Lake Anita- Water shut off on south side of park: This does not affect the campground.( The campground is open and has water available) Due to a water leak the water is shut off to the hydrant by the beach and the restroom near shelter #5. We have pit latrines available at both boat ramps, the picnic area, and at the dam. There is an ADA accessible portable toilet located at shelter #5 and the beach.
Updated 4-11-25
Book a Campsite at Lake Anita State Park, IA
159 site(s) found
Footnotes: (applicable only where specifically marked above)
*** Some sites may be available only from the campground on a first-come-first-served basis.
*** Some sites may be available only from the campground on a first-come-first-served basis.
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
Sun Apr 27 2025 - Mon Apr 20 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric with Water
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Full Hook-Up
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Non-Electric
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Tent Only
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Youth Group Only
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival 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:
Walk In: January 1 - March 31
Off Peak: April 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - October 31
Walk In: November 1 - December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Off Peak
Tue Apr 01 2025
Wed Apr 30 2025
Peak
Thu May 01 2025
Wed Oct 15 2025
Off Peak
Thu Oct 16 2025
Fri Oct 31 2025
Walk In
Sat Nov 01 2025
Tue Mar 31 2026
Off Peak
Wed Apr 01 2026
Thu Apr 30 2026
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
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Apr 01 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Non-Electric
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$18.00-$20.00
Standard Electric with Water
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Peak Season
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$15.00
Standard Non-Electric
$15.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$33.00
Standard Electric with Water
$28.00
Standard Electric
$20.00-$23.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2025 -
Oct 31 2025
Oct 16 2025 -
Oct 31 2025
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Non-Electric
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$18.00-$20.00
Standard Electric with Water
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Walk In Season
Nov 01 2025 -
Mar 31 2026
Nov 01 2025 -
Mar 31 2026
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Non-Electric
$6.00-$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$18.00-$20.00
Standard Electric with Water
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Apr 01 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Youth Group Only
$15.00
Tent Only
$12.00
Standard Non-Electric
$12.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$18.00-$20.00
Standard Electric with Water
$20.00
Standard Electric
$20.00
Shelters
$25.00-$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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[29.27 miles*]
[29.49 miles*]
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