If you’re an avid RV traveler with a thirst for outdoor adventures, you’ve probably visited several destinations that have elevated your outdoor experience. If you’re planning a trip to Iowa, there’s one destination you must add to your list — Gull Point State Park.

Situated in the Great Lakes region of northwest Iowa, Gull Point State Park is a water haven destination given its proximity to one of Iowa’s most popular lakes — West Okoboji Lake. If you’re ready to add a Gull Point State Park Iowa trip to your outdoor quests, continue reading this guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know for RV camping near Gull Point State Park, including seasonal visits, outdoor activities, and even some interesting Gull Point State Park facts!

Gull Point State Park Facts

There’s nothing like some trivia to get you caught up before your first trip. Here are some Gull Point State Park facts.

• Gull Point State Park was established in 1933.
• The Gull Point Lodge (built by the Civilian Conservation Corps) is used for weddings and family reunions and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
• About half of the campsites at this park are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• West Okoboji Lake is considered one of the prime locations for fishing in Iowa.
• Gull Point is the second largest Iowa state park.

It’s time to plan your trip! Let’s take a look at some RV parks near Gull Point State Park.

Best Gull Point State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

Since you’ll be RV camping near Gull Point State Park, you’ll want to consider your best options for camping. Here are some of the best Gull Point State Park RV parks.

Arnolds Park Campground

Amenities: Located 10 minutes from Gull Point, Arnolds Park Campground is one of the most well-maintained RV parks near Gull Point State Park. There’s a boat ramp, picnic tables, and fire pits. All campsites have electricity, but only three of them have water. Keep in mind that the maximum stay for any visitor is 14 days.

Capacity: 50 RV sites

More Information: Arnolds Park Campground

Fieldstone RV Park

Amenities: Fieldstone RV Park is also within a 10-minute drive to Gull Point State Park. Given its location along the Great Lakes, visitors can explore nearby golf courses, amusement, and public parks. To top it off, this park also offers several hookups complete with water and electricity.

Capacity: 200 RV sites

More Information: Fieldstone RV Park

Cenla RV Park

Amenities: Cenla RV Park offers fully-operational electric and water sites with just about everything you need for a convenient and entertaining experience. These include picnic tables, fire rings, cable tv, and free Wi-Fi. For activities, there’s a basketball court, a recreation room, fishing docks, and lakefront sites.

Capacity: 150 RV sites

More Information: Cenla RV Park

Marble Beach State Recreational Area

Amenities: Out of all the RV parks near Gull Point State Park listed here, Marble Beach holds the title for the largest campground in the Iowa Great Lakes area. Enjoy a close stay to Spirit Lake, where you can cast your line and catch several types of fish. This campground includes both electric and non-electric sites. Other notable features include paved roads, shower facilities, and nearby attractions such as Arnolds Park.

Capacity: 224 RV sites

More Information: Marble Beach State Recreational Area

Gull Point State Park Campground

Amenities: If you have an RV rental, Gull Point State Park Campground will provide you with the best close-up experience that this park has to offer. You get access to expansive trail systems, water recreation activities, wildlife viewing, and local events. This campground also offers picnic areas, portable grills, and potable water stations. Some sites have 30 amp electric hookups. 

Capacity: 112 RV sites

More Information: Gull Point State Park Campground

Best Time To Visit Gull Point State Park for RV Camping

If this is your first time visiting the Hawkeye State, you’ll find that Iowa goes through significant weather-related changes each season. Check out the following section to learn more about the best time to visit Gull Point State Park.

Winter

Don’t underestimate the brutal nature of a Gull Point State Park Iowa trip in the winter. From January through March, you can expect average highs between 22 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind speeds average 11 miles per hour, with overnight lows that drop to as low as 10 degrees. The upside to such a harsh environment is that visitors can enjoy some cross-country skiing on the trails. Just make sure you bring all the necessary equipment. 

Spring

Springtime is still relatively cold for RV camping near Gull Point State Park. In March, temperatures can drop to as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit while rising to 42 degrees. Between April and May, those temperatures will steadily rise, providing a much more pleasant experience for visitors. Use this time to explore the park’s trails. We recommend the Barney Peterson Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile trail suited for just about anyone. 

Summer  

It should come as no surprise that summertime at Gull Point State Park is much different compared to all the other seasons. Those bitter cold nights disappear, wildlife emerges, and best of all, there are several recreational activities to enjoy at West Okoboji Lake. There’s fishing, boating, swimming, and canoeing. Keep in mind that the peak season for camping occurs between late May and early September, so be sure to reserve your spot at one of the RV parks near Gull Point State Park.

Fall 

By mid-October, you should start to see re-emerging signs of the cold weather. The upside to that is that you get to witness some striking Iowa fall colors, which makes this season arguably the best time to visit Gull Point State Park. Expect daily high temperatures in October to hover in the upper 50s, which is a great temperature for hiking. By November, daily high temperatures drop to around 42 degrees.

Things To Do in Gull Point State Park

Gull Point’s location along Iowa’s Great Lakes makes it a wonderful state park for engaging in several recreational activities. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Gull Point State Park.

• Swimming. Given that West Okoboji Lake is considered one of the most popular lakes in Iowa, it’s no surprise that swimming is one of the best things to do in Gull Point State Park. It’s a great way to engage in a family-friendly activity while making heartwarming memories.
• Fishing. West Okoboji and Spirit Lake are filled with an abundance of fish species. These include the walleye, the northern pike, and the yellow bass. If you don’t have the proper fishing equipment, you can stop at a nearby sports equipment retailer and use their rental services.  
• Boating. Watercraft of all types, including jet skis and powerboats are allowed on the West Okoboji Lake. Visitors also receive access to both fishing and boating docks, which makes it easier if you have an RV rental for Gull Point State Park.
• Hiking. Take advantage of the park’s extensive trail system, which connects several recreational areas. If you don’t mind socializing with others, explore the park’s most popular trail — the Barney Peterson Nature Trail.
• Cross-Country Skiing. Fight off those long, challenging winter days with some cross-country skiing on the park’s snow-covered trails. Keep in mind that skiers must stay on marked trails.

Tips for Visiting Gull Point State Park

Just like any other outdoor adventure, there’s a set of guidelines that visitors should consider for their first visit. Make the most out of your Gull Point State Park RV camping trip by keeping the following tips in mind.

• You must register your watercraft with the state of Iowa before bringing it to the lake.
• It’s unclear whether the trails are groomed in the winter for cross-country skiers, so make sure you bring all the equipment you’ll need.
• If you plan on RV camping in Gull Point State Park during a holiday weekend, make sure you beat the crowds by booking your site in advance.
• Dogs inside the campground must be on a leash and be well-behaved.
• Individuals ages 16 and older must obtain an Iowa fishing license.

Ready to hit the road? Book your RV rental today!

RV Rental for Gull Point State Park

With all the possibilities awaiting you at Gull Point State Park in Iowa, the last thing you need to worry about is selecting a proper vehicle for the journey.

Cruise America’s RV rentals are customizable and designed with all the amenities you need to accommodate your adventurous lifestyle. Make the journey as memorable as the trip. Contact Cruise America and get yourself an RV rental for Gull Point State Park.