🌤 Weather at Swan Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–71 °F | 60–84 °F | 27–76 °F | 10–33 °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 Carroll, 2 mi away, elevation 1,240 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Swan Lake State Park is an Iowa state park just south of Carroll, managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board. Its 510 acres wrap around a lake of roughly 110 acres, and the woods along the shore are home to deer, wild turkey, small mammals and a variety of birds.
Who Runs Swan Lake
The state acquired the land in 1933. In 1959 the Carroll County Conservation Board signed a management agreement with the state that gave it the authority to maintain and develop the park, and the county has run it since. That is why the Iowa DNR lists Swan Lake among the “state parks managed by other entities” in its 2026 state park guide. For park questions, call the county board at (712) 792-4614.
Camping at Swan Lake
Swan Lake has the largest and most varied campground in Carroll County: more than 100 sites with water, electric or full hookups for RVs, plus room for tents. Camping is first-come, first-served. The park does not take campsite reservations, and Iowa’s state park reservation system does not cover Swan Lake, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends.
Shower houses, a campground shelter house, a dump station and firewood and ice sales are on site. Campground hosts are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and free Wi-Fi covers the upper campground (park information as of October 2026). Nightly rates are not published on the pages we could read, so check with the county board before you go.
On the Water
The Iowa DNR measured Swan Lake at 120 surface acres with a maximum depth of 11.9 feet in 2021; boats must keep to no-wake speed. The DNR lists a hard-surface boat ramp, a fishing jetty, an accessible fishing pier, a beach, boat rentals and a concession at the lake, and paddleboats and canoes can be rented in the park.
Anglers will find a lake that has recovered well from a large fish kill in the summer of 2015, caused by low oxygen after a massive algae bloom. According to the DNR’s fishing summary (last updated August 2019), the largemouth bass population is very strong, harvestable bluegill and crappie are there if you sort through plenty of small fish, channel catfish are stocked regularly, and the number of small bullhead has grown.
Trails
Trails run through the park, and the Sauk Rail Trail connects Swan Lake with Lake View to the north, according to the Iowa DNR’s list of county parks and trails.
Getting There
The park lies about 2 miles south and 1 mile east of Carroll. The listed address is 22676 Swan Lake Dr, Carroll, Iowa.
Sources
- Travel Iowa: Swan Lake State Park, managed by Carroll County Conservation Board (size, history, management agreement)
- Carroll Area Chamber: Swan Lake State Park (campground, first-come camping, amenities)
- Iowa DNR Fish Iowa: Swan Lake (lake size, depth, amenities, fishing summary)
- Iowa DNR state park guide 2026 (list of state parks managed by other entities)
Last checked by the America’s State Parks Editorial Team: October 2026.
⛺ Camping at Swan Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 100+ campsites — Water, electric and full-hookup sites for RVs, plus tent camping, in the largest campground in Carroll County. Shower houses, a campground shelter house and a dump station. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | No campsite reservations: camping is first-come, first-served. Not part of the Iowa state park reservation system. Carroll County Conservation Board, (712) 792-4614. |
| Special sites | Campground hosts on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day; free Wi-Fi in the upper campground; paddleboat and canoe rentals; firewood and ice sales. |
Camping questions about Swan Lake State Park
Can you camp at Swan Lake State Park?
Yes. Swan Lake State Park has 100+ campsites. Water, electric and full-hookup sites for RVs, plus tent camping, in the largest campground in Carroll County. Shower houses, a campground shelter house and a dump station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Swan Lake State Park?
No campsite reservations: camping is first-come, first-served. Not part of the Iowa state park reservation system. Carroll County Conservation Board, (712) 792-4614.
Source: carrolliowa.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Swan 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 Swan 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 Map
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