Pikes Point State Park: A Charming Park on the Shores of West Okoboji Lake

Pikes Point State Park is a charming little park on the shores of West Okoboji Lake, known for its scenic beach. Here, you can bask in the sun’s warm rays, take a dip in the lake’s pristine waters, or indulge in a lakeside picnic. And let’s not forget the incredible sunsets!

More good news? It’s near many other enticing Iowa Great Lakes attractions! Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find Arnolds Park Amusement Park, restaurants, boating, fishing, and more!

About Pikes Point State Park

Pikes Point was designated as an Iowa State Park in 1931.

Like many other state parks of this era, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the original park structures, like the picnic shelter and stairs, completed in 1934. The picnic shelter is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park is technically considered part of the nearby Gull Point State Park.

Know before you go

Parking is atop a hill, with several stairs leading down to the picnic areas and beach.
A shelter with picnic tables is available for reservation.
Several picnic tables are available in a large grassy area.
A restroom is on-site (no showers).
There is a dock nearby but no boat ramp.
The beach area is relatively small.
No lifeguard is on duty.

Things to do at Pikes Point State Park

• Spend a day at the beach

The most popular thing to do at the park is to swim or sunbathe at the beach! A small beach with a marked-off swim area is a great place to cool off in the lake on a hot summer day. Or laze around, picnic, and take in the beautiful lake views!

Pikes Point State Park Beach and Dock — Beach area

• Have a lakeside picnic

Nothing beats a scenic lakeside picnic. And there’s no better place for a lakeside picnic than Pikes Point State Park!

Several picnic tables are scattered in the shaded grassy area beside the beach.

The historic picnic shelter is at the bottom of the hill from the parking area. It provides excellent lake views for any gathering! It’s available by reservation and otherwise first-come, first-serve.

Historic CCC Shelter — Historic CCC Picnic Shelter

• Go fishing

Go fishing for the catch of the day on West Okoboji Lake! The lake is a choice fishing spot where anglers catch various species, including Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Smallmouth Bass – to name a few!

Fishing is allowed outside the swim area, and a dock is on the northwest corner of the park.

Find a campground near Okoboji: Okoboji Campgrounds: The Ultimate Guide to Camping near Okoboji in Iowa

Things to do nearby

Center Lake is a 220-acre lake two miles east of the park, right in the center of the Okoboji area. Despite its proximity to many Spirit Lake businesses, it feels secluded and is an excellent spot for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and spotting wildlife.

Arnold’s Park Amusement Park and other Okoboji attractions are four miles south of the park. You can find so many fun things to do, from boating, beachgoing, riding amusement park rides, or dining at an excellent waterside restaurant!

Visit Gull Point State Park, a larger state park on the western shore of West Okoboji Lake, about 6 miles away. Enjoy hiking, boating, camping, picnicking, and more at this excellent lakeside park.

Emerson Bay State Recreation Area is 7½ miles south of Pikes Point on the western shores of West Okoboji Lake (just south of Gull Point State Park). It’s a popular park for camping and boating, as well as fishing, swimming, and picnicking.

Elinor Bedell State Park is an 80-acre state park just six miles east of Pikes Point on the shores of East Okoboji Lake. It’s an excellent spot to hop on a trail, visit a fun playground, go camping, and fishing.

Marble Beach State Recreation Area and Templar State Recreation Area are 6 miles northeast of the park, on the shores of Big Spirit Lake. Both offer boat ramps, as well as picnicking, trail access, and fishing. Marble Beach also has a large campground with modern amenities.

Find Mini-Wakan State Park ten miles northeast of the park. It’s a hidden gem on the northern shores of Big Spirit Lake, where you can hold an event, go boating, have a picnic, or enjoy excellent fishing opportunities.