Those who dismiss Iowa as a “flyover” are sorely missing out — and yes, there are plenty of beautiful lake- and riverside beaches here to make for a seemingly tropical vacation right in the heart of the midwest. In this article, we’ve gathered some of the very best Iowa beaches you don’t want to miss out on!
Top Beaches in Iowa
Iowa Beaches
Ainsworth Beach
Located along the southern shore of the large and scenic Big Spirit Lake, Ainsworth Beach is one of the best places in the state to bring a family looking for a classic beach day. Along with the gently-lapping waves and ample sunshine, this park offers playground areas to keep the kids happy even once the novelty of sand and shoreline wear off. You’ll also find picnic tables, well-maintained restrooms, and a boat ramp.
Things to do near Ainsworth Beach
Other great outdoor spots in the area include Jemmerson Slough Wildlife Management Area, the Spring Run State Game Management Area, the Hales Slough Wildlife Management Area and more.
Big Creek Beach
Big Creek Beach at Big Creek State Park is nestled along both sides of Big Creek Lake and the Big Creek Spillway. The park’s wide, soft sandy shoreline makes it easily accessible even for the littlest beachgoers. This park is a popular site for paddleboarding, canoeing, and even wild-surfing as well as fishing and sunbathing. Meanwhile, along the shoreline you’ll find a disc golf course, a playground, and a variety of boat ramps.
Things to do near Big Creek Beach
The fact that this beach is just 30 minutes outside of Des Moines certainly owes to its status as one of the most sought-after getaway destinations in the state. There are many other beautiful state parks in the area to visit, as well, such as Ledges State Park, Rock Creek State Park, and Margo Frankel Woods State Park.
North Overlook Beach
Another popular beach getaway for Iowans is Lake Red Rock, the largest body of water in the state of Iowa. This lake boasts a variety of beautiful beaches. One of the best? North Overlook Beach, which offers a wide sandy swath perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sand castles. The park the beach is contained in also offers hiking paths, a playground, and a super cool sun dial.
Things to do near North Overlook Beach
This beach is mere minutes away from the Bos Landen Golf Course. Don’t forget to check out the Red Rock Dam that lives just around the corner from the beach along Highway T15!
Whitebreast Beach
Another beloved Lake Red Rock beach is Whitebreast Beach. This beach offers a serene and calm shoreline view as well as a nice, broad stretch of sand, meaning there are plenty of places to set down your towel. It’s also known for its showers and wash stations, as well as grills and picnic tables, which makes it easy to spend a whole day along the water with all the conveniences of home.
Things to do near Whitebreast Beach
Nearly visible from the shores of Whitebreast Park lies Elk Rock State Park, another beautiful preserved wilderness along this massive lakeshore. A popular place to set out on the water in a kayak or canoe, Elk Rock State Park also offers more robust forest-covered hiking opportunities for the landlubbers in your crew, as well as a campground.
Kent Park Beach
Kent Park Beach is located inside Kent Park just outside of Iowa City. While this park may not offer miles and miles of wide, sandy shoreline to walk along pensively, there’s still plenty enough white sand for a fun day in the sun. The park also boasts a long and meandering walking and biking trail, and manicured green lawn areas make for the perfect opportunity to play a game of frisbee or hide-and-go-seek. Also, be sure to drop by the Conservation Education Center!
Things to do near Kent Park Beach
The bright lights of Iowa City are shining just half an hour away, and given the University of Iowa’s important place in the literary world, this is a great place to hear some incredible readings. The nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge gives visitors the opportunity to experience ancient history in real time. Here are some local campgrounds to consider.
The Best Iowa Beaches for RVers
Gull Point State Park
Another well-loved stretch of Iowa beachline awaits inside the confines of Gull Point State Park, which is nestled along the western shore of West Lake Okoboji. Soft sands are backed up with lush Iowa forest cover, and the lake itself is a popular option for those looking to take to the water onboard a kayak or canoe. Along with its beachfronts, this state park also boasts hiking trails, restrooms, showers, and an on-site park lodge.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
The park is also home to a well-developed onsite campground, making it easy to make yourself at home in the middle of the action.
Things to do near Gull Point State Park
Because this complex of lakes is such a popular vacation destination for folks in Iowa, the cities in this area are replete with tourist-friendly resources and attractions, including the nearby Arnolds Park amusement park.
Emerson Bay State Recreation Area
The beach at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area is another one that’s known for its kid-friendly facilities. Along with its sandy stretch of shore, this beach also features plenty of picnic tables for hanging out or grabbing lunch in between splash sessions. You’ll also find a playground and bathrooms in the park. This is a great place to launch your boat or attempt to reel in some dinner!
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
The onsite campground in this park is ideal for RVers who like to immerse themselves in the fun and beauty of an area.
Things to do near Emerson Bay State Recreation Area
Only a few miles inland from this beach, you’ll find the Cayler Prairie State Preserve,. This preserve protects the unique ecosystem characteristic of this part of the state as well as many species of waterfowl and pheasants who live here.
Lake Macbride State Park
Lake Macbride State Park is the perfect place to call home base while you explore this part of the state. Along with its on-site lodge, boat ramp and boat rentals, this park also boasts one of the most scenic stretches of beach in the area. Because of its shallow water and very light wake, this lake beach is a perfect place to bring young swimmers just getting their feet wet.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
An RV-friendly campground can be found in this state park, meaning you can stay right by all the fun and enjoy a relaxing getaway.
Things to do near Lake Macbride State Park
Another beach location just half an hour outside of Iowa City, Lake Macbride State Park is surrounded on all sides with equally intriguing nature preserves, like the Macbride Nature Recreation Area to the south and the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area to the west.
West Lake Beach
West Lake Beach is among the very safest for little swimmers. Along with its shallow, tame waters, this beach also boasts a separate swimming area for the youngest visitors, as well as on-duty lifeguards to jump in and help save the day just in case anything does happen. There’s plenty of room along the shoreline to set down your towel and build your favorite sand sculptures. You’ll also find onsite playground equipment and public art to keep things interesting all day long.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
Larger West Lake Park hosts camping cabins as well as traditional campsites, including big-rig-friendly pull-thrus.
Things to do near West Lake Beach
Located just outside of Davenport, this lakesides getaway is within easy reach of all the urban resources and attractions you need. The larger expanse of Wildcat Den State Park is just a few miles away, too.
Honey Creek State Park
Honey Creek State Park is home to one of the most scenic beaches in the state. Here you’ll find a volleyball net, nearby boat rental facility and boat launch, and miles of manicured greenspace along the golden sands of the shore.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
The beach at Honey Creek State Park is a perfect opportunity for RVers: there’s an on-site campground with full-hookup sites!
Things to do near Honey Creek State Park
Located about an hour and a half southeast of Des Moines, Honey Creek State Park is far enough afield that you’ll feel like you’ve gotten away from it all, but also still nearby to smaller cities which boast all of the amenities you need to feel comfortable.
Planning an RV Trip to Iowa
During your time in Iowa, be sure to stay in these tip-top campgrounds and visit these amazing state parks You’ll also want to explore the state’s major cities.
