State Parks Near Spencer, Iowa
13 state park units lie within 50 miles of Spencer, including 1 park across the line in Minnesota. The closest is Lower Gar State Recreation Area, about 15 mi north of town. 10 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Lower Gar State Recreation Area15 mi north
- Within 25 miles
- 10of 13 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 51 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Spencer, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Spencer; driving distance is usually longer.
Lower Gar State Recreation Area
In Dickinson County, in Arnolds Park, Lower Gar State Recreation Area covers about 12 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Lower Gar State Recreation Area →Emerson Bay State Recreation Area
In Dickinson County, in Milford, Emerson Bay State Recreation Area covers about 20 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Emerson Bay State Recreation Area →Gull Point State Park
Covering about 226 acres, Gull Point State Park lies in Dickinson County, about 2 miles west of Arnolds Park.
Hours, fees and rules for Gull Point State Park →Pikes Point State Park
Pikes Point State Park is a 5-acre park in Dickinson County, about 3 miles west of Spirit Lake.
Hours, fees and rules for Pikes Point State Park →Elinor Bedell State Park
In Dickinson County, about 2 miles east of Spirit Lake, Elinor Bedell State Park covers about 91 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Elinor Bedell State Park →Templar State Recreation Area
In Dickinson County, about 3 miles north of Spirit Lake, Templar State Recreation Area covers about 87 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Templar State Recreation Area →Fort Defiance State Park
Visitors come for hiking and picnicking. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites). Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Defiance State Park →Marble Beach State Recreation Area
Marble Beach State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Dickinson County, about 4 miles north of Spirit Lake.
Hours, fees and rules for Marble Beach State Recreation Area →Trappers Bay State Park
In Dickinson County, in Lake Park, Trappers Bay State Park covers about 48 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Trappers Bay State Park →Mini-Wakan State Park
In Dickinson County, about 6 miles north of Spirit Lake, Mini-Wakan State Park covers about 21 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Mini-Wakan State Park →Okamanpedan State Park
Okamanpedan State Park is a 27-acre park in Emmet County, about 12 miles southwest of Fairmont.
Hours, fees and rules for Okamanpedan State Park →Kilen Woods State Park
Visitors come for horseback riding, golf, boating, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. Camping is available: 52 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Kilen Woods State Park →Ambrose A. Call State Park
Popular activities here are golf, horseback riding, disc golf, picnicking, and hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Ambrose A. Call State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Spencer
- Gull Point State Park 16 mi north · Campground listed
- Fort Defiance State Park 22 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Marble Beach State Recreation Area 22 mi north · Campground listed
- Kilen Woods State Park 41 mi north · 52 campsites
- Ambrose A. Call State Park 46 mi east · Campground listed
Cabins and lodging near Spencer
- Fort Defiance State Park 22 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
Hiking near Spencer
- Fort Defiance State Park 22 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Kilen Woods State Park 41 mi north · Hiking trails listed
- Ambrose A. Call State Park 46 mi east · Hiking trails listed
Questions about state parks near Spencer
What is the closest state park to Spencer?
Lower Gar State Recreation Area is the closest, about 15 miles north of Spencer in a straight line. Next are Emerson Bay State Recreation Area and Gull Point State Park.
How many state parks are near Spencer?
13 state park units are within 50 miles, and 10 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Spencer have camping?
5 parks list camping, the nearest being Gull Point State Park, Fort Defiance State Park and Marble Beach State Recreation Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Spencer?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Spencer?
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 Storm Lake, IA35 mi south
- Near Worthington, MN40 mi northwest
- Near Fairmont, MN49 mi northeast
- Near Fort Dodge, IA66 mi southeast
- Near Carroll, IA76 mi south
- Near Sioux City, IA77 mi southwest
- Near Sioux Falls, SD84 mi west
- Near New Ulm, MN87 mi northeast
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.