Swan Lake St Park Campground

For Iowans seeking a diverse and engaging outdoor experience, Swan Lake State Park Campground in Carroll offers a beautiful and amenity-rich destination. Managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board, this 510-acre multi-use area, featuring a 110-acre lake, is the largest and most diverse campground in Carroll County. Visitors consistently praise the "beautiful place" and its "beautiful view of the lake," making it a highly attractive option for both seasoned campers and those new to the joys of the outdoors.

Swan Lake State Park Campground provides a wide array of camping options, from full hookup sites perfect for RVs to dedicated tent camping areas, ensuring there's a spot for every preference. Beyond camping, the park is a hub of activity, offering stunning opportunities for wildlife viewing, including pelicans, ducks, geese, and even bison. While some reviewers noted challenges with site leveling and occasional noisy neighbors, the overall sentiment highlights the park's well-maintained facilities, including nice playgrounds and shower houses, and the sheer natural beauty that makes a visit worthwhile. For local users in Iowa, Swan Lake State Park Campground represents an accessible and comprehensive outdoor escape, combining comfort with abundant recreational and natural wonders.

Swan Lake State Park Campground is strategically located at 22811 Swan Lake Trail, Carroll, IA 51401, USA. This address places it just south of the city of Carroll, nestled within Carroll County, in west-central Iowa. The park's namesake, Swan Lake, forms the central feature of this natural haven.

Accessibility is a significant benefit for Iowans considering a visit to Swan Lake State Park. Carroll is a central hub in the region, easily reached via major state highways, making the journey to the campground straightforward from various parts of Iowa. While the park offers an immersive natural experience, its proximity to the city of Carroll means that campers have convenient access to urban amenities such such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other services. The park itself is well-signed, though some visitors have noted that the internal roads within the campground can be a bit confusing for first-time navigators. However, the reward is a "beautiful park" with diverse landscapes, including woodlands, grasslands, and the serene lake, all easily accessible for recreation. This balance of natural escape and nearby conveniences makes Swan Lake State Park Campground an ideal and practical choice for local Iowans seeking a memorable outdoor adventure without venturing too far from home.

Swan Lake State Park Campground, managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board, offers a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors.

• Campsites: The park boasts the largest and most diverse campground in Carroll County, with over 100 total campsites. This includes sites with water, electric, and full-hookup options for RVs, as well as dedicated tent camping areas. One review specifically mentioned a "50 amp full hook up spot."
• Shower Houses: "Playgrounds and shower house are nice," indicating clean and well-maintained facilities for personal hygiene.
• Concession Stand/Gift Shop: An on-site concession stand and gift shop provide convenient access to snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
• Campground Shelter House: A dedicated shelter house is available within the campground, likely for group gatherings or protection from the elements.
• Dump Station: A new dump station is available, offering a convenient facility for RV waste disposal.
• Paddleboat & Canoe Rentals: Visitors can rent paddleboats and canoes to enjoy the 110-acre Swan Lake, providing a fun water-based activity.
• Firewood & Ice Sales: Firewood and ice are available for purchase on-site, ensuring campers have essential supplies for their stay.
• Free Wireless Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the upper campground, allowing campers to stay connected if desired.
• Self-Registration & First-Come, First-Served Sites: While some sites are reservable, many operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with self-registration required upon arrival.
• Campground Hosts & Park Rangers: Campground hosts are stationed from Memorial Day through Labor Day to assist campers, and two park rangers live nearby for security.

Swan Lake State Park Campground offers numerous features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Iowans seeking outdoor recreation and natural beauty.

