Lake Anita State Park

4.45

109 reviews

55111 750th St, Anita, Iowa, 50020, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Iowa#2 RV Camping Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa +8 more

Quick Facts

1,335 ft

Price

$14 - $16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Lake Anita State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,335 ft

Price

$14 - $16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Lake Anita State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Anita State Park

$14.00 - $16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping costs range from $14 for primitive campsites to $16 for sites with hookups. Tent camping is described as affordable in user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$16.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 109 reviews

540 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

crowded

"Lake Anita State Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its cleanliness, variety of activities, and well-maintained facilities. Negative feedback typically pertains to campsite proximity and the occasional overbooking of RV sites. Seasonal movie nights and the lake's scenic views are highlights."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

55111 750th St, Anita, Iowa, 50020, United States

Lake Anita State Park

55111 750th St, Anita, Iowa, 50020, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-80, take exit 70 and go south on Highway 148. This will take you through Anita. The park is on the west side of Highway 148 south of Anita. From Highway 83, turn south onto Highway 148. The park is on the west side of Highway 148 south of Anita.

Paved roads provide access to the campground, but user reviews have noted that the roads leading to the park are worn and bumpy. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Anita (less than 1 mile), Adair (8 miles northeast), Atlantic (12 miles west)

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available within 1 mile including groceries, fuel, firewood, snacks, ice, drinks, and retail items. Atlantic, approximately 12 miles west, offers larger grocery stores and Walmart.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Anita State Park

Each season paints Lake Anita in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland, while spring awakens the prairie with wildflowers and migrating birds. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for lake activities, drawing the most visitors to enjoy camping under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, the timber blazes with golden and crimson colors, creating a photographer's dream backdrop for outdoor adventures in crisp, comfortable weather.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with beach, swimming, boating and full amenities; busiest time.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter season with good scenery and fewer crowds; recommended for calmer visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and migratory birds; quieter than summer and appealing for nature.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter offers tranquility and scenic frosted landscapes but fewer services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season appears to run from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, as indicated by seasonal activities and reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, with amenities like bathrooms and concessions available seasonally.

About Lake Anita State Park

Nestled in the rolling hills of southwest Iowa, Lake Anita State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its 1,062 acres of natural beauty. At the heart of this recreational paradise lies a sparkling 171-acre lake, where anglers cast their lines at dawn, swimmers splash in the afternoon sun, and hikers traverse scenic trails that wind through restored prairies and woodlands. Modern campgrounds equipped with full hookups, clean restrooms, and hot showers provide the perfect basecamp for families and adventurers alike, while birdwatchers delight in the diverse species that call this ecological haven home.

Lake Anita State Park offers a variety of accommodations, including electric, non-electric, and full hook-up campsites. Tent camping and RV camping are both supported, with some sites offering full utilities. No cabin or glamping options are mentioned.

Historical SignificanceSince its establishment in 1969, Lake Anita State Park has evolved into a cherished gathering place that celebrates both Iowa's natural heritage and community spirit. The park has become a cultural landmark, hosting memorable events from the whimsical 'Christmas in July' celebration to serving as a welcoming stop for thousands of RAGBRAI cyclists pedaling across Iowa. These traditions have woven the park into the fabric of southwest Iowa's outdoor recreation story.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Lake Anita in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland, while spring awakens the prairie with wildflowers and migrating birds. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for lake activities, drawing the most visitors to enjoy camping under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, the timber blazes with golden and crimson colors, creating a photographer's dream backdrop for outdoor adventures in crisp, comfortable weather.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates varied vantage points throughout the landscape, offering visitors changing perspectives of the lake and surrounding prairies as they explore different areas of the park.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Anita State Park showcases nature's artistry through its carefully restored prairie grasslands that ripple like golden waves in the breeze, and early successional timber areas where young forests create intimate groves perfect for wildlife watching. The centerpiece lake mirrors the sky and surrounding landscape, creating stunning reflections at sunrise and sunset. This diverse ecosystem provides sanctuary for an impressive array of wildlife, making every visit an opportunity to witness nature's daily drama unfold.

Geological RegionCarved from the southwest Iowa landscape, Lake Anita State Park tells a story of human ingenuity meeting natural beauty. The 171-acre lake, created by damming a branch of the ancient Nishnabotna River, now serves as the liquid heart of this recreational oasis. Surrounding the water, carefully restored prairie grasslands recreate the vast seas of grass that once dominated this region, while patches of early successional timber provide glimpses of Iowa's woodland heritage. This thoughtful blend of engineered waterway and restored natural habitats creates a unique geological tapestry.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time is not specified.

