Map showing campground location near Clarion, Iowa

Lake Cornelia Park

With full hookups and sites accommodating RVs up to 60 feet, Lake Cornelia Park operates seasonally from April 15 through October 15 under Wright County Conservation Board management. The campground provides electric, water, and sewer connections alongside amenities like showers, restrooms, and a dump station. Campers can access sites by driving in, walking to designated areas, or even arriving by boat.

The park centers around a small lake that supports fishing, swimming, and water sports. Tyler S. notes "You can boat, jet ski, or swim at the lake." Multiple trail systems wind through the property for hiking. Reviews consistently mention the swimming beach and generous site spacing, though several campers report crowding during peak weekends.

All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which can create competition for preferred spots. Reviewers describe clean shower facilities and level RV sites, particularly on the back side of the park. Weekend visitors often arrive early to secure lakefront positions. The campground tends to fill up when weather conditions are favorable.

For different camping experiences, Pikes Timber sits 2.4 miles east of the park.

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Location

Public Campground

Lake Cornelia Park is located in Iowa

Directions

From town, E 1 mi on Hwy 3 to CR-R45, N 5 mi (R).

Address

1768 OBrien Ave.
Clarion, IA 50525

Coordinates

42.79300093 N
93.692 W

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Connectivity

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 7 min from Ames, IA
1 hr 29 min from Des Moines, IA
1 hr 33 min from Waterloo, IA
2 hrs 3 min from Mankato, MN

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited clean facilities, level sites with lake views, and excellent family amenities including swimming beach and trails. The first-come basis requires early arrival on busy weekends.

Matt R.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2025

Great County Park

Love Lake Cornelia. We’ve camped there a couple times with hammocks and tents. It can get pretty busy on the nicer weekends, so showing up before dawn to stake out your spot isn’t unheard of. The entire park is first come, first served.

Kristy E.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 5, 2025

Beautiful place

This is a beautiful county park with lots of camping sites with great views and generous camping spots. It is on a small lake that has good fishing, full hookups, and very nice swimming b each beach. We also enjoyed walking on the many trails.

Site79

Month of VisitSeptember

Kaylyn S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Like this app

This app is very useful! It’s nice to see other people reviews to make the best choose for my family to where we camp

Month of VisitJuly

Tyler S.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 10, 2020

Great for Families

This park is great for families with kids. Very clean bathrooms. Parks all around. You can boat, jet ski, or swim at the lake.

Michael M.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 22, 2019

Clean park

Clean showers and nice level spots for RV's at least in the back side of park. Full hookups. Can get a little cramped tho when everyone comes in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Cornelia Park Campground located near Clarion, Iowa?

Lake Cornelia Park Campground is located on the shores of Lake Cornelia, a short distance from Clarion, Iowa. This beautiful county park offers camping with scenic lake views in Wright County. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to both natural attractions and local amenities. Its proximity to Clarion makes it convenient for campers who need to access town services while enjoying a lakeside camping experience in north-central Iowa.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Lake Cornelia?

Lake Cornelia offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The lake is excellent for fishing, and water enthusiasts can enjoy boating and jet skiing. There's a nice swimming beach for cooling off during warm weather. Families will appreciate the multiple parks and playgrounds throughout the area, making it particularly suitable for those camping with children. Additionally, the campground features walking trails around the property, providing opportunities for nature observation and exercise while enjoying the scenic views of this beautiful county park.

Is there a map of Lake Cornelia Campground showing campsite layouts?

No specific information is available regarding a campground map showing the layout of Lake Cornelia Campground. For current campsite maps and layout information, it's recommended to contact the Wright County Conservation Board or visit their official website. You may also check with the park office upon arrival, as they typically provide maps to incoming campers showing available sites, facilities, and trails.

What camping facilities and amenities are available at Lake Cornelia Campground?

Lake Cornelia Campground offers full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground features level spots ideal for RVs, particularly in the back section of the park, though sites can become somewhat close when the campground is full. Facilities include clean showers and well-maintained bathrooms. The generous camping spots provide nice views of the lake. For comfort and convenience, the park maintains its facilities to a high standard, making it suitable for family camping trips.

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