McIntosh Woods State Park

Clear Lake is Iowa's second-largest natural lake. Covering more than 3,600 acres, this beautiful lake offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities and draws visitors from far and wide.

If you're looking to check out Clear Lake and take your canine companion along for the ride, one of the best places to do it is in McIntosh Woods State Park. This 60-acre natural refuge sits on the lake's northwestern shores, providing easy access to a host of outdoor recreation activities.

The park is one of the major boating access points for Clear Lake, offering a modern boat ramp and plenty of parking. Out on the lake, anglers of all ages can target walleye, panfish, and channel catfish.

The park also features a peninsula that sticks out into the lake, which is where you can find an unsupervised swimming beach. This is a popular spot for swimmers looking to escape the summer heat, but please take note that dogs are not allowed on beaches.

When you're not exploring the lake's impressive expanse of water, you might like to tackle the park's one-mile interpretive hiking trail. This leads you through the Mallard Marsh on a raised walkway, eventually winding its way to a wildlife viewing blind. When you've finished exploring, you can stop for lunch in the park's grassy and shaded picnic area.

For those looking to stay the night, the McIntosh Woods State Park campground features almost 50 electric and non-electric sites. Prices vary by accommodation type, but thrifty pet parents will be happy to know that daily rates start at just $6 in the off-season. Pets are welcome in the campground, and two pet-friendly yurts are also available. 

Pets are welcome in McIntosh Woods State Park, provided they're kept on a leash of six feet or shorter and never left unattended. Make sure you also remember to clean up after your pooch whenever necessary.

If you love boating, fishing, camping, or just being in the great outdoors, you and your dog will love camping in this beautiful park. Make sure you check it out if you ever get the chance.