Within Lewis and Clark State Park, this established campground sits along Blue Lake's shoreline, managed by Iowa's DNR Parks system. The campground operates year-round with full hookup sites and basic amenities, drawing primarily RV campers to its lakeside location.
The campground caters heavily to RVs and trailers, with Sharon T. noting "Very few tent only - mostly RVs/trailers." Large cottonwood trees provide shade coverage across many sites, particularly those closest to the water. Sites feature adequate spacing though privacy remains limited. The atmosphere tends toward family-friendly summer lake recreation, with campers reporting friendly interactions and generally quiet evenings after 9 PM.
Blue Lake offers direct water access for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. A designated swimming area includes an accessible beach, while a boat ramp provides lake access for watercraft. The campground includes a large playground with equipment for multiple age groups, positioned conveniently across from several lakeside sites. A visitor center houses Lewis and Clark exhibits, though availability varies seasonally. Hiking trails wind through the park, primarily consisting of mowed paths through grassland areas.
Most sites provide electric hookups only, though a limited number offer full water, sewer, and 50-amp electric service. Tony B. describes the facility as "pleasantly clean," with basic but maintained restroom and shower facilities. Cell service reports indicate good Verizon coverage. Some reviewers mention water quality concerns at filling stations and tight maneuvering at the dump station for larger RVs.
Reserve sites in advance during summer months when lake activities peak, as waterfront spots fill quickly.
Description
The Lewis and Clark campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation in the outdoors. The campground features both electric and full hook-up sites (water and sewer) which lie along the lakeshore. Modern restrooms and showers are available, as is a trailer dump station.
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Reservations for the Banquet Room will be unavailable beginning in 2024 for repairs and updates. The Banquet Room will be closed for reservations until further notice. The park office will not maintain a waiting list. If you would like to be notified when the banquet room opens, fill out the following form:**Lewis and Clark Google Form.** (Updated February 13, 2024)
Due to safety concerns created from dead or dying cottonwood trees, the campground will remain closed until further notice. The DNR will be working to remove hazardous trees while the campground is closed. When the project is completed and a final reopening date is set for the campground, the DNR will send a notification email. If you wish to be notified of the reopening, please fill out the following form: **Lewis and Clark Campground Notification Google Form.** (Posted January 30, 2026)
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.
The campground is closed each year from November 1 - March 31.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLewis and Clark State Park Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
On I-29 take the 112th exit for Onawa, Iowa and turn west on Highway 175. Approximately 3 miles west, turn right on Park Loop and you will see signage for Lewis and Clark State Park.
Address
21914 Park Loop
Onawa, IA 51040
Coordinates
42.04660548 N
96.16256067 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/2/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/2/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 26 min from Sioux City, IA
- 53 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr 34 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 1 hr 38 min from Lincoln, NE

































