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Lake Anita
Overview
Lake Anita State Park offers a peaceful retreat centered around a sparkling 171-acre man-made lake in Cass County. As one of the most popular outdoor destinations in southwest Iowa, it provides a perfect blend of recreational water activities and quiet woodland scenery. The park is exceptionally well-maintained, offering a welcoming atmosphere for families and nature enthusiasts who want to escape the hustle of interstate travel while remaining easily accessible for large rigs.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just south of the town of Anita and a short drive from Interstate 80, the park is nestled within the rolling agricultural landscape of rural Iowa. The surroundings feature lush prairie restorations and dense treelines that provide a deep sense of seclusion. Its location makes it a convenient midpoint stop for those traveling across the Midwest, yet the tranquil water views and shaded lots make it feel like a dedicated vacation destination.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is thoughtfully designed with over 150 sites, including several full-hookup options for modern RVers. Visitors have access to the following features:
- Modern shower facilities and clean restrooms
- A convenient dump station for self-contained units
- Multiple fishing jetties and a boat ramp
- A large, sandy swimming beach
The highlight for many is the four-mile paved trail that circles the entire lake, providing an excellent surface for both walking and cycling throughout the season.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw, with no-wake boating and excellent fishing for bass and crappie topping the list of activities. Hikers can explore the various trail systems to spot local wildlife and vibrant wildflowers in the prairie sections. Just outside the park, the town of Anita offers charming local eateries, while the nearby city of Atlantic provides additional shopping and historical sites, including the Rock Island Depot.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for active families and retirees who appreciate a balance of modern convenience and natural beauty. It caters exceptionally well to bicyclists who want a safe, scenic place to ride. Because of its spacious campsites and easy highway access, it is equally suited for long-term vacationers looking to settle in and cross-country travelers needing a high-quality, quiet place to recharge.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jolene Sequenzia
The park grounds are pretty and the facilities are clean. We were not very impressed with the actual campsites, however. They are very narrow and most of the site's fire pits are too close the neighbor's spot, making it impossible to sit around them. At the full hookup sites, the fire pit was next to the neighbor's septic hookup. There were also a TON of flies. I'm not sure if it was just the time of year, or if it was related to the septic system but it was excessive. Lovely park, but I probably won't camp here again.
Jason Clements
What I would call a typical lake based state park. It suffers from not having any trees to cut the wind so if you’re camping, the wind coming across the lake is strong. The trail around the lake is fully paved and does not go completely around the lake without walking on the road. Good for bikes but not very for nice hiking
Cj Case
We love this park and come every year. It gets 4 stars though because there is little to no shade. Trees will grow in and in 10 years it will be perfect. Great amenities, clean park, quiet and fun for kids. The beach was a little overgrown with seaweed but it's free admission. Geese have taken over with poo everywhere but not quite sure how you fix that. Kids had fun fishing and we walked the entire paved trail around the lake. Will be back again next year.
Maureen Hobbs
This was our third time staying here. It’s absolutely the best camping: gorgeous 360 views, stunning wildlife, tidy and welcoming facilities, and friendly staff.
Sonia S.
Gorgeous state park. Loved the tiered parking for campers which allowed everyone to have a great view of the lake. Clean beach, plenty of docks and well kept trails.