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).
Located in Mahaska County, the area now known as Lake Keomah was originally prairie and farmland. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed a dam on North Skunk River during the 1930s to create a lake for recreational purposes.
The resulting reservoir became central to the park's development. Named after two Native American tribes-Keokuk and Mahaska-the park officially opened in 1934.
Historically, it has offered diverse activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking areas with shelters built by CCC workers still standing today. These structures reflect Depression-era craftsmanship using native stone and timber.
Over time facilities have been updated; modern amenities like playground equipment were added while maintaining rustic charm through conservation efforts of natural habitats within its boundaries.
Land use surrounding it remains predominantly agricultural but includes residential properties too. As outdoor recreation trends evolved so did visitor services ensuring relevance across generations seeking nature-based experiences close to urban centers like Oskaloosa or Ottumwa nearby.
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.