Park Update: Following an extensive hazard tree removal project, Lewis and Clark State Park will reopen for day use and campground reservations on July 17, 2026. The Visitor Center and Keel Boat Exhibit will remain closed until further notice, due to ongoing HVAC renovations.
Please note: due to the hazard tree removal, some areas have not had grass re-established, and grounds may appear to be in slight disrepair. Tree stumps are still present and will be removed after October 2026. Additionally, the campsite photos on the reservation system have not been updated and do not reflect current conditions. Very few tree shaded sites are available; please plan accordingly. (Posted July 13, 2026)
Lewis and Clark State Park: Lewis and Clark State Park continues experiencing low water levels in Blue Lake -- Due to the ongoing drought-like conditions, the dock is not installed at the boat ramps. The beach shelter/bath house will also remain closed due to the low water levels rendering the swimming beach unusable.
Banquet Room Closure: Reservations for the Banquet Room will be unavailable beginning in 2024 for repairs and updates. The Banquet Room will be closed for reservations until further notice. The park office will not maintain a waiting list. If you would like to be notified when the banquet room opens, fill out the following form: Lewis and Clark Google Form.
(Updated February 13, 2024)
(Updated February 13, 2024)
Campground Operations: This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.
Campground Closed: The campground is closed each year from November 1 - March 31.
Book a Campsite at Lewis and Clark State Park, IA
Overview
Description
Lewis and Clark State Park is an area full of history. The park is named for Meriwether Lewis, Secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, and Captain William Clark, United States Army, who were commissioned by President Jefferson in 1804 to head an expedition into the northwest to explore the vast territory purchased from France. With twenty-six men and supplies, Lewis and Clark led their expedition up the Missouri River from St. Louis by keelboat.
On August 9 and 10, 1804, Lewis and Clark spent time at the site where the state park is now. Please take the opportunity to view the full-size reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat on display and constructed by local volunteers and park staff. Lewis and Clark State Park lies on the shores of Blue Lake, an ox-bow formed by the meanderings of the Missouri River many years ago.
Recreation:
Trails
Lewis and Clark State Park is a fine place for a leisurely hike. On the trails, park visitors can see a variety of trees, shrubs, and, often, wildlife including deer, rabbits and squirrels, as well as a wide variety of bird species.
Lake Activities
The 250 acres of Blue Lake offer a variety of water-oriented recreational opportunities. The beach is a fine place for sunbathing and swimming. One double boat ramp is available for easy lake access. No restrictions are placed on motor size.
Keelboat Display While visiting Lewis and Clark, please take the opportunity to view the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat/barge, "Best Friend," which was constructed by Butch Bouvier of L&C Replicas. The keelboat display room offers visitors the ability to see all of the boats that were utilized on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The replica boats on display are a keelboat, two pirogues, a dug-out canoe, The Iron Boat, and a bull boat. Also on display are many informative pieces from the expedition.
Facilities:
Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Lewis and Clark is a very popular area for family picnics. The park has more than 30 acres of picnic grounds with tables, fire grills and drinking water. One open picnic shelter is available for picnic use on a first-come/first-serve basis and may be rented through the park office.
The day-use lodge at Lewis and Clark is a fine place for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions. The lodge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lodge may be reserved for a fee online.
Camping
The Lewis and Clark campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation in the outdoors. The campground features both electric and full hook-up sites (water and sewer) which lie along the lakeshore. Modern restrooms and showers are available, as is a trailer dump station.
Nearby Attractions:
Onawa is five miles east of the park on State Highway 175. Blencoe is five miles east and seven miles south on U.S. Highway 75. Turin is twelve miles east on State Highway 175. Sioux City is forty-one miles north on Interstate 29. Council Bluffs is sixty-five miles south on Interstate 29.
Booking Window
Buddy
Sun Aug 23 2026 - Mon Nov 23 2026Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Day-use Lodge
Thu Aug 27 2026 - Mon Aug 23 2027Reservations must be made 4 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric
Sun Aug 23 2026 - Mon Nov 23 2026Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Full Hook-Up
Sun Aug 23 2026 - Mon Nov 23 2026Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Youth Group Only
Sun Aug 23 2026 - Mon Nov 23 2026Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Season Dates
Lewis and Clark Visitor Center Banquet Room:
Reservable: January 1 - December 31
Lewis and Clark Lodge:
Reservable: May 1 - October 15
Lewis and Clark Campground:
Closed: January 1 - March 31
Off Peak: April 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - October 31
Closed: November 1 - December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Peak
Fri May 01 2026
Thu Oct 15 2026
Off Peak
Fri Oct 16 2026
Sat Oct 31 2026
Off Peak
Thu Apr 01 2027
Fri Apr 30 2027
Peak
Sat May 01 2027
Fri Oct 15 2027
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Area Attraction
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Boating
- Dump Station
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing
- Horseshoe Pits
- Hunting
- Interpretive Display
- Lake
- Modern Restroom
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Programs, History
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- Retail, Firewood
- Retail, Ice
- Seasonal Festivals
- Showers
- Swimming - Beach
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Visitor Center
- Water Hydrants
Within 10 Miles
- Arboretum
- Fuel, Boats
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Grocery Store
- Hospital
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Nature Center
- Town
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Click here to view the cancellation policy.
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Peak Season
May 01 2026 -
Oct 15 2026
May 01 2026 -
Oct 15 2026
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$38.00
Standard Electric
$26.00
Day-use Lodge
$62.50-$150.00
Buddy
$52.00
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2026 -
Oct 31 2026
Oct 16 2026 -
Oct 31 2026
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Day-use Lodge
$62.50-$150.00
Buddy
$40.00
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2027 -
Apr 30 2027
Apr 01 2027 -
Apr 30 2027
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Day-use Lodge
$62.50-$150.00
Buddy
$40.00
Peak Season
May 01 2027 -
Oct 15 2027
May 01 2027 -
Oct 15 2027
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$38.00
Standard Electric
$26.00
Day-use Lodge
$62.50-$150.00
Buddy
$52.00
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.04194, -96.16778
42°2'31"N, 96°10'4"W
On I-29 take the 112th exit for Onawa, Iowa and turn west on Highway 175. Approximately 3 miles west, turn right on Park Loop and you will see signage for Lewis and Clark State Park.
42.04194, -96.16778
42°2'31"N, 96°10'4"W
On I-29 take the 112th exit for Onawa, Iowa and turn west on Highway 175. Approximately 3 miles west, turn right on Park Loop and you will see signage for Lewis and Clark State Park.
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