Welcome to Pilot Knob State Park, a breathtaking destination nestled in Forest City, Iowa. With its picturesque scenery and inviting atmosphere, Pilot Knob State Park offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Boasting an impressive array of amenities, including hiking trails, a small lake filled with fish, and spacious picnic areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to embark on an adventurous hike, relax by the water, or simply soak in the beauty of nature, Pilot Knob State Park is the perfect destination. So, come and explore the wonders that await you at Pilot Knob State Park.
![](https://static.where-e.com/United_States/Iowa/Pilot-Knob-State-Park_4a861e39c56d7c69175044a144822b7e.jpg)
Reviews
This is a little tough to give a rating and I might have gone with a 3.5 if it was an option.
The park itself is okay. Nice trail to the tower, which was neat. The lake just so, so. We didn't fish, so we can't attest to that.
The campground isn't that big, which isn't an issue, but many spots are small and very sloped. The campground hosts were very helpful and friendly and went out of their way to assist if needed. Bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've seen this year!
The friends of pilot knob organization were also a positive! They had concessions each day and hosted a movie with popcorn on Saturday night, so that was very cool!
One of my favorite Iowa state parks. Nice hiking trails, newer restrooms, and a tower to climb for wonderful views. The campground is nice, just enough slope to test the limits of your camper jacks :) We usually end up with some chigger bites on ankles. Also wish the DNR would do a quiet hours sweep. Listening to the neighbors talk till midnight is frustrating because there is no DNR presence.
This place will always be my favorite in north Iowa! Thanks for an Iowan bringing me there to visit this place, it was a very nice view from top of the tower to enjoy the surroundings from every angle!
Great park and campground. The camp hosts are so friendly and welcoming. The campground is well maintained with clean bathrooms and showers. The park has excellent walking trails and scenic views. Recommend spending some time here, will return!
Jen RN, Travel Nurse from Florida. We were granted the privilege to camp at Pilot Knob, while I on assignment in nearby Mason City. The Park Ranger is extremely accommodating, helpful, and courteous. We mostly have had the park to ourselves since it is winter. The resident goats are my favorite neighbors! I've never seen so many deer in one place, ever! Huge flocks of geese! We have had a very peaceful and tranquil time here. We will definitely recommend to fellow travelers and friends. We will return to Pilot Knob on any future trips through this area.
Great place for a short hike and a picnic on the lake. The observation tower has some great views. We enjoyed walking around dead man's lake bog. The campground is a bit small but nicely shaded. It also has a nice playground and a gazebo. Fun park!
Lots of great flora and fauna here. Nice hiking. Super nice campground hosts, nice campground activities, good bathroom and shower facilities. We like the non-electric campsites quite a lot so don't book them because we want them.
We hiked the Pilot Knob trail in October and it was quite beautiful seeing all the fall colors 🍁 The hike had some minor elevation changes which made it a little more interesting. The trails were well maintained and there were benches along the way. The tower at the end was really neat to explore! Will definitely return next time we are in the area!
Location
2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, United States
Hours
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Monday
04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Tuesday
04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Wednesday
04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Thursday
04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Friday
04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Saturday
04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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Sunday
04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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