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As of June 2023, Otter Creek Lake & Park has reopened to the public.This reopening includes all camping area, roadways, trails, etc. Though the refilling process has begun, the lake is still mostly empty. Fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities are unavailable, as the lake has not yet filled with water. Restoration includes establishment of excellent fish habitat, improved angler access, removal of sedimentation, irrigation improvements, and more.
Seventy (70) acre lake hosting quality fishing, boating, and swimming.
Two open air shelters with approx. capacity of 72 persons each.
Electric camp section with 65 unit capacity.
Tent section with 18 sites, 45 tent capacity
Swimming beach offered at no charge
Picnicking. Tables to entertain up to 400 persons
Concrete boat ramp providing safe and convenient access to lake
Fish cleaning station located next to boat ramp
Sanitary dump station for trailer units using campground
Modern showerhouse (for campers)
Six vault latrines scattered throughout park
Two acre native prairie (never tilled by man)
Headquarters for maintenance operations
Two play areas with assorted play equipment including swings, jungle gyms, spring toys, slides.
3.0 mile loop scenic hiking trail around lake
Handicap access provides safe and easy access to beach play area.
Tama County Nature Center houses main office, 5,600 sq. ft. on main floor, 2,600 sq. ft. in basement, handicap accessible building. The Nature Center is popular for social events including weddings, receptions, family reunions, and workshops.
Visitors kiosk with vending machine is located directly south of the concrete boat landing.
I love Otter Creek its taken care of very well and a great place to just relax and enjoy nature and forget stress.Great place for family and friends or even solitary time.....
Otter Creek Lake & Park will be reopening next week, just in time for the 4th of July!
Following lake improvements, visitors will once again be able to hike and camp at Otter Creek Lake & Park starting on June 29, 2023. Upon reopening, all park trails, roads, restrooms, and shelters will be available for public use. Campsites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. In celebration of this occasion, the Nature Center and Conservation Office at Otter Creek Lake & Park will be open to the public from 12-4pm June 29 through July 1. Animal encounters, craft activities, and more will be provided by the Park Naturalist.
Completed lake improvements include greater angler access, better fish habitat, and removal of sediment from the lake. Additional park improvements include enlargement of camping pads at Camper’s Hill and shoreline improvements. Otter Creek Lake is currently in the process of refilling and will likely not be full until 2024. As such, swimming and fishing in the lake will be unavailable until further notice. Playground improvements are still in progress, and playground equipment will not be available for use until 2024.
The official grand opening of Otter Creek Lake & Park will be held on October 7, 2023 during this year’s Fall Festival. More details to follow.
It is currently closed 2-8-23 they are redoing the while lake. Just went to check the progress with my drone.
Was sad there was no water, no creek or lake. Took some pics of flowers by the building.
