Lake Keomah State Park

3.93

43 reviews

2720 Keomah Ln, Oskaloosa, Iowa, 52577, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No information provi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Lake Keomah State Park Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No information provi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Lake Keomah State Park Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Keomah State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range between $25 and $35 for campsites. Reservations for group camping and shelters are handled through the park office.

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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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 43 reviews

299 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshowersrestrooms

"User reviews for Lake Keomah State Park highlight its peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and diverse activities. While many campers appreciated the clean restrooms, friendly staff, and spacious sites, some noted issues such as algae in the lake, uneven tent sites, and the need for more kid-friendly amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2720 Keomah Ln, Oskaloosa, Iowa, 52577, United States

Lake Keomah State Park

2720 Keomah Ln, Oskaloosa, Iowa, 52577, United States

Driving directionsFrom Oskaloosa, take Hwy 92 east four miles to Queen Ave and take a right turn on Queen Ave. Drive for about one mile and this will bring you to the front entrance of the park.

Roads to and from are paved or asphalt and in good condition.

Nearby places

Oskaloosa (6 miles west), Sigourney (20 miles east), Pella (21 miles northwest), Ottumwa (35 miles southeast)

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, fuel stations, ATM, retail shops, and snacks available within 10 miles in Oskaloosa.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Keomah State Park

Experience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasons at Lake Keomah, where each visit paints a different picture. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland of snow and frost, perfect for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. As temperatures rise, summer brings warm days ideal for lakeside activities, though the Midwest humidity adds its own character to evening campfires. But it's autumn that truly steals the show – when the forest erupts in a symphony of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges, creating a photographer's paradise and hiker's dream.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Beach, swimming, fishing and boating available in summer but algae and geese can impact experience.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage and quieter conditions make the park especially pleasant for visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring trees and flowering are highlighted in reviews; good time for scenery and wildlife.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park becomes a 'crystalline wonderland' in winter, but services and activity specifics are limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No information provided about opening and closing seasons.
Current Alerts: No current active alerts provided.

About Lake Keomah State Park

Nestled in Iowa's heartland, Lake Keomah State Park offers a tranquil escape where modern amenities meet natural serenity. Choose from electric or non-electric campsites, each providing access to pristine modern restrooms and refreshing showers. Here, the gentle rustle of leaves in shaded picnic groves mingles with the distant call of birds, creating a peaceful soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. Well-maintained trails wind through the landscape, inviting exploration while the campground's thoughtful design ensures comfort without compromising the authentic camping experience.

Lake Keomah State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and group camping. The park also offers cabins and a lodge for more structured accommodations.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the sturdy stone structures that tell the story of American resilience. Built by the industrious hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, these enduring facilities stand as monuments to the Great Depression era's determination and craftsmanship. The park's name itself weaves together local heritage, honoring both Keokuk and Mahaska counties in a linguistic bridge that connects past to present. Every weathered stone and carefully laid path whispers tales of the young men who transformed this landscape into the recreational haven it is today.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasons at Lake Keomah, where each visit paints a different picture. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland of snow and frost, perfect for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. As temperatures rise, summer brings warm days ideal for lakeside activities, though the Midwest humidity adds its own character to evening campfires. But it's autumn that truly steals the show – when the forest erupts in a symphony of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges, creating a photographer's paradise and hiker's dream.

ElevationThe park's gentle terrain offers an accessible outdoor experience, with subtle changes in topography that create diverse microclimates and viewing opportunities throughout the grounds.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Keomah unfolds like a living tapestry across its varied landscape. The centerpiece 84-acre lake mirrors the sky, its edges blending seamlessly into emerald grasslands that wave in the breeze. Dense woodlands provide cool refuge on hot days, their canopy sheltering a network of trails perfect for morning walks or evening strolls. In the marshy margins where land meets water, great blue herons stand like patient sentinels while bullfrogs conduct their evening chorus. Listen for the distinctive call of bobwhite quail echoing across the open meadows, adding their voice to nature's daily performance.