• Beautiful Lake Views: A standout feature, as noted by visitors, is the "beautiful view of the lake," providing a picturesque backdrop for camping and relaxation.
• Diverse Wildlife: The park is a haven for wildlife, with sightings of "pelicans, ducks, geese, and bison." This offers unique opportunities for nature photography and observation. The park also features animal exhibits and is home to bald eagles.
• Extensive Recreational Opportunities: Beyond camping, the park offers a wide array of activities including fishing (with an enclosed fish house and accessible pier), boating (boat access and rentals), hiking on concrete and nature trails, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice-fishing in winter. The Sauk Rail Trail also connects Swan Lake to Black Hawk State Park.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The "nice playgrounds" make it an ideal spot for families with children, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
• Conservation Education Center: The park is home to the Conservation Education Center, where a naturalist is available year-round for environmental education, offering engaging programs for various groups.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The positive comments on the "beautiful park," "nice playgrounds and shower house" attest to the quality and upkeep of the facilities.
• Variety of Campsites: With full hookup sites, electric sites, and tent areas, the campground caters to all types of campers and their equipment.
• On-Site Support: The presence of campground hosts and nearby park rangers provides assistance and security, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Swan Lake State Park Campground, managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board, operates with a clear fee structure designed to support the maintenance and development of this extensive park. While traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon for state and county parks, the "special offer" of Swan Lake lies in its comprehensive amenities and diverse natural attractions available at competitive rates.

Camping fees vary by site type:

• Full Hookup Sites (water, electric, sewer): A 50 amp full hookup spot was noted at $20 per night. Generally, Iowa State Park full hookup sites can range from $19-$32 per night.
• Electric Sites: These typically range from $16-$26 per night.
• Non-Electric/Tent Sites: Generally around $11-$24 per night.

It is important to note the following:

• Reservation Policy: Some sites are reservable online via Iowa State Parks (Recreation.gov or ReserveAmerica.com), while others are first-come, first-served. There is a $4.50 reservation fee for online bookings and $6 via call center. Minimum stays (e.g., two nights for weekends, three for holidays like Memorial Day/Labor Day) may apply during peak season (May 1 – October 31).
• Check-out Time: The official check-out time for Iowa State Park campgrounds is 3:00 p.m. for both reservable and walk-in sites, providing ample time on your departure day.
• Additional Vehicle Fees: An extra vehicle charge of $5.00/vehicle per night may apply for more than two passenger vehicles per site (the first vehicle is included).

For the most current rates and reservation policies, Iowans should visit the official Iowa DNR website for state parks or the Carroll County Conservation Board website. The inherent value of Swan Lake State Park Campground, with its extensive amenities and beautiful setting, makes it a consistently attractive option for local campers.

For direct inquiries regarding Swan Lake State Park Campground, including questions about site availability, specific amenities, or park rules, you can contact the managing authority, the Carroll County Conservation Board.

Address: 22811 Swan Lake Trail, Carroll, IA 51401, USA

Phone: (712) 792-4614

Mobile Phone: +1 712-792-4614 (This appears to be the same number as the main phone, reinforcing direct contact for the Conservation Board.)

Email: jludwig@carrollcountyiowa.org (This email is associated with Carroll County Conservation.)

Website: It is highly recommended to visit the official Carroll County Conservation Board website (often accessible via MyCountyParks.com) or the Iowa DNR website for Swan Lake State Park for the most up-to-date information on camping rates, reservation policies, trail maps, events, and their broader conservation efforts. Campground hosts are typically on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day for on-site assistance.

Swan Lake State Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Iowans, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and convenient amenities. Its strategic location near Carroll makes it an accessible and practical choice for residents across the state, ensuring that a refreshing escape into nature is never too far away.

The park’s status as the largest and most diverse campground in Carroll County, featuring a 110-acre lake, provides an expansive playground for all ages. Whether it’s setting up an RV with full hookups and a "beautiful view of the lake" or pitching a tent in a more secluded spot, the campground caters to every preference. The clean and well-maintained shower houses and playgrounds add significant comfort and convenience, especially for families.

What truly makes Swan Lake ideal for locals is the rich tapestry of experiences available. From observing diverse wildlife like pelicans and bison to enjoying water activities like paddleboating and canoeing, or exploring miles of trails (including the connection to the Sauk Rail Trail), there’s always something new to discover. The presence of campground hosts and park rangers ensures a safe and welcoming environment. While some sites might have leveling challenges or occasional noise, the overall positive experience, coupled with the educational opportunities at the Conservation Education Center, makes Swan Lake State Park Campground a prime local resource. It’s a place where Iowans can easily reconnect with nature, create cherished memories, and truly appreciate the natural heritage of their state.