State Parks Near Ottumwa, Iowa
9 state park units lie within 50 miles of Ottumwa, including 1 park across the line in Missouri. The closest is Lake Wapello State Park, about 16 mi southwest of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Lake Wapello State Park16 mi southwest
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 9 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 95 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 1pets allowed
State parks near Ottumwa, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Ottumwa; driving distance is usually longer.
Lake Wapello State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Wapello State Park →Lake Keomah State Park
The park supports swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Keomah State Park →Honey Creek State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Honey Creek State Park →Lake Darling State Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Darling State Park →Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Things to do include historic sites, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 13 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Lacey-Keosauqua State Park →Elk Rock State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding and boating. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, equestrian camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Elk Rock State Park →Red Haw State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with electric hookups and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Red Haw State Park →Shimek State Forest
Its trail network totals roughly 7 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Shimek State Forest →Battle of Athens State Historic Site
The park supports historic sites, boating, ranger programs, fishing, and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Battle of Athens State Historic Site →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Ottumwa
- Lake Wapello State Park 16 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Lake Keomah State Park 19 mi north · Campground listed
- Honey Creek State Park 29 mi west · Campground listed
- Lake Darling State Park 30 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 32 mi southeast · Campground listed
+ 4 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Ottumwa
- Lake Wapello State Park 16 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Keomah State Park 19 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Honey Creek State Park 29 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Darling State Park 30 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 32 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Ottumwa
- Battle of Athens State Historic Site 48 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Ottumwa
- Lake Wapello State Park 16 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Keomah State Park 19 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
- Honey Creek State Park 29 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Darling State Park 30 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 32 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
+ 1 more in the list above
Hiking near Ottumwa
- Lake Wapello State Park 16 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Keomah State Park 19 mi north · Hiking trails listed
- Honey Creek State Park 29 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Darling State Park 30 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 32 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Fishing near Ottumwa
- Lake Wapello State Park 16 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Lake Keomah State Park 19 mi north · Fishing listed
- Honey Creek State Park 29 mi west · Fishing listed
- Lake Darling State Park 30 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 32 mi southeast · Fishing listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Ottumwa
What is the closest state park to Ottumwa?
Lake Wapello State Park is the closest, about 16 miles southwest of Ottumwa in a straight line. Next are Lake Keomah State Park and Honey Creek State Park.
How many state parks are near Ottumwa?
9 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Ottumwa have camping?
9 parks list camping, the nearest being Lake Wapello State Park, Lake Keomah State Park and Honey Creek State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Ottumwa?
Yes, at 1 park, including Battle of Athens State Historic Site. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Ottumwa?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Oskaloosa, IA22 mi northwest
- Near Newton, IA57 mi northwest
- Near Kirksville, MO57 mi south
- Near Iowa City, IA64 mi northeast
- Near Burlington, IA69 mi east
- Near Des Moines, IA72 mi northwest
- Near Muscatine, IA76 mi east
- Near Cedar Rapids, IA76 mi northeast
Or see all Iowa state parks, Missouri state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.