Lake Keomah State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Sitting on 366 acres of glorious deep woods and marsh, Lake Keomah State Park is in southern Iowa, just outside of Oskaloosa. Created in 1934, with many of the structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Lake Keomah State Park blends history with nature. Plenty of recreational opportunities await you inside the park, including watersports on the man-made lake. If you are a racing fan, there are several venues in the area. Eddyville is home to a drag racing track, and in Knoxville, you'll find the Spring Car Capital of the World and the National Sprint Car Museum. In addition, Lake Keomah State Park sits just over an hour's drive from the state capital, Des Moines.
Nearby Cities:
Oskaloosa, IA
Ottumwa, IA
New Sharon, IA
Eddyville, IA
Spring 49-73 F
Summer 82-86 F
Fall 49-77 F
Winter 30-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Keomah State Park
Campground Accommodations
Lake Keomah State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Modern showers, restrooms, dump station, fire rings with cooking grates, picnic tables, playground, picnic area
Eveland Access Campground
Eveland Access Campground sits right on the Des Moines River about 14 miles southwest of Lake Keomah. Altogether, there are 44 campsites available for use here, and they offer drinking water and electricity. The site is set up into two sides. On the east side of Eveland Campground, there are 30-amp electric sites. On the west side of the site, you will find both 30- and 50-amp sites available for camping. Rates are $15 per night, and campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.
Playground
30- and 50-amp electric
Fire pit
Picnic tables
Pit toilets
Showers
Five pull-through sites
Kellogg RV Park
Located 40 miles north of Lake Keomah, Kellogg RV Park has 38 camping sites that are all pull-through. There's also a cafe on-site where locals testify that the staff makes the best burgers in the entire state of Iowa. You will want to visit here for good conversations around the fire pit, for stargazing, and for just having the chance to breathe in the fresh air as you sit in the calm of nature. Rates here are $35 per night, but for campers who hold a Good Sam’s membership, the cost is discounted and totals $31.50
Cafe
Showers
Laundry
20/30/50-amp electric sites
Water and sewer
F5 tornado shelter
What to Do at
Lake Keomah State Park
With more than 300 acres to explore, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep you busy during your visit to Lake Keomah State Park. Take a dip at the beach during the heat of the summer months, get your kayak or canoe out on the lake, or cast your rod for a chance at a prized fish. You can also get together with your group in one of the two open picnic shelters or use the day-use lodge for larger events such as weddings and corporate gatherings.
At Lake Keomah State Park, summer is excellent for all kinds of water activities or exploring Iowa's great outdoors on land. However, the park is also popular in the winter for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Inside Lake Keomah State Park
With the on-site reservoir, fishing and swimming are the most popular indulgences at Lake Keomah State Park. However, keep in mind that the beach unsupervised. Other things to do here include mountain biking, birdwatching, and enjoying a picnic. If you want to see Keomah Village, trek across the three-mile trail.
Fishing
Lake Keomah offers plenty of bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass to catch. A section of the shoreline has even been designated for 24-hour fishing access for those interested in angling early in the morning or the evening. In addition, on the west shoreline, there is an accessible fishing jetty for comfortable shore fishing. You may also have luck landing a catch out on the water from your boat.
Geocaching
A hidden geocache at the park contains four steps, two of which can be completed by vehicle and two that must be finished on foot. At the end is a well-hidden ammo box containing your treasure. Check the clues and explore the park for your prize.
Nature Watching
With the dense forest, birdwatching is a must when you visit. You'll spot dozens of species of songbirds as well as bald eagles and owls.
Stargazing
At the park, the night sky is dark and clear enough to see constellations and planets. You can take a blanket to the beach or set up a telescope at a picnic table to enjoy an evening of gazing at the heavens.
Flora and Fauna
Deep woods and marsh make up the landscape of Lake Keomah State Park. Oaks, elms, and pines dominate the wooded areas, with wildflowers and shrubs offering ground cover. In addition, deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and other small critters run around the park, gathering food and building homes.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking shoes and set out on the three-mile hiking trail that winds around the lake and through parts of Keomah Village, a residential area in the park. You'll travel across grass and gravel surfaces as you see the woods around the lake, the ripples on the water, and the wildlife roaming around.
Boating
Electric motors are allowed on the lake, with access thanks to two boat ramps. You can also enjoy the lake with your canoe or kayak.
Swimming
An unsupervised swimming beach sits on the shore of the lake for those who want to take a dip and cool off. There is also enough room to catch some rays and relax.
Biking
Biking is allowed on the paved pathways throughout the park. Campers often peddle them to get some exercise or just to get around.
How to Get to
Lake Keomah State Park
Lake Keomah State Park sits east of Oskaloosa. Take Highway 92 east out of town for about four miles, then take a left onto 255th St. This road will take you to the park entrance.
Entering Lake Keomah State Park
Inside the park, you'll find parking lots near each boat ramp and at the beach. A day-use entry fee is not required to enjoy the nature and recreation of Lake Keomah State Park.
Lake Keomah State Park Per Person : $0.0
Oskaloosa, Iowa, is a city that contains many hidden little gems that complement the time you will spend camping at and around Lake Keomah State Park. At RVshare, we want to know about your journey. Please tag us on social media and remember to send your stories and photos to [email protected]. Enjoy your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Keomah State Park
The temperatures of late spring through early fall are most comfortable, with summer being a popular time to visit for swimming and boating. Fall foliage provides a colorful landscape in the autumn months. Winter brings the opportunity for ice fishing and snowmobiling on designated trails.
Overhead and on the water are dozens of species of birds, including eagles, blue herons, and owls. While exploring, you will also likely spot raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional deer.
There are 47 designated RV camping spots in the campground at Lake Keomah State Park. There are additional sites for tents only and group camping.
Most of the sites at Lake Keomah State Park require a reservation before your stay. These reservations can be made online or by phone up to six months in advance. One-quarter of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The nightly fee for a campsite in the park is $12.
Pets are welcome to join you on your adventures at Lake Keomah State Park. However, they must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.
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