Kearny Park Campground

For Iowa residents seeking a beloved and convenient camping destination with excellent recreational opportunities, Kearny Park Campground in Emmetsburg consistently receives high praise. This charming campground, nestled along the beautiful Five Island Lake, has become a cherished "home away from home" for many, drawing repeat visitors year after year. Its appeal lies in its combination of great camping facilities, fantastic fishing, and close proximity to a friendly town that provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Kearny Park Campground is particularly well-regarded by those who appreciate quality outdoor activities. Reviewers frequently highlight the "great camping" experience and the excellent opportunities for fishing and kayaking on Five Island Lake. This makes it an ideal spot for anglers looking for "the best fishing in Northwest Iowa" and paddlers eager to explore the serene waters. The ability to access these activities directly from the campground significantly enhances the overall value for outdoor enthusiasts.

The surrounding town of Emmetsburg also plays a crucial role in the campground's appeal. Described as a "nice town, with all the necessities," it ensures that campers have easy access to groceries (like Hy-Vee, where one reviewer even suggested looking for "dog and hog toys"), supplies, and other services. This convenience means less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the natural surroundings and campground camaraderie. The combination of a peaceful natural setting with readily available town amenities creates a balanced and stress-free camping experience.

Whether you're a seasoned tent camper who visits "3 or 4 times a year" or an RVer looking for a welcoming spot, Kearny Park Campground offers a friendly atmosphere where great memories are made. While a common outdoor challenge like mosquitoes is noted, it's a minor consideration for the overall positive experience. For Iowa locals, this campground represents a reliable and enjoyable option for getting away, reconnecting with nature, and building lasting family traditions.

Kearny Park Campground is conveniently located at 14 N Lawler St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA. This address places it directly along the west shore of Five Island Lake in Emmetsburg, a welcoming community in Palo Alto County, Iowa. For Iowa residents, Emmetsburg is a well-known town in Northwest Iowa, making the campground easily accessible via state and local highways. Its position near the lake and within city limits provides a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience.

The key aspect of its location is its direct access to Five Island Lake. This prominent lake is a significant draw, offering a large body of water for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The campground's lakeside setting means campers are just steps away from these aquatic activities. Furthermore, the presence of a public boat dock and a fish cleaning station at Kearny State Park (which encompasses the campground) enhances the convenience for anglers and boaters.

Beyond the lake, the campground's proximity to the Five Island Golf Course is notable. While one review humorously mentions "golf balls go whizzing by the cars and campers," this indicates immediate access for golf enthusiasts. The nearby Shores at Five Island Community Center and other town amenities are also just a short walk away. This allows campers to easily access grocery stores (like Hy-Vee, as mentioned by a reviewer), restaurants, and other necessities without needing to drive long distances.

Kearny Park Campground's location offers an optimal balance for Iowa locals: it provides the peaceful escape of lakeside camping while ensuring easy access to the services and attractions of a friendly town. This makes it a practical and enjoyable destination for both short and extended stays, appealing to those who appreciate convenience alongside their outdoor adventures.

Kearny Park Campground offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for both RV and tent campers, leveraging its prime lakeside location and integration with city amenities.

• Electrical Campsites: The campground provides 16 electrical camping sites, offering 30 & 50 amp breakers, suitable for RVs requiring power hookups.
• Tent Camping Sites: For a more traditional experience, there are 10 designated tent camping sites (without electrical hookups).
• Water Hookups: While not explicitly stated for all sites, electrical sites typically include water hookups for convenience.
• Sewer Hookups: Information suggests that while some areas might be full hookup, individual sites at Kearny Park itself may vary. It's noted there are "10 sites with full hookups" at Five Island Lake Campground (a related municipal campground), indicating similar availability might exist or be adjacent.
• Bathhouse with Bathrooms and Showers: A shelter house with bathrooms and showers is available for campers, providing essential facilities for hygiene and comfort.
• Public Boat Ramp and Dock: Located at Kearny State Park, directly accessible from the campground, allowing easy launching and docking of boats and kayaks on Five Island Lake.
• Fish Cleaning Station: Available for anglers to clean their catch after a successful day of fishing.
• Picnic Area/Tables: Picnic tables are provided at campsites for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Playground Equipment: For families with children, playground equipment is available within Kearny State Park, close to the camping area.
• Fire Rings: Although not explicitly listed for every site, reviewers mention "excellent campfires," implying that fire rings are likely provided at campsites.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Camping spots are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the city does not take reservations for Kearny Park Campground.
• Self-Service Payment: Camping fees are payable at a drop box, indicating a self-registration system.
• Access to Emmetsburg Amenities: Being managed by the City of Emmetsburg, campers have easy access to town services, including grocery stores (like Hy-Vee), restaurants, and other necessities.

