McIntosh Woods State Park Recovering From Storm Damage, Planning Campground Renovation

CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — McIntosh Woods State Park in Clear Lake is continuing its recovery from a powerful 2025 storm while preparing for a major campground renovation planned for 2026.

The popular North Iowa park sustained significant damage on July 28, 2025, when a severe storm uprooted or destroyed about 120 trees throughout the area. Despite the widespread tree damage, no visitors were injured and no buildings were harmed.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with partner organizations, worked to clear debris and repair the park. McIntosh Woods reopened to visitors on Aug. 22, 2025.

Recovery efforts are still underway and include filling large holes left by uprooted trees, reseeding damaged areas and planting new trees. Officials say eight trees have already been replanted thanks to donations from Iowans.

Looking ahead, the park’s campground will close in 2026 for a major renovation project. The upgraded campground is expected to reopen for the 2027 season.

Plans for the project include a redesigned campground layout, construction of a new shower house, full hook-up campsites and upgraded electrical service.

While the campground is closed during construction, other park amenities will remain open to visitors. The boat ramp, fish cleaning station, picnic areas, yurts, trails and shoreline access will continue operating, allowing guests to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, hiking and birdwatching.

McIntosh Woods State Park was established in 1944 and covers about 60 acres along the shore of Clear Lake. The park features the only two yurts in Iowa’s state park system and includes a 1.5-mile boardwalk trail through Mallard Marsh.