Pine Lake State Park Campground operates year-round with sites ranging from free to $90 per night, requiring reservations during peak season. The campground sits within forested terrain along Upper Pine Lake, though campers should note that road access can be rough according to multiple visitor reports.
The facility features updated bathroom and shower houses that reviewers consistently praise for cleanliness. MitchRoeschlein notes they "recently updated the bathroom/shower houses to be shared bathroom spaces with individual shower 'closets.'" Sites vary significantly in levelness, with some offering direct lake views while others sit closer to the road. The 35mph speed limit keeps road noise manageable for most campers.
Fishing draws many visitors to both Upper Pine Lake and the nearby Iowa River system. Hiking and biking trails connect throughout the park, with one reviewer describing an easy ride to Eldora via the trail system. The lower lake provides swimming access, while paddlers can explore both upper and lower sections. Carolyn C. describes "great walking paths" along the water.
Weekend crowds increase substantially during peak season, but midweek visits often provide more solitude. Cell service varies by site location, and dumpsters sometimes fill up during busy periods. The town of Eldora provides groceries and supplies within easy reach. Sites accommodate RVs with electric, water, and sewer hookups available.
For different camping experiences, Tower Rock offers a more rustic alternative just north of the area.
Description
Pine Lake State Park is a hidden gem with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views in the midst of Iowa’s rolling farmland. Historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) can be found throughout the park, including the Pine Lodge, beach house and stone cabins, which have been carefully restored. Pine Lake is filled with beautiful picnic areas to enjoy a quiet setting by the river or an overlook of the park’s lake. The park originally was home to Iowa’s southernmost stand of native pine trees which were wiped out by a severe hailstorm in August 2009; today hundreds of caged tree seedlings are scattered throughout the park as part of a reforestation effort.
Stay overnight in one of four cozy cabins at Pine Lake, with stone fireplaces and outdoor fire rings. One cabin is ADA accessible, and all cabins include a full kitchen and bath, along with heating and air conditioning for year-round stays. The park’s campground offers electric sites with modern showers and restrooms and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pine Lake State Park.
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
Upper Boat Ramp Shelter is CLOSED until further notice after a tree fell on the shelter, causing damage. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this closure please contact park staff via: (641)-858-5832 or pine.lake@dnr.iowa.gov (POSTED 02/19/2026)
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 641-858-5832 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
Modern restrooms, shower facilities, water hydrants and dump station are closed. Vault Toilets are available at the Circle Point Shelter and Upper Boat Ramp. (Posted 10/15/2025)
Cabins at Pine Lake State Park will be closed from 03/01/2026-05/26/2026 for a parking improvement project that will be occurring in the cabin and river parking area. When project is completed cabins will reopen. If you have questions or concerns about this closure or project please contact park staff via: 641-858-5832 or pine.lake@dnr.iowa.gov (POSTED 12/15/2025)
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPine Lake State Park Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
From U.S. Highway 20: Exit U.S. Hwy 20 at the Eldora/Steamboat Rock exit, turn south on county road S-56. Stop at the four way stop in Steamboat Rock and continue south on County Road S-56 for about two miles. The campground will be on the left at the stone portal. The rest of Pine Lake will be on both sides of the road before you reach state Highway 175. Hwy 175: From Eldora on Hwy 175 on the east edge of Eldora, turn north on the first left through the stone portals on S-56. Lower Pine Lake will be on your right. The cabins and the Iowa River will be on your left. The campground and Upper Pine Lake will be on your right approximately one and one-half miles from Hwy 175 on County Road S-56.
Address
22620 County Highway S56
Eldora, IA 50627
Coordinates
42.3769718 N
93.06747675 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 46 min from Waterloo, IA
- 52 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 10 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 27 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