Geological RegionCarved from Iowa's rolling prairie landscape, Lake Keomah State Park showcases the region's transformation from grassland to recreational oasis. The 84-acre man-made lake, a testament to human ingenuity working in harmony with nature, serves as the jewel in this geological setting. Surrounded by the gentle hills characteristic of south-central Iowa, the park's terrain tells the story of glacial deposits and prairie soils that have nurtured both native ecosystems and human recreation for generations. Shaded trails meander through this diverse topography, revealing new perspectives on how water, woods, and prairie interconnect in this carefully preserved slice of Iowa's natural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Stay limits for rentals are not explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests allowed per site are not mentioned.

Groups

Group sites include access to a dining hall/restroom building and are available by reservation through the park office.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites include shaded areas with picnic tables and fire rings. Group camp areas are nearby the dining hall/restroom building.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by contacting the park office directly at (641) 673-6975.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not explicitly available about walk-up/first-come-first-served sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not provided.

AccessibilityThe park includes accessible features such as fishing jetties designed for persons of varying abilities. However, no detailed ADA-compliance information is provided.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with some described as particularly large and accommodating. However, some tent sites were noted as uneven or poorly leveled, which could be an issue for tent campers.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies. Some users noted that campsites are too close together, particularly in the RV area, while others appreciated the quieter and more secluded sections of the park.

Recommended SitesTent sites are described as the best option, but only one or two are level.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Keomah State Park features a variety of activities, such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park's 84-acre lake supports fishing and limited boating activities (trolling motors only). A swimming beach, biking trails, and picnic areas provide additional recreation opportunities. Seasonal activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing in the winter. The surrounding habitats attract diverse wildlife, making it a suitable destination for nature enthusiasts.

HikingThe park offers a three-mile walking trail surrounding the lake, with shorter spur trails connecting key areas such as the lodge and campground. Trails are well-maintained and consist of grass and crushed rock. While they are easy to navigate, they offer limited wildlife viewing beyond amphibians and common local species.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Lake Keomah, with anglers targeting bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. The park includes a fishing jetty and sections of shoreline designated for 24-hour fishing. Ice fishing is popular in winter.

SwimmingThe park has an unsupervised swimming beach. While the beach is appreciated for its setting, some reviews mentioned geese and snail shells affecting its cleanliness.

BikingBiking is allowed within the park, and trails are suitable for mountain biking. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.

BoatingBoating is limited to electric trolling motors on the lake. Two boat ramps are available for easy access.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include amphibians, birds, and other local species. The diverse habitats around the lake make it a good spot for nature observations, especially during hikes.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLake swimming conditions are poor due to algae and moss. Raccoons are present but shy and not bothersome.

Active AlertsNo current active alerts provided.

Fire PolicyNot explicitly stated.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesHospital and medical clinic within 10 miles in Oskaloosa.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are provided on-site. No specific information is available about recycling facilities or pickup schedules.

Water FeaturesLocated next to an 84-acre man-made lake with fishing opportunities and boat ramps.

Camp HostHosts described as super nice, friendly, and helpful.

Weather at Lake Keomah State Park

Reviews

3.9

43 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lake Keomah State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lake Keomah State Park highlight its peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and diverse activities. While many campers appreciated the clean restrooms, friendly staff, and spacious sites, some noted issues such as algae in the lake, uneven tent sites, and the need for more kid-friendly amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the park's scenic beauty, quiet environment, and variety of activities. Users frequently praised the friendly camp hosts, clean restrooms and showers, and the well-maintained...

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include lake algae and geese at the swimming beach, uneven tent sites, and crowded or closely spaced RV sites. Maintenance issues such as locked restrooms and low-hanging tree...

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommended tips include bringing your own grill for shelter areas and avoiding swimming at the beach due to algae and geese. Campers suggested selecting tent sites with more level ground for a...

Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the park is quieter and less crowded during weekdays and off-seasons. However, some facilities, like restrooms, might be locked or less maintained during these times. Summer is...

Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground was pretty level, lots of space on our site (#16 in the corner).' - Amanda Johnson 2. 'Lake is algae-filled and closed to people. Campground is real quiet and empty weekdays.' -...

Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #16 in the corner was highlighted as spacious and peaceful by one reviewer. Some RV sites were noted for being crowded, and there was a general recommendation to choose sites away from the main...

Based on 43 reviews