Marble Beach State Recreation Area: The Largest Campground in the Iowa Great Lakes

Marble Beach State Recreation Area is nestled along the shores of Big Spirit Lake. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in the Iowa Great Lakes region and home to the largest campground in the Okoboji area. And it has a boat ramp, trail access, fishing, and a small beach. In other words, it’s the ultimate destination for camping enthusiasts seeking a getaway in the Iowa Great Lakes!

So, whether you’re searching for a fantastic campsite, a spot to launch your boat, or fishing opportunities, Marble Beach has it all.

Tent site at Marble Beach State Recreation Area — Tent campsite at Marble Beach State Recreation Area

About Marble Beach State Recreation Area

Marble Beach is a 64-acre oasis along the beautiful western shore of Big Spirit Lake, Iowa’s largest natural lake. Its ideal location makes it popular for fishing and water recreation and a go-to summer vacation spot in Iowa!

Marble Beach State Recreation Area has:

122 campsites
Boat ramp
Docks
Fish cleaning station
Modern restrooms/showers
Small beach
Paved trail

Things to do

🌳 Camping

With the largest campground in the Iowa Great Lakes region, camping is the star attraction at Marble Beach State Recreation Area! From full hookups to tent campsites – plus some sites with lake views(!) – Marble Beach is a favorite camping destination around Okoboji. See the campground section below for campground details.

🌳 Boating

With its prime location on the shores of Big Spirit Lake, Marble Beach is an excellent spot to launch your boat! The recreation area has one boat ramp, with trailer parking nearby. A couple of docks are along the shoreline near the boat ramp.

Another nearby boat ramp (in a protected cove) is just one mile south, at Templar State Recreation Area.

🌳 Fishing

Big Spirit Lake is one of Iowa’s most popular fishing destinations! Between the wide variety of fish species and clear lake waters, it’s a choice spot for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

And with its boat launch and shoreline access, Marble Beach makes an excellent spot to go fishing by boat or shore. A fish cleaning station is near the boat ramp.

🌳 Spend time on the beach

The small beach makes a great spot to dip your toes in the water! The beach is on the park’s northern end and is a popular spot for campers to enjoy the lakeshores.

Please note there is no lifeguard on duty, and isn’t roped.

🌳 Walk or bike the trail

The Iowa Great Lakes Recreation Trail runs along the western side of the recreation area. It’s perfect for a stroll or bike ride!

The trail is easy to access from anywhere in the park, and several parking areas are nearby. It runs throughout the Okoboji area and has bike lanes along the highway in some spots. See a trail map here.

Things to do nearby

• Marble Lake/Hottes Lakes & Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area is just north of the recreation area on the west side of 240th Ave. The area is popular among birdwatchers and offers trails and paddling opportunities.

• Mini Wakan State Park is three miles northeast of the park, along the northern shoreline of Big Spirit Lake. Go boating, fishing, picnicking, or just enjoy the park’s beautiful surroundings.

• Templar State Recreation Area is just one mile south of Marble Beach and a popular spot to launch boats in a protected lagoon. It’s also the ideal spot for shore fishing or a lakeside picnic!

• East and West Okoboji Lakes, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park, and other Okoboji attractions are 15 minutes away. So, it’s easy to get to a beach, the amusement park, or an excellent waterside restaurant from there.

Find more Okoboji area campgrounds: Okoboji Campgrounds: The Ultimate Guide to Camping near Okoboji in Iowa

Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground

Marble Beach is a favorite camping destination in the Iowa Great Lakes Region for good reason. The large campgrounds are on the shores of Big Spirit Lake and a short drive from all the area attractions, like Arnolds Park Amusement Park.

They also have every type of campsite, from full hookup pull-through sites to non-electric tent sites – which can be reserved online. Below are the campground details:

122 campsites – 68 full hookups, 9 electric & water, 17 electric, and 28 non-electric tent sites.
Gravel pads, some pull-through.
Some sites are level, but others are on a slope.
Some campsites have lake views.
Modern restrooms/showers.
Dump station on site.
Boat ramp and beach area in North Campground.
All sites are reservable at ReserveAmerica.com.
See the campground maps here.