LAKE KEOMAH STATE PARK
Lake Keomah State Park is 366 acres of beautiful woods and water. Lovely shaded picnic areas are nestled between the arms of the 83 acre man-made lake.
During the summer the open water, grasslands, deep woods and marshy areas provide habitat for all types of wildlife. Hikers along the park's scenic hiking and nature trails may catch a glimpse of bullfrogs blowing and puffing bass solos, a great blue heron wading the shallows in search of minnows, or a covey of quail rising at the approach of human footsteps. In the fall, the lake is surrounded by a mass of color from a variety of trees and shrubs.
"Keomah" may sound like an Indian name, but it is not. The name is derived from the first syllables of the two counties that helped finance the park over 50 years ago --Keokuk and Mahaska. A portion of the south side of the lake was reserved for private development and many homes dot this side of the lake. The park was dedicated in 1934. Many of its facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
The campground has 65 campsites (41 with electrical hookups), modern showers, rest rooms and a trailer dump station. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Group Camping:
Lake Keomah also has a dining/rest room building available on a reservation basis to organized groups. Camping for group members is allowed nearby. See the document Group Camp Rental Reservation for specifics on reservation policy and specific rates, damage deposits and reservation deposits.
1. Lake Keomah State Park offers a designated swimming area in its 83-acre lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is free and open to the public during park hours.
4. The beach has sand volleyball courts for additional fun activities near water's edge.
5. Restrooms and changing facilities are available nearby for swimmers' convenience.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It features a boat ramp, making it easy to launch personal watercraft into the lake. Motorized boats are allowed but must adhere to no-wake regulations at all times. For those without their own craft, paddleboats and canoes are available for rent on-site during summer months.
Fishing:
Spring and summer fishing for crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish is excellent. Ice fishing is popular in winter. A fishing jetty is available on the west shoreline and is accessible to persons of varying abilities.
Lake Keomah State Park is located near Oskaloosa
A lodge is available on a reservation only basis. It is an ideal place for special events such as wedding receptions or family reunions. Contact the park office to make a reservation.
Lake Keomah's scenic beauty has long made it a very popular picnic spot. Open picnic shelters may be reserved for a fee through the park office.
The park's wooded terrain provides great hiking year-round. There is a multi-use trail which runs along the lake shore. In winter, snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails.
Be aware, biking options are somewhat limited. A 1-mile trail is available but it's primarily for hiking.
The terrain can be challenging with steep hills and uneven surfaces; not ideal for inexperienced cyclists.
Bikers should exercise caution as the trails aren't specifically designed or maintained for cycling activities.
Remember to respect other users on shared paths - hikers have right of way over bikers in this area.
Always wear a helmet while riding your bike here due to potential hazards from rough terrains and unexpected obstacles.
Check local regulations before setting out, some areas may prohibit bicycling altogether during certain times of year.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species in the 366-acre park, including waterfowl and songbirds. The area's dense woodland attracts a variety of birds throughout different seasons. A bird blind is available for optimal viewing opportunities near the lake shore where many aquatic birds reside.