Stay Limit

There is no specific stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Specific guest limits per site are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features tiered campsites with options for primitive, electric, and full hookups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, but the exact platform is not specified.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available. User reviews mention walk-in camping being easy to find during quiet weekdays.

Cancellation PolicyRules for cancellation are not detailed.

AccessibilityThe park offers handicap-accessible facilities, including certain campsites. One camper noted, 'Helpful camp host found us a handicap spot for single night.

Site SizeThe campsites vary in size, with some being quite small and closely packed together,' as one user noted. Another reviewer commented, 'Plenty of space behind campers for activities.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site type and location. Some spots are described as crowded, while others, like Site 114, are described as private and secluded ('Site 114 is like camping alone!').

Recommended SitesTent camping areas are mentioned as shaded, while some sites are described as unsuitable for tents due to hard ground. Full hookup sites are often busy on weekends.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Anita State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The 171-acre lake is a focal point for many activities, with opportunities for beach-related fun and wildlife viewing. Seasonal events like Saturday movie nights enhance the visitor experience. Reviews highlight biking trails, noting their quality and scenic routes, and fishing is described as a popular activity.

HikingThe park features a one-third-mile self-guided trail and a 4.375-mile paved multi-use trail encircling the lake. This trail is noted for its scenic views, transitioning through prairie and timber habitats. Reviewers frequently praise the trail, with one stating, 'The paved path around the lake is great for cycling and walking.' Another mentioned, 'The trail is nice but almost no shade.'

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Lake Anita, with the lake stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and walleye. Several reviewers mentioned the quality of fishing, with one stating, 'Great place to camp and fish!'

SwimmingSwimming is available at the beach, described as clean and well-maintained. A reviewer noted, 'The beach is clean, wasn't crowded on a Saturday afternoon.' Another added, 'The beach area well maintained.'

BikingThe park's paved trail is highly regarded for cycling, offering a 4.375-mile loop around the lake. One reviewer described it as 'AWESOME! Nicest bike trail ever.' Another noted, 'The bike trail around the lake is 8 miles.' This discrepancy suggests different user experiences or misinterpretations of the actual trail length.

BoatingBoating is permitted with no-wake speed restrictions. Kayak launch docks are available, which a user appreciated: 'We especially appreciated the kayak launch docks located in several places.'

Wildlife viewingDeer and various bird species are commonly observed. One reviewer mentioned, 'You're sure to spot deer and rabbits.' Another added, 'Plenty of deer roaming the hills to quietly coast past/startle while bike riding.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include ticks, as noted in reviews. The campground has limited shade due to tree removal caused by Emerald Ash Borer.

Fire PolicyFirewood sales are available through the campground host. Fire pits are equipped with grates for cooking.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include a hospital greater than 10 miles away, likely located in Atlantic. Police stations and ranger services are available within the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are well-maintained. One camper praised, 'Even the recycling and garbage area was clean and tidy and didn’t smell.'

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along a 171-acre artificial lake with multiple boat ramps, fishing jetties, and a beach for swimming.

Camp HostHosts are praised for being friendly and helpful, offering yard games and firewood for sale.

Weather at Lake Anita State Park

Reviews

4.5

109 reviews

Recommended

Lake Anita State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Lake Anita State Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its cleanliness, variety of activities, and well-maintained facilities. Negative feedback typically pertains to campsite proximity and the occasional overbooking of RV sites. Seasonal movie nights and the lake's scenic views are highlights.

Review Summaries

Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

Praised for clean restrooms and showers, beautiful lake views, well-maintained facilities, paved trails for biking and walking, abundant recreational options, and friendly camp hosts.

Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Sites can be closely packed, tent camping spots are sometimes small, and occasional issues with hot water in showers.

Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve RV sites in advance for weekend visits; explore Site 114 for privacy; enjoy Saturday night movies and popcorn; bring bikes for the scenic trail; expect less shade post-tree removal due to...

Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with weekends often fully booked. Fall and spring offer quieter experiences. Winter camping is noted for its tranquility and scenic appeal.

Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Super clean restrooms and showers.' 'Free popcorn and a movie.' 'Site 114 is like camping alone!' 'The paved path around the lake is great for cycling and walking.'

Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 114 is highlighted for its privacy and scenic views. Sites 45-50 are also mentioned as being highly desirable. Site 94 is described as small and closely packed.

Based on 109 reviews