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Lacey-Keosauqua
Overview
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park stands as one of Iowa's oldest and largest state parks, encompassing over 1,600 acres of scenic beauty. Established in 1921, the park is known for its historic architecture and deep connection to the Des Moines River. RVers will appreciate the preservation of the natural landscape, which offers a peaceful retreat away from the noise of major highways.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked into a Great Horseshoe Bend of the Des Moines River, the park sits just south of the charming town of Keosauqua. The surrounding landscape features heavy timber and rolling hills, part of the historic Villages of Van Buren. This region is famous for its quiet, rural atmosphere where the river serves as the central focal point for both beauty and recreation.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides 80 campsites, featuring 47 electric hookups with options for 50-amp service. Visitors have access to modern restrooms, showers, and a convenient dump station. Beyond the sites, the park features a 30-acre lake, Ely Lake, which includes a swimming beach and a historic stone lodge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Active travelers can explore 13 miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse woodland terrain and past Native American mounds. Fishing is popular at Ely Lake, while the Des Moines River provides opportunities for boating and kayaking. Nearby, the town of Keosauqua offers historic landmarks like the Manning Hotel and various local artisan shops.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature lovers and history buffs who prefer a rustic, authentic camping experience over a commercial resort. It is a fantastic choice for families seeking a quiet weekend of swimming and hiking, as well as birdwatchers looking for a diverse habitat within a historic Iowa landscape.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
TwoDays Tripn
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is one of many beautiful parks with rolling hills and a forest of Iowa trees. The lake provides great fishing and a a swim area with a sand beach. Great place for early spring mushroom hunting. The campground has some electric sites and is very peaceful to hear birds in early spring.
Nikcole
Beautiful small lake with a very nice beach, water is relatively clean for an Iowa lake. Quite the large hill to get down to the beach and not a whole lot of shade either. Chloe with the conservation office led my scout in some canoeing activities and we had a great time.
Steve Warnstadt
Nicely maintained trails with limited elevation changes, at least the River trail and Lake trails. Historic beach house and nice beach, but down a steep slope.
Steven McHugh
Classic backdrop with all the elements of pure paradise! We loved our drive through and plan to stay at the cabins soon!! Everything we need there to have a beautiful day with your family!!
Kendra Kinyon
Breathtaking Park, best to visit in late summer. Great cabins, have been coming back since I was a kid. Will come again!
Renee Stebbins
Well maintained lots, Our friends were camping and was told t I get in the shelter to be safe. The had tennis ball size hail.
Debbie
A hiker's dream with so many trails and various hills that makes you question if you're in Iowa anymore. A beautiful lake to either swim in (or to lay out on the sandy beach), or to take in the view. Occasional benches along some trails for resting & admiring the view. Bathrooms & a water spigot are also on site.
Mrs. K.
We camped in the full hook-up loop. It appears to be newly updated with new tables and trees, walking paths, and fire pits. Beautiful old growth forests to hike through with nice trails everywhere. We liked it so much that we added a few more days on to our trip so we could see everything. Awesome campground hosts!