State Parks, Forests & Recreation Areas

Lake Keomah State Park

[Alert] Lake Keomah - Major Reconstruction Project

Lake Keomah is scheduled for a major reconstruction project.  This will improve water quality, provide better amenities for park users and increase structure for fishing.  In order for this project to begin the lake will be drained.  As a result, a drawdown will start after July 4, 2024. Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026. (Posted March 11, 2024)

[Alert] Lake Keomah - Lake Draw Down

Lake draw down for renovations will begin Tuesday, July 9th.  Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.  During this project, Lake Keomah will remain open along with camping and its amenities.

Facilities closing due to the renovations include the Beach and Lodge.

Shelters are at a first come first serve availability during this time and are not reservable (Updated 7/23/24)

[Alert] Lake Keomah - Please keep out of the lake bed.

Please keep out of the lake bed.  Conditions of dried silt give the appearance of solid ground, when in fact the soils are very soft.  These conditions could lead to entrapment, if you fall into these spots. (Posted 7/23/24)

[Alert] Lake Keomah - Water Off

Shower buildings will be closed October 15th until the spring of 2025. Frost free hydrants and a pit toilets are available. (Posted 10/14/2024)

[Alert] Lake Keomah - Facility Closure NOTIFICATION

The Lodge and Beach at Lake Keomah State Park are closed from August 1, 2024 - October 15, 2025, due to renovations. Shelters are at a first come first serve availability during this time and are not reservable. If the project starts later or is completed earlier than expected, DNR can notify you that the closure will be removed for the lodges and shelters. If you would like to be notified, fill out the following form, Lake Keomah Facilities reopens. (Posted 09/18/2023)

About the Park

Lake Keomah State Park near Oskaloosa in southern Iowa features 366 acres of beautiful woods and picnic areas along an 84-acre lake. Deep woods and marshy areas provide habitat for a variety of wildlife including bullfrogs and blue heron. In the fall, the lake’s trees and shrubs illuminate the environment with their vibrant colors. 

The park is named after the counties of Keokuk and Mahaska, and many of its facilities such as shelters and day-use lodge were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hike the three-mile walking trail, winding around the lake and through the village of Keomah. The trail combines grass and crushed rock surfaces while traveling through a variety of wildlife habitats. Shorter trails from the lodge and campground connect to the main trail around the lake. Snowmobiles are allowed on designated trails in the winter.
  • Fish for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and more at Lake Keomah. A section of shoreline is designated for 24-hour fishing access and an accessible fishing pier is available on the west shoreline. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity when the lake freezes.
  • Boat in the waters of Lake Keomah or swim at the unsupervised swimming beach. Only electric motors are allowed and two boat ramps are located around the lake for convenient access to the water.
  • Camp at one of several campsites at the park’s campground. Sites include electrical hookups, modern showers, restrooms and a trailer dump station. A dining and restroom building is available for organized camping groups. Please call the park office to schedule a group camp visit. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Keomah State Park.
  • Reserve one of two open shelters for an outdoor gathering during your visit. A day-use lodge is also available for large events such as weddings and family reunions. Both shelters and the lodge can be reserved through the online reservation system for Lake Keomah State Park.

After Hours Fishing

Open to fishing activity between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. in addition to normal park hours. All fishing must be done from the bank in the areas designated for each lake or river. Vessels are not permitted on the lakes after 10:30 p.m. Parking is allowed in specially marked lots only.

The embankment of the dam between the crest of the dam and the lake; the shoreline between the road and the lake from the south boat ramp, west and north to the junction with the road leading to the group camp shelter.

Amenities at a Glance

  • Hiking trails
  • Swimming beach
  • Boat ramps (2)
  • Fishing jetty
  • Day-use lodge ; ADA accessible
  • Shelters
  • Modern restroom
  • Showers
  • Electric campsites
  • Non-electric campsites
  • Tent only campsites
  • Buddy campsites
  • Dump station

Explore the Park

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