Tama

Otter Creek Lake & Park is the largest and most heavily used facility managed by the Conservation Board. The park serves as the headquarters for the office and maintenance operations of the Conservation Board and the home of the Tama County Nature Center. Otter Creek Lake & Park boasts an on-site naturalist and serves as the site of annual summer camps, fundraisers, field trips, and other events. 

History
The original park property, purchased during the late 1960’s, measured 277 acres and currently houses a multi-use recreation facility accommodating camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, playground activities, swimming, boating, and nature observation. Otter Creek Lake and Park has seen an expansion project, the Hansen Addition, starting in 2007. Additional property immediately adjacent to the park to its east, north and partially down its west side has been added bringing the current park acreage to 529 acres.

A lake restoration project was recently completed for Otter Creek Lake in 2023. Restoration includes establishment of excellent fish habitat, improved angler access, removal of sedimentation, irrigation improvements, and more. 

 

Location

This 529 acre park is located 6 miles northeast of Toledo in Secs. 30 & 31, Carroll Township,

CONTACT INFORMATION
Tama County Conservation Board
2283 Park Road
Toledo,  IA  52342

Phone:  (641) 484-2231
e-mail: tccb@tamacounty.org

Features

Existing facilities include:

• Seventy (70) acre lake hosting quality fishing, boating, and swimming (currently unavailable until Lake is full)
• 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 (currently unavailable until Lake is full)
• 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.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Operating hours are 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Closures

The campgrounds at Otter Creek Lake & Park are currently OPEN for the 2024 camping season.

Beach and Boat Ramp currently unavailable until Lake is full.