Lake Iowa Park

Discover Lake Iowa Park in Ladora

Thanks for taking interest in our park! Below you will find some general information about Lake Iowa Park and we hope to see you out! If you want to stay up to date on our events, everything from burns to special camping weekends, be sure to follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/lakeiowapark

Camping: Lake Iowa Park offers a quiet, safe and beautifully-maintained campground that includes 120 rocked pads with electricity, shower houses and a dump station.  There are water hydrants with rural water spread throughout the campground to fill your camper tanks.  There are two non-electric areas suitable for tents which are within a short walk to the shower house. Currently there are no reservations for camping, it is all first come first served. 

Fishing/Boating: The 83 acre lake supports Large Mouth Bass, Red ear Sunfish, Crappie, Perch and Catfish.  There is a boat ramp with parking area, fish cleaning station.  It is a no-wake/no wave lake, however there is no engine restriction. Jon boats with trolling motors are available for rent by contacting the campground hosts or a ranger.

Shelters: There are several picnic areas including seven shelter houses that overlook Lake Iowa, all of which can be reserved in advance for $25. These open air shelters include grills, bathroom facilities, electricity and some have playground equipment. There is also the Roundhouse, a small enclosed facility in the campground area with outside BBQ grills available. 

Beach: Beach and swimming areas are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from sunrise to sunset, with a swim at your own risk policy. The beach has a restroom and hydrant and receives daily maintenance.

Trails: Hiking trails are throughout the property. Some trails connect the shelter houses and meander around the lake through native prairies and woodlands. Other trails go along the lake shoreline for ideal fishing.

Lake Iowa Nature Center: The Lake Iowa Nature Center opened in 2010, and is located just past the main entrance to the park. The nature center boasts two large open areas for programs and displays as well as a lofted children's area, a library, a full kitchen in the lower level, storage rooms, and ICCB staff offices. A large butterfly garden is located in front of and on the east side of the nature center.  Many butterflies, other insects, and even hummingbirds can be spotted while the plants are in bloom.  A trail from the patio behind the nature center leads to the newly constructed bird observation blind.  Visitors can sit in the fully enclosed blind to spot goldfinches, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, chickadees and many other native birds. There is a Nature Explore Playscape for children and families of all ages to enjoy on the east side of the nature center. Seasonally, exhibits will be present on the top floor for all to enjoy!

The lower level of the nature center is available to rent for weddings, graduation parties, family reunions, and other special events. Please call for more information regarding rental policies. 

Cabins: 2 cabins are available for rent. Each cabin has a full kitchen and ADA compliant bathroom and will sleep 8 people.

Park Maps:

Trails Map

Disk Golf Map

Lake Iowa Bathymerty from Iowa DNR

Lake Iowa new fish structures coordinate map

Lake Ridge Equestrian Trail 

Lake Iowa Park Campground map- Front Half

Lake Iowa Park Campground map- Back Half

Features Available at Various Facilities

• A/C
• Carry in/carry out refuse
• Cooking / eating utensils
• Dump station
• Electricity
• Fire ring
• Firewood available
• Handicap Accessible
• Heating
• Kitchenette
• Microwave
• On-site resident host
• Pet Friendly
• Pets prohibited
• Picnic Table
• Pressurized water
• Refuse cans
• Restroom
• Sewer Connection
• Shower facilities
• Swimming nearby
• Table with chairs

Featured Events

• Open Nature Center Saturday February 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Open Nature Center Saturday March 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Open Nature Center Saturday April 5, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM