State Parks Near Mason City, Iowa
7 state park units lie within 50 miles of Mason City, including 2 parks across the line in Minnesota. The closest is Clear Lake State Park, about 10 mi west of town. 4 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Clear Lake State Park10 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 4of 7 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 64 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 1pets allowed
State parks near Mason City, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Mason City; driving distance is usually longer.
Clear Lake State Park
The park supports swimming and hiking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and showers. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Clear Lake State Park →McIntosh Woods State Park
Things to do include boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers. Roofed lodging includes yurts.
Hours, fees and rules for McIntosh Woods State Park →Pilot Knob State Park
Visitors come for horseback riding and hiking. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Pilot Knob State Park →Rice Lake State Park
The park supports picnicking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Rice Lake State Park →Beeds Lake State Park
The park supports boating, fishing, and hiking. On the water side, there is a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups and group camping. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Beeds Lake State Park →Myre-Big Island State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 15 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Myre-Big Island State Park →Lake Louise State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. Its trail network totals roughly 11.6 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Louise State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Mason City
- Clear Lake State Park 10 mi west · Campground listed
- McIntosh Woods State Park 13 mi west · Campground listed
- Pilot Knob State Park 20 mi west · Campground listed
- Beeds Lake State Park 26 mi south · Campground listed
- Myre-Big Island State Park 35 mi north · 130 campsites
+ 1 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Mason City
- Clear Lake State Park 10 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- McIntosh Woods State Park 13 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Beeds Lake State Park 26 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Myre-Big Island State Park 35 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Mason City
- Myre-Big Island State Park 35 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Mason City
- Clear Lake State Park 10 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Rice Lake State Park 23 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Myre-Big Island State Park 35 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Louise State Park 44 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Mason City
- Clear Lake State Park 10 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- McIntosh Woods State Park 13 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Pilot Knob State Park 20 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Beeds Lake State Park 26 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Myre-Big Island State Park 35 mi north · Hiking trails listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Fishing near Mason City
- McIntosh Woods State Park 13 mi west · Fishing listed
- Beeds Lake State Park 26 mi south · Fishing listed
- Myre-Big Island State Park 35 mi north · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Mason City
What is the closest state park to Mason City?
Clear Lake State Park is the closest, about 10 miles west of Mason City in a straight line. Next are McIntosh Woods State Park and Pilot Knob State Park.
How many state parks are near Mason City?
7 state park units are within 50 miles, and 4 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Mason City have camping?
6 parks list camping, the nearest being Clear Lake State Park, McIntosh Woods State Park and Pilot Knob State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Mason City?
Yes, at 1 park, including Myre-Big Island State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Mason City?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Austin, MN38 mi north
- Near Waterloo, IA62 mi southeast
- Near Fort Dodge, IA66 mi southwest
- Near Rochester, MN70 mi northeast
- Near Fairmont, MN72 mi northwest
- Near Faribault, MN80 mi north
- Near Ames, IA80 mi south
- Near Mankato, MN81 mi northwest
Or see all Iowa state parks, Minnesota state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.