Geode State Park

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Park Alerts & Notices

For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.

Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

Named after Iowa’s state rock, Geode State Park is a beautiful destination in southeast Iowa for outdoor recreation. Lake Geode is the focal point of the park, with more than 150 acres for fishing, boating and paddlesport activities. 

Geodes are on display in the park office, but it is prohibited to remove geodes from the park.

Plan Your Visit

• Hike a variety of trails at Geode, taking visitors around the lake and to several sites within the park. The main trail begins at the north end of the lake and travels to the dam. Another trail leads from the dam on the west side of the lake to complete a circular tour of Lake Geode.
• Fish for largemouth bass, crappie, red-eared sunfish and more. Shoreline fishing is available from several picnic areas along the lakeshore and the dam. Boaters can enjoy the lake at “no wake” speeds. Two boat ramps on the east side of the lake provide convenient access to the water.
• Boat in the waters of Lake Geode or swim at the sandy beach area. Boats must operate at “no-wake” speeds and cannot be operated at more than 5 mph within 100 feet of the shore or within 50 feet of another craft or person. In-board motors are not allowed on the lake, including jet skis and jet boats.
• Camp at one of several electric or non-electric campsites at the park’s campground. The campground features two modern shower buildings, a modern restroom, sewage dump station and two ADA accessible camp pads. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Geode State Park and 100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required.  The campground accepts reservations April 1 - December 14 and is closed December 15 - March 31.
• Reserve one of three open shelters for an outdoor gathering during your visit. The Beach Shelter is ADA accessible and several scenic picnic spots are available throughout the park. Shelter reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Geode State Park.

After Hours Fishing

Open to fishing activity between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. in addition to normal park hours. All fishing must be done from the bank in the areas designated for each lake or river. Vessels are not permitted on the lakes after 10:30 p.m. Parking is allowed in specially marked lots only.

The area of the dam embankment between the two parking lots and parallel to the county road and the lake.

Amenities at a Glance

• Hiking trails
• Playground
• Boat ramps (2)
• Shelters
• Modern restroom
• Showers
• Electric campsites
• Non-electric campsites
• Tent only campsites
• Youth group only campsites
• Dump station

Explore the Park

• Geode State Park map and flyer
• Geode State Park campground map

Know Before You Go

Beach Information

For current beach advisories please visit the beach monitoring dashboard or call the monitoring hotline at 515-725-3434.
The dashboard and hotline are updated on Fridays during the monitoring season.

Beach monitoring dashboard