Located in Northwest Iowa, Okoboji is a popular destination for camping, boating, and fishing. The area is home to various campgrounds that offer different amenities and activities.
What are the best campgrounds near Lake Okoboji, Iowa?
Cenla Campgrounds
Cenla Campgrounds is located in Okoboji, Iowa. The campground is open year-round and offers both RV sites and cabins for rent. Cenla Campgrounds provides a variety of activities for campers.
The campground is very close to Lake Okoboji, so there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and boating. Cenla also has a playground and basketball court for kids. A volleyball net, horseshoe pit, and shuffleboard are also available at the campground.
Amenities:
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramps
- Picnic tables
- fire rings
- Restrooms with showers
Gull Point State Park
Gull Point State Park is one of the best campgrounds near Lake Okoboji, Iowa. It offers a variety of camping options, including RV sites, cabins, and tent sites. The park also has a swimming beach, a playground, and a picnic area.
The park is located in the town of Hull at the end of Iowa Highway 28. It is about 7 miles from Lake Okoboji and just over an hour’s drive from the Des Moines area. There are three campgrounds at Gull Point State Park: the main campground, a primitive group camping area, and an equestrian camping area. The main campground has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.
Amenities:
- Swimming beach
- Playground
- Picnic area
- Showers
Brooks Campground
If you’re looking for a great place to camp near Lake Okoboji, Iowa, you should check out Brooks Golf Course & Campground. This campground is situated on a beautiful 18-hole golf course and offers both RV and tent camping sites. The campground also has a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a clubhouse with a kitchen, game room, and shower.
Campsites are $20/night for tent camping or $30 for RV sites with hookups. Discounts are available throughout the summer.
Amenities:
- Swimming pool
- Laundry facilities
- Clubhouse with kitchen
- Showers
- RV sites with hookups
Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park is one of the best campgrounds near Lake Okoboji, Iowa. The campground is situated on a beautiful peninsula that juts into the lake. The campsites are large and well-spaced, and plenty of activities keep you busy, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and canoeing.
The campground is in a wooded area, so if you are looking for more privacy than other Okoboji campsites, this might be the place to go. The campground has two playgrounds and several hiking trails. The trail system is extensive; it connects with many other trails in the area. The sites are also well-shaded, which makes them an excellent choice for hot summer days.
Amenities:
- Camping
- Playgrounds
- Hiking trails
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Canoeing
Oar’s Campground
Oar’s campground is an excellent option if you’re looking for a great campground near Lake Okoboji, Iowa. With over 100 sites, there’s a perfect spot for you. Oar’s campground offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, playground, and fishing dock. There’s also a camp store and laundry facilities on-site. Oar’s campground is an excellent option for RV camping, tent camping, and group camping.
Amenities:
- Camp Store
- Group Camping
- Tent Camping
- Swimming Pool
- Playground
- Fishing Dock
- Laundry Facilities
Okoboji View Resort
Okoboji View Resort is one of the best campgrounds near Lake Okoboji, Iowa. It offers beautiful views of the lake, and the campsites are well-maintained and spacious. The staff is friendly and helpful, and plenty of activities keep everyone entertained, like swimming, fishing, and horseback riding. The resort also provides boat slips for rent so you can enjoy the lake.
Amenities:
- Camping cabins and yurts
- Swimming pool
- Fishing
- Hiking trails
- Horseback riding
- Boat slips
Bridges Bay Resort
If you’re looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Okoboji, Iowa, you’ll want to check out Bridges Bay Resort. Its convenient location and wide range of amenities make it the perfect place to set up camp for a few days or even longer.
Bridges Bay Resort is a great place to stay while enjoying all the activities Lake Okoboji offers. The resort provides an RV, tent camping, and cabins for those who want a little more comfort. Plenty of activities keep you busy, including a swimming pool, a playground, and a game room.
Emerson Bay State Park
Emerson Bay State Park is an excellent option if you’re looking for a great place to camp near Lake Okoboji, Iowa. The campground is located on the shore of the lake and offers beautiful views. Plenty of activities keep you busy, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking.
The park also features a group campground, which is great if you’re traveling with a big group. There is a shelter, which is excellent for large gatherings. The campsites are in grassy areas and are close to the bathroom facilities.
The park has two swimming beaches and a playground area perfect for kids of all ages. There are also plenty of picnic areas with tables and grills. A boat ramp is available for those who want to try fishing or boating.
The campground has several activities, including arts and crafts and games. The group campground also has a large pavilion that can be reserved for parties and gatherings.
Camping Regulations at Lake Okoboji Campgrounds
Following are the rules and regulations for camping at Lake Okoboji:
- All campers must register at the campground office before setting up camp.
- Campsites must be occupied the first night and cannot be left unoccupied for more than 24 hours.
- A maximum of two vehicles are allowed per campsite.
- Only one camping unit is allowed per campsite.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
- Check-out time is noon.
- Pets are allowed in the campground but must be on a leash at all times.
- All garbage must be disposed of in the garbage cans provided.
- Campfires are permitted in the fire pits provided.

What time of the year is best for lake Okoboji camping?
Campers will find that the weather at Lake Okoboji is generally pleasant during all seasons. Camping in the summer months may be too hot for some campers, but those who enjoy swimming and boating will find the water warm enough to enjoy.
Campers who want to get away from it all and enjoy nature at its best should visit Lake Okoboji in the fall or winter.
What does the word Okoboji mean?
The word Okoboji comes from the Sioux Indian language and means “deep water.” The word Okoboji is pronounced: “o-KOE-boe-jee.”
How big is Lake Okoboji?
Lake Okoboji covers a surface area of 1,845 acres and has a maximum depth of 92 feet. The average depth is 20 feet. Lake Okoboji has a shoreline of about 42 miles and is located in Dickinson County, Iowa. It’s part of the Upper Iowa River drainage basin.