Lake Keomah State Park in South-Central Iowa is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! You’ll want to immerse yourself in this 366-acre park with an 80-acre lake, hiking trails, a campground, a beach, and more!
So, leave behind the chaos of everyday life! Lake Keomah State Park is the perfect destination to indulge in everything nature has to offer.
Table of Contents
- Things To Do at Lake Keomah State Park
- Park Map
- Lake Keomah State Park Campground
- Things to do nearby
- Visit Lake Keomah State Park Today!
A Brief History of Lake Keomah State Park
Situated in Mahaska County, the park’s name, “Keomah,” is a blend of the two counties that initially funded its creation: Keokuk and Mahaska Counties.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began constructing the park structures in 1933, and the park was dedicated in 1934. Yet, the beach, lodge, and other structures were completed after the dedication.
Notably, two CCC structures are on the National Register of Historic Places: the Bathhouse-Lodge Building and the check dams (built for erosion control).
Things To Do at Lake Keomah State Park
Hike
Hike the three-mile Lake Trail that meanders along the lake and into the Keomah Village! While the trail loops around the lake, please note that it passes along public roadways and near homes on private property.
Most of the trail surface is mowed grass and crushed limestone, and two short trails connect the lodge and campground to the main trail.
See the trail map here.
Camp
Camping is a fantastic way to experience this lovely state park! You’ll find the ideal spot with over 60 electric and non-electric tent sites nestled among mature trees. For more campground details, see our campground section below.
Fish
Fishing is a popular pastime at this state park, and anglers can easily fish by boat or shore.
Fishing jetties and an accessible fishing pier provide easy access to the lake. Also, part of the lakeshore is designated for 24-hour fishing access. And for those with a boat, two boat ramps are available.
Boat
Boating is another favorite activity at this park! Whether fishing or floating around the beautiful lake, it’s lovely to explore.
Two boat ramps are conveniently located around the lake. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
Spend a day at the beach.
Bask in the sun, have a delightful picnic, or take a refreshing swim at the beach! Picnic areas and a picnic shelter are nearby, and you can find the beach on the lake’s west side.
Beach safety:
- No lifeguards on duty.
- Check for safe water conditions. Find beach monitoring status here.
Picnic or host an event
Lake Keomah is an ideal setting for picnics and gatherings, whether a small intimate affair or a larger event like a family reunion or wedding.
Two open-air picnic shelters are available by reservation and otherwise, first-come, first-serve. Also, the lodge provides a spacious venue for larger gatherings.
Winter at Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah is a year-round park – so don’t let winter deter you from going! Anglers enjoy ice fishing when the temps drop, and the ice gets thick. Other visitors cross-country ski and snowshoe, and there’s even a hill for sledding!
Park Map
Map source: Iowa DNR
Lake Keomah State Park Campground
Camping is a favorite park activity! The campground is on the park’s southwest corner, with convenient access to the Lake Trail. Below are the details.
- 63 campsites, including 39 electric sites (including two sets of buddy sites) and 24 non-electric and tent sites.
- Group campsite (with dining/restrooms)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station on site
- See the campground map here
- Make reservations at Reserve America.
Things to do nearby
Nearby Oskaloosa boasts shops, dining options, and events, like the Sweet Corn Serenade, Art on the Square, and the annual Lighted Christmas Parade and light display.
Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum is a fun place for all ages eight miles northwest of the park. It’s open from May – September and has several buildings visitors can tour. See the General Store, One Room Schoolhouse, Voting House, Post Office, Barn, and more.
White Oak Lake is about 10 miles from Lake Keomah. It’s another excellent option for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. There’s a boat ramp, fishing dock, nature trail, picnic shelters, playground, and more!
The Russell Wildlife Center is a 420-acre area 11 miles northwest of Lake Keomah (near Nelson Pioneer Farm). Several ponds are popular for fishing, and small boats are allowed. Hiking and birdwatching are other excellent outdoor activities here.
The historic Dutch town of Pella is just 23 miles northwest of the park and a wonderful town to visit. It’s an excellent place to shop, eat, and tour museums. And if you’re there in May, attend the annual Tulip Festival!
Hawthorn Lake is a 180-acre lake 18 miles north of the park and a popular spot for fishing for Largemouth Bass (and other species). It has a boat ramp and fishing jetties.
What Cheer, a small town 16 miles away, hosts one of the best flea markets in the Midwest three times a year, attracting visitors from all over.
Lake Red Rock is 30 miles west of the park and is Iowa’s largest lake. So, if you want to boat, swim, camp, fish, picnic, hike, or bike, you’ll find plenty to do around the lake. North Overlook Beach, Red Rock Marina, and the Red Rock Visitor’s Center are fun places to check out.
Visit Lake Keomah State Park Today!
Find Lake Keomah State Park at 2720 Keomah Ln, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.
