Lake Anita State Park

Open — Currently open through December 31, 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis with reduced amenities. Modern restrooms, showers, dump station, and water hydrants are shut down for winter; pit latrines are available at boat ramps, picnic areas, and the dam. The campground closes January 1, 2026 and reopens April 1, 2026. Starting April 2026, all sites become 100 percent reservable with same-day reservations available.

About

Lake Anita State Park, dedicated in 1969, is one of the most popular outdoor recreation facilities in southwest Iowa. The 1,062-acre park features a beautiful 171-acre artificial lake formed by damming a branch of the Nishnabotna River. The campground offers 161 sites in various configurations: 48 electric sites, 40 full hookup sites with water and sewer, 4 electric with water sites, 57 non-electric sites, 3 tent-only sites, and 1 youth group site. Two modern shower and restroom buildings serve the campground. Amenities include a dump station, playground, and Saturday night movies Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and walleye. A paved 3.4-mile multi-use trail encircles the lake, passing through restored prairie and early successional timber. The beach provides swimming and sand volleyball opportunities. Seven picnic shelters are available for reservation. The paved Grass Roots Trail connects the park to downtown Anita.

Directions

From I-80, take exit 70 and go south on Highway 148 through Anita. The park is on the west side of Highway 148 south of Anita.

Nearby Campgrounds