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Smith Lake Park

 
Boating Boating at Smith Lake Park
Boating is allowed at Smith Lake, but only electric motors are permitted.
Camping Camping at Smith Lake Park
Smith Lake has 49 campsites on the south side of the park. These sites include water hookups, 50/30/20 amp electric service, fire rings, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a gravel pad to park your camper.  On the north side of the park there are 16 full hookup sites that are available for nightly, monthly, and seasonal rates.  A tent camping area is also available. Modern restrooms with shower facilities are also available in the campgrounds. A dump station is located near the entrance to the park coming from Highway 169.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Smith Lake Park
Kayaking and canoeing are very popular at Smith Lake. Most people bring their own, but kayaks can be rented at the Water's Edge Nature Center.
Education Education at Smith Lake Park
The Water's Edge Nature Center is located on the west shore of Smith Lake. Many educational displays and information can be found there. Our naturalist staff also provide many educational programs during the year.
Facility Rentals Facility Rentals at Smith Lake Park
Smith Lake Park offers an enclosed shelter in the south campground area that can be rented for any number of occasions. There is also an open shelter in the north campground area that can also be rented. Both shelters have an attached modern bathroom facility complete with showers. Both shelters are available for walk-in activities on a first come first served basis as long as there are no rentals scheduled. The Water's Edge Nature Center has a meeting room that is also available to rent.
Fishing Fishing at Smith Lake Park

Kossuth County has many opportunities for good fishing.  Smith Lake has been producing big healthy large mouth bass for the last couple of years, as well as excellent catfishing.  It also has a good year class of crappies right now.

Click here for fishing info, including fish structure gps coordinates.

For more fishing information at Smith Lake, including a topo map, click this link.

All bass under 18 inches must be immediately returned to the water.

Other Activities Other Activities at Smith Lake Park
Smith Lake Park offers playground areas for children and adults complete with swings, slides, a modern playground setup, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, and a small basketball court. There is also an outdoor learning area near the nature center where kids can enjoy playing in area constructed with more natural materials. 
Picnicking Picnicking at Smith Lake Park
Smith Lake Park has several areas for picnicking throughout the park complete with picnic tables, and charcoal grills.
Swimming Swimming at Smith Lake Park
Smith Lake has 2 sandy beach swimming areas.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Smith Lake Park
Smith Lake has a hiking trail that encompasses the lake. It wanders through a stand of pine trees, native prairie areas, a tree garden, and along the lake shore. the full loop is 1.5 miles long.
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Smith Lake Park
When there is enough snow, the hiking trail around the lake is groomed for cross country skiing.

This trail is also great for snow shoeing.  Snow shoes are available for rent at the nature center.
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