• Prime Lakeside Location on Five Island Lake: This is the most significant highlight, offering stunning lake views and direct access to water activities.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Reviewers consistently praise the fishing, calling it "the best in Northwest Iowa," with species like bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass.
• Ideal for Kayaking and Boating: With a public boat ramp and dock on site, it's perfect for launching kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft to explore Five Island Lake.
• Mix of Camping Options: Provides both electrical sites for RVs and dedicated tent sites, catering to a broad range of camping preferences.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground, coupled with opportunities for swimming (at designated areas on Five Island Lake) and various park activities, makes it suitable for families.
• Convenient Access to Town: Located within walking distance to downtown Emmetsburg, allowing easy access to shops, restaurants, and other essential services.
• Adjacent to Five Island Golf Course: Offers direct access for golf enthusiasts, though campers should be aware of the proximity to playing areas.
• Clean and Usable Facilities: The bathhouse with bathrooms and showers is available and noted for being clean.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Reviewers imply a welcoming environment among campers and a positive experience, making it a place where "best memories made with my family."
• Dedicated Fish Cleaning Station: A valuable amenity for anglers, simplifying the post-fishing process.
• Beautiful Sunrises/Sunsets: Some sites offer scenic views of the lake for enjoying dawns and dusks.

Address: 14 N Lawler St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA

Phone: (712) 852-4030

Mobile Phone: +1 712-852-4030

For inquiries about Kearny Park Campground, including current site availability (as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis), specific camping fees, or details about the bathhouse and other park amenities, Iowa locals are advised to contact the City Hall of Emmetsburg directly at the provided phone numbers. While reservations are not taken for this particular campground, calling ahead, especially during peak seasons, can help confirm general availability or current conditions. Information regarding fishing regulations on Five Island Lake or local events in Emmetsburg can also be obtained through the City of Emmetsburg's official website or by calling City Hall.

For Iowa residents, Kearny Park Campground in Emmetsburg stands out as a highly suitable and cherished camping destination, offering a perfect blend of recreational opportunities and small-town convenience. Its prime location directly on the west shore of Five Island Lake is its strongest asset, providing immediate access to what many consider "the best fishing in Northwest Iowa" and endless possibilities for kayaking and other water activities. This direct lakeside access means less travel and more time enjoying the state's beautiful natural resources.

The campground's appeal for locals is further amplified by its integration within Emmetsburg. Described as a "nice town, with all the necessities," Emmetsburg provides convenient access to groceries, dining, and other services. This allows campers to enjoy a serene outdoor experience without sacrificing the comforts and practicalities of being near a community. For families, the presence of playground equipment and a friendly atmosphere where "best memories" are made, along with the convenience of a nearby town for any unexpected needs, makes it an ideal spot.

While it's important to note the first-come, first-served policy and the proximity to the golf course, these are minor considerations when weighed against the overall benefits. The consistent positive reviews from repeat visitors, some coming "3 or 4 times a year," underscore the campground's ability to deliver a consistently enjoyable experience. Whether you're an avid angler, a family seeking a fun and active getaway, or simply someone looking for a beautiful lakeside spot to relax and enjoy a campfire, Kearny Park Campground offers a reliable, accessible, and beloved option for Iowa locals to create lasting outdoor memories close to home.

Kearny Park Campground

14 N Lawler St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA