 12 months in advance. |
| Special sites | 4 shelters and a day-use lodge available for rent. Trailer dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Campground open April 1-October 31 only. |
Camping questions about Pine Lake State Park
Can you camp at Pine Lake State Park?
Yes. Pine Lake State Park has 76 campsites. 64 Standard Electric sites, 20/30/50 amp, $24/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Non-Electric sites, $16/night peak. 3 Standard Full Hook-Up sites (electric/water/sewer), $36/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site. RV lengths accommodated from 20 to 60 feet depending on site. Modern restrooms and showers, trailer dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Pine Lake State Park?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Campsites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance, until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival; cabins and shelters require at least 4 days' notice, up to 12 months in advance.
Are there cabins at Pine Lake State Park?
2 Modern Family Cabins ($90/night, $540/week peak) and 2 Studio Family Cabins ($75/night, $450/week peak); heat, air conditioning and fireplace. One cabin is ADA accessible. Renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, toiletry items, cooking utensils and dinnerware.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pine Lake 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 Pine Lake 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 Pine Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
