Summary
The park covers an area of 366 acres and offers visitors a host of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.
One of the main attractions of Lake Keomah State Park is its beautiful lake, which is surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, with species such as crappie, bluegill, and bass all abundant in its waters. There are also several hiking trails in the park that offer visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Another interesting feature of Lake Keomah State Park is the historic stone shelter that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The shelter is a popular spot for picnics and gatherings, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the park's history.
Visitors to Lake Keomah State Park can also enjoy camping in one of the park's 65 campsites. The campground is open from April through October and offers amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and a playground for children.
The best time of year to visit Lake Keomah State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming and fishing. However, the park is also a beautiful destination in the fall, when the leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Overall, Lake Keomah State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in Iowa. With its beautiful lake, hiking trails, historic stone shelter, and camping facilities, the park offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Lake Keomah State Park Campground
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Lake Keomah State Park
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Glendale Access
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Quercus Wilderness Area
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Eveland Access
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Union Mills Access
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