camping spirit lake iowa

[eyemaster]

has anyone done any camping in the spirit lake area? We are looking at going down there in Sept. and looking for a nice campground, preferrably on one of the lakes.

[jps]

There is a state camp ground on the west side of Spirit, Marble Beach, I believe is the name. This is on Spirit Lake. Should be able to do a "search" and find more. A lot of the privates have gone to seasonal hook ups. Hope this helps. If not enough let us know, will look for more info!! jps

[eyemaster]

Marble beach has been mentioned to us, have you been to any of the other campgrounds in the area? We are not sure we want to be on the water, we have a one year old that likes to run. Might be hard to find that in the area.

[jps]

If you know someone with a Cutty's membership,it is south of junction 9 and 86, that nw corner of Okoboji.I think you have to be a member or guest to stay there. Very nice. About 1/2 mile south. Not on the lake but have a small pond. Also a camp ground south of highway 9 and 71 junction. That would be south of Spirit Lake Walmart.About 2 or 3 miles on the west side of Hiway 71. Cen-Ra-La or something like that. It is just east of Center Lake. I'm trying to think of some not on the water. May want to try Spirit Lake Chamber. Course that will only be chamber members. I'll post more if I think of any!!! jps

[jps]

http://www.okobojicamping.com Web site for camp ground east of Center Lake. Site makes it look like it is on the lake, but I don't think it is.They seem to close in the late summer,or pretty early fall, if it the same owners! jps

[Longline]

There are a couple county parks down there that I have stayed at. Gull Point and Emerson Bay. The camping sites are both away from the water a ways, Gull Point has more trees for shade.

[jps]

Those are both state parks. Not that it matters. Emerson has a great shower house, but the shoreline off of the camp ground is quite steep. Wouldn't want my one year old around that steep bank! There are sites away from the bank. Gull Point can be a bug haven, as with all the trees, not much breeze.If you have no need to be on the water, I'd vote for Cuttys if you can figure out a way around the membership thing.Small pool for the youngsters, large play ground. Lunch counter. They really have it all!!! Be someones guest!!! jps