Picnicking/Shelters
McIntosh Woods State Park is a popular spot for picnickers. The grassy and shaded picnic areas are a fine place for a
family cookout. An open picnic shelter has been built
near the boat ramp and can be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
McIntosh Woods State Park features a campground that was extensively renovated in the early 1980s. The campground has
49 campsites, 45 with electricity. A modern rest room and shower building are present, as well as a playground
for little ones. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the
park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available on
a first-come, first-serve basis.
Visitors to McIntosh Woods may stay in one of two yurts
available for rent. The "yurt" or "ger" as it is often referred to is based on a nomadic shelter
used in Central Asia. It is a 16-foot circular tent structure with a wood frame, lattice walls and a vinyl covering.
The yurt also has windows, a clear dome on the roof and a framed door. It comes with a full-size futon, twin bunk beds
and a table with chairs and is treated like a camping cabin rental. The yurts can be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
A one-mile nature trail takes visitors into the heart of McIntosh Woods and signs describe different features of the
park.
(Swimming, boating, fishing)
McIntosh Woods State Park is one of the major boating access points for Clear Lake. A modern boat ramp is present with
an extensive paved area for vehicle and trailer parking.
Clear Lake is very popular with anglers of all ages. A variety of fish may be taken in Clear Lake; everything from
bluegills and crappies to bass and northerns. To enhance angler enjoyment, a modern fish cleaning station is located
near the boat ramp area at McIntosh Woods.
The park has a point or peninsula of land jutting out into the lake. This area includes an unsupervised beach which
is popular for swimmers of all ages.
McIntosh Woods State Park is located on the northwest shore of beautiful 3,684-acre Clear Lake. The 60-acre park,
purchased in 1943, is an oasis of nature in an area of residential, commercial and agricultural land.
McIntosh Woods State Park is located between the cities of Clear Lake and Ventura. Mason City is 10 miles to the east
of Clear Lake and Garner is 7 miles west.
Ventura Access is located only a mile west of McIntosh Woods in the town of Ventura. The area features a boat ramp,
an open picnic shelter (which may be reserved for a
fee through the park manager), playground equipment, rest room facilities and ball field. It is an excellent spot for
a variety of outdoor recreation fun. A fishing dock is available at the boat ramp and is designed for handicap access.
1200 East Lake Street
Ventura, Iowa 50482
ph. 641/829-3847
fax 641/829-3841
E-mail address: McIntosh_Woods@dnr.iowa.gov
| 
