Lake Ahquabi State Park

4 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Concessions open Fri...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Concessions open Fri...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

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

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Campground Map

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

Lake Ahquabi State Park

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).

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day with beach and concessions open; park becomes busy and active.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Forested scenery implies pleasant fall colors and quieter conditions than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings trails, wildlife and wildflowers; pre-peak season access to lake amenities varies.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter offers snowmobiling on trails but water recreation and concessions are seasonal/limited.

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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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

Site SizeNot specifically mentioned.

PrivacyNot specifically mentioned.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

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.

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

FishingFishing 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.

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

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

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