State: Iowa
Address 1: 1650 118th Avenue
City: Indianola
Zip: 50125
Phone: 515-961-7101
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 141
Electric: 85
Camp URL: http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/lake_ahquabi.html
Full Hook: Yes
The campground is located by the lakeshore. There are 141 campsites (85 with electrical hookups), modern rest rooms and showers and two trailer dump stations. Each campsite has a picnic table and fireplace. An organized youth group camping area is inside the main campground in the “non-electric” area. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis. A playground is located near the campground.
Three open shelters are available for picnics and a stone lodge overlooking the lake may be reserved for a fee. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it is very popular for family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings.
Hikers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers can travel all the way around the lake on a beautiful gravel trail. Other scenic foot trails wind through the woods.
A 115-acre man-made lake has a large sandy beach and offers unsupervised swimming. Boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rent through the concessionaire. Bait is also available through the concessionaire.
A modern boat ramp is located at the northern end of the park. Another ramp is located in the campground. Lake Ahquabi is popular with anglers. A number of fishing jetties and a handicapped accessible fishing pier provide great places for a day of shoreline fishing.
“Ahquabi” is a Sauk and Fox word meaning “resting place,” and it is a fitting name for this scenic 770-acre park. The park site was recommended by “Ding” Darling, nationally known Iowa political cartoonist and conservationist, and was dedicated in 1936. Many of its structures were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930’s and remain available for the enjoyment of park visitors.