Otter Creek Lake & Park

Enjoy beautiful sunsets over Otter Creek Lake
Enjoy beautiful sunsets over Otter Creek Lake
Tama County Nature Center at Otter Creek Lake and Park
Tent camping section at Otter Creek Lake & Park
RV Camping at Otter Creek Lake and Park

Great kids fishing at Otter Creek Lake
Wow Mom- What kind of bird is that?
Many different activities occur at Otter Creek Lake and Park
The Nature Center is a popular site for weddings


Otter Creek Lake Restoration

 June 2023 Update: Otter Creek Lake & Park will be reopening to the public on June 29, 2023! This reopening includes all camping area, roadways, trails, etc. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Though the refilling process has begun, the lake is still mostly empty. Fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities are unavailable, as the lake has not yet filled with water. Restoration includes establishment of excellent fish habitat, improved angler access, removal of sedimentation, irrigation improvements, and more. 

 

Otter Creek Lake & Park is the largest and most heavily used facility managed by the Conservation Board. The park serves as the headquarters for the office and maintenance operations of the Conservation Board and the home of the Tama County Nature Center. Otter Creek Lake & Park boasts an on-site naturalist and serves as the site of annual summer camps, fundraisers, field trips, and other events. 

 

History
The original park property, purchased during the late 1960’s, measured 277 acres and currently houses a multi-use recreation facility accommodating camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, playground activities, swimming, boating, and nature observation. Otter Creek Lake and Park has seen an expansion project, the Hansen Addition, starting in 2007. Additional property immediately adjacent to the park to its east, north and partially down its west side has been added bringing the current park acreage to 529 acres.


 




Location

This 529 acre park is located 6 miles northeast of Toledo in Secs. 30 & 31, Carroll Township,

CONTACT INFORMATION
Tama County Conservation Board
2283 Park Road
Toledo,  IA  52342

Phone:  (641) 484-2231
e-mail: tccb@tamacounty.org



Features

Existing facilities include:

  • Seventy (70) acre lake hosting quality fishing, boating, and swimming.
  • Two open air shelters with approx. capacity of 72 persons each.
  • Electric camp section with 65 unit capacity.
  • Tent section with 18 sites, 45 tent capacity
  • Swimming beach offered at no charge
  • Picnicking. Tables to entertain up to 400 persons
  • Concrete boat ramp providing safe and convenient access to lake
  • Fish cleaning station located next to boat ramp
  • Sanitary dump station for trailer units using campground
  • Modern showerhouse (for campers)
  • Six vault latrines scattered throughout park
  • Two acre native prairie (never tilled by man)
  • Headquarters for maintenance operations
  • Two play areas with assorted play equipment including swings, jungle gyms, spring toys, slides.
  • 3.0 mile loop scenic hiking trail around lake
  • Handicap access provides safe and easy access to beach play area.
  • Tama County Nature Center, still under construction, houses main office, nearing completion, 5,600 sq. ft. on main floor, 2,600 sq. ft. in basement, handicap accessible building. The Nature Center is popular for social events including weddings, receptions, family reunions, and workshops.
  • Visitors kiosk with vending machine is located directly south of the concrete boat landing.


Operating Hours & Seasons

Operating hours are 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.