Lake Ahquabi State Park

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16510 118th Ave, Indianola, Iowa, 50125, United States

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Concessions open Fri...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Concessions open Fri...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Get Directions

Lake Ahquabi State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fee details are unavailable.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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5159617101

What Campers Say

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Fees & Passes at Lake Ahquabi State Park

Free

Campsite fees

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Direct Line website.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Ahquabi State Park

Experience Lake Ahquabi's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Summer transforms the park into a bustling waterfront paradise from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with perfect temperatures for swimming, hiking, and camping under starlit skies. As autumn paints the hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons, the crowds thin and tranquility returns. Winter brings its own magic, blanketing the trails in pristine snow perfect for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling adventures through the quiet, frost-kissed landscape.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Concessions open Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week.

About Lake Ahquabi State Park

Discover a timeless retreat at Lake Ahquabi State Park, where 770 acres of rolling Iowa countryside tell the story of American resilience and natural beauty. This beloved destination seamlessly blends Depression-era craftsmanship with modern outdoor recreation, featuring stunning stone structures handcrafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. Whether you're seeking waterfront relaxation or woodland adventure, Lake Ahquabi offers an authentic escape into nature's embrace.

The campground at Lake Ahquabi State Park offers various camping options, including full hookup and electric campsites. There is also an organized youth group camping area near the North Shelter. Tent and RV camping are supported.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands shaped Lake Ahquabi during the Great Depression. The park's iconic stone lodge stands as a testament to their craftsmanship, its weathered limestone walls holding decades of family memories. The historic beach shelter, another CCC masterpiece, continues to provide respite for modern adventurers, its rustic architecture harmonizing perfectly with the natural landscape. These structures aren't just buildings—they're monuments to American determination and the transformative power of public works.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Lake Ahquabi's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Summer transforms the park into a bustling waterfront paradise from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with perfect temperatures for swimming, hiking, and camping under starlit skies. As autumn paints the hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons, the crowds thin and tranquility returns. Winter brings its own magic, blanketing the trails in pristine snow perfect for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling adventures through the quiet, frost-kissed landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryAt the heart of this outdoor sanctuary lies a sparkling 115-acre lake, its man-made origins now seamlessly woven into the natural tapestry of the landscape. A pristine sandy beach beckons swimmers and sunbathers, while gentle waves lap against shores lined with native grasses and wildflowers. Beyond the water's edge, rolling hills create an ever-changing vista of Iowa's characteristic terrain, where prairie meets woodland in a diverse ecosystem. Wildlife thrives here—watch for deer grazing at dawn, listen for songbirds in the canopy, and discover the delicate wildflowers that paint the meadows each spring.

Geological RegionNestled within 770 acres of quintessential Iowa landscape, Lake Ahquabi showcases the region's gentle topography and rich ecological heritage. The centerpiece 115-acre lake, though crafted by human hands, has matured into a thriving aquatic ecosystem surrounded by rolling hills that tell the geological story of ancient prairies and woodlands. Multi-use trails wind through this varied terrain, offering intimate encounters with both the natural world and the enduring stone structures built by the CCC. This unique blend of human history and natural beauty creates a landscape where every trail leads to discovery, whether it's a hidden wildflower meadow or a perfectly preserved piece of 1930s architecture.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe park features handicap access and an enclosed, universally accessible fishing pier to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Sites SizeNot specifically mentioned.

Sites PrivacyNot specifically mentioned.

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

An organized youth group camping area is located outside the main campground by the North Shelter.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonConcessions open Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Dump station

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Lake Ahquabi State Park can enjoy a wide range of activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park features a man-made lake with opportunities for fishing and swimming, as well as trails for multiple uses such as jogging, cycling, and even snowmobiling in winter. Additional activities include kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboat rentals during the summer season.

Hiking

Over seven miles of multi-use trails are available for hiking, jogging, and snowmobiling.

Fishing

Fishing is excellent at Lake Ahquabi with species such as panfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish available. The lake features an enclosed, universally accessible fishing pier and multiple fishing jetties for shoreline access.

Swimming

There is a designated swimming area at the park’s sandy beach. It is unsupervised and available during the summer season.

Biking

The multi-use trails accommodate bicycling. Trail specifics like difficulty and length for biking are not detailed.

Boating

The park allows boating activities on the 115-acre lake, which is restricted to a 'no wake' speed. Both boat ramps and paddleboat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available during the peak season.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing is mentioned as a possible activity, but specific details on the types of wildlife or best viewing areas are not provided.

Beach activities

The park includes a large sandy beach for activities such as swimming and sunbathing.

Winter Activities

The park allows cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the winter season, making it a year-round destination.

Water Sports

Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are supported with rentals available during the summer.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsPotential wildlife interactions and water safety concerns near the lake.

Weather at Lake Ahquabi State Park

°F

Dec 7

Sunday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 68%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 12.4 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Emergency Services

Within 10 miles: medical clinic. Greater than 10 miles: nearest hospital.

Good to know

Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day

Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site. No specific information about recycling facilities is provided.

Proximity to water featuresLocated directly next to a 115-acre man-made lake.

Campground Map

16510 118th Ave, Indianola, Iowa, 50125, United States

Driving directionsFrom Indianola: Take U.S. Highway 65/69 approximately five miles south of Indianola to the juncture of Highways 65 and 69. Then turn right and travel west on Warren County Highway G58. Travel approximately one mile to the main park entrance. For the campground and North Shelter entrance, turn right at the park's main entrance and travel north approximately one half mile on 118th Avenue, to the north park entrance. Turn left and travel west toward the campground.

Roads are accessible year-round, with no mention of seasonal closures. The main road is paved, and directions are straightforward.

Nearby places

Indianola (6 miles north), Des Moines (22 miles north).

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: grocery store, fuel (vehicles and boats).

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Lake Ahquabi State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews