Lake Icaria State Park
Southwest Iowa’s 648-Acre Recreation Lake — 150+ Campsites, 14 Cabins, Sand Beach, Disc Golf & Multi-Species Fishing Near Corning
Lake Icaria State Park is a major recreation area centered on a 648-acre lake in Adams County, southwestern Iowa, near the town of Corning. Managed by the Adams County Conservation Board, the park delivers a surprisingly comprehensive outdoor experience for its rural location — over 150 campsites, 14 cabins, 2 cottages, a 300-foot sand swimming beach, an 18-hole disc golf course, boat ramps, over 6 miles of trails, and a stocked multi-species fishery.
The 648-acre lake supports largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and walleye — a diverse fishery that draws anglers from across the Iowa–Missouri border region. The park’s modern campgrounds with full-service hookups, furnished cabins, and extensive day-use recreation make Lake Icaria one of the most fully equipped public outdoor destinations in southwestern Iowa.
Things to Do
Fishing
Lake Icaria’s 648 acres support an excellent multi-species fishery:
- Species: Largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, bluegill, walleye, and more
- Fishing jetty and accessible fishing pier for bank fishing
- Fish cleaning station on-site
- Iowa fishing license required
Swimming
A 300-foot sand beach swimming area on the lake — one of the few sand beaches at an Iowa public lake.
Boating
- Hard-surface boat ramps for motorized watercraft
- Boating, skiing, and sailing permitted
- Note: No jet boats or jet skis; only outboard and inboard-outboard motors permitted (no inboard motors)
Trails & Recreation
- 6+ miles of trails: Nature walks, walking trails, and a Storybook Trail for families
- 18-hole disc golf course
- Sand volleyball court
- 4 playgrounds
- Multiple picnic shelters
- Archery area
Camping & Lodging
| Type | Quantity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Sites | Multiple tiers | Electric, water, and sewer hookups; picnic tables; fire rings |
| Electric/Water Sites | Multiple | Electric and water; fire rings |
| Electric-Only Sites | Multiple | Electric hookup only |
| Tent Sites | Multiple | Primitive; no hookups |
| Cabins | 14 | Furnished; A/C |
| Cottages | 2 | Full-size lakeside units |
Total: 150+ campsites across multiple campground areas. Facilities: Shower/restroom buildings, playgrounds, fire rings, picnic tables, dump stations.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Sand beach; full boating; cabin stays; disc golf; all facilities; family camping | Hot & humid; busy weekends; reserve cabins early; thunderstorms |
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ Crