Campground Closure: The Lake Anita Campground will be closed for utility work. Work begins on November 1, 2026 and is expected to be completed by April 15, 2027. (Updated October 8, 2026)
Campground Operations: This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations year round until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
Book a Campsite at Lake Anita State Park, IA
Overview
Description
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 which was formed by creating a dam on a branch of the Nishnabotna River. This park truly has something for everyone; from hiking on a quiet trail, to relaxing in the campground, or splashing on the beach, Lake Anita is a great place to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors.
Recreation:
Trails
A one-third mile self-guided trail is available, where park visitors can learn about a number of the shrubs and trees which abound in southwest Iowa. Lake Anita State Park also offers a four 3/8 mile multi-use trail which runs completely around the lake. The trail is paved and runs through restored prairie and by early successional timber, giving visitors a chance to view these diverse habitats and the different species of wildlife they hold. The paved Grass Roots Trail connects Lake Anita with the city of Anita leading to the downtown area.
Lake Activities
The beach at Lake Anita offers young and old opportunities for a refreshing dip or a game of sand volleyball on a hot summer day.
Fishing is a very popular sport at Lake Anita. The 171 acre lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and walleye. Several jetties around the lake provide good shoreline fishing. Two boat ramps provide access to the lake for boat anglers. Dock space for pontoon boats may be reserved on a seasonal basis through the park office.
Facilities:
Picnicking/Shelters
Lake Anita State Park has a large number of picnic areas, many of which overlook the lake. The park is a wonderful place for a family get-together or just a quick outdoor meal. There are seven shelters available for reservations online.
Camping
All campsites are within easy access of the lake. The campground boasts electric, non-electric and full hook-up sites (water and sewer) as well as two modern shower/restroom buildings. Movies are shown every Saturday night in the campground, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. A playground is also provided.
Nearby Attractions:
Lake Anita is located five miles south of Interstate 80 from the Anita interchange. The park lies just south of the town of Anita. Adair is eight miles northeast. Atlantic is approximately twelve miles west.
Booking Window
Shelters
Fri Nov 06 2026 - Sat Oct 30 2027Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric with Water
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Full Hook-Up
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Non-Electric
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Tent Only
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Youth Group Only
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Season Dates
Lake Anita Shelters:
Walk In: March 1 - April 30
Reservable: May 1 - September 30
Walk In: October 1 - November 30
Lake Anita Campground:
Off Peak: January 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Off Peak
Fri Oct 16 2026
Wed Mar 31 2027
Off Peak
Thu Apr 01 2027
Fri Apr 30 2027
Peak
Sat May 01 2027
Fri Oct 15 2027
Off Peak
Sat Oct 16 2027
Fri Mar 31 2028
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Bicycling
- Bird Watching
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Dock, Fishing
- Dump Station
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Interpretive Trail
- Jogging/Running
- Kayaking
- Modern Restroom
- Park Lake
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Swimming - Beach
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Walking
- Water Hydrants
- Wildlife Viewing
Less Than 1 Mile
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Church
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Golf
- Grocery Store
- Hunting
- Retail, Drinks
- Retail, Firewood
- Retail, Ice
- Retail, Snacks
- Town
Greater Than 10 Miles
- Hospital
- Motel
- Retail, Bait & Tackle
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Click here to view the cancellation policy.
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2026 -
Mar 31 2027
Oct 16 2026 -
Mar 31 2027
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Non-Electric
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric with Water
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$30.00-$35.00
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2027 -
Apr 30 2027
Apr 01 2027 -
Apr 30 2027
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Non-Electric
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric with Water
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$30.00-$35.00
Peak Season
May 01 2027 -
Oct 15 2027
May 01 2027 -
Oct 15 2027
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$16.00
Standard Non-Electric
$16.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$36.00
Standard Electric with Water
$30.00
Standard Electric
$24.00
Shelters
$30.00-$35.00
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2027 -
Mar 31 2028
Oct 16 2027 -
Mar 31 2028
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Non-Electric
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$20.00
Standard Electric with Water
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$30.00-$35.00
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.42389, -94.7725
41°25'26"N, 94°46'21"W
From I-80, take exit 70 and go south on Highway 148. This will take you through Anita. The park is on the west side of Highway 148 south of Anita. From Highway 83, turn south onto Highway 148. The park is on the west side of Highway 148 south of Anita.
41.42389, -94.7725
41°25'26"N, 94°46'21"W
From I-80, take exit 70 and go south on Highway 148. This will take you through Anita. The park is on the west side of Highway 148 south of Anita. From Highway 83, turn south onto Highway 148. The park is on the west side of Highway 148 south of Anita.
Nearby Parks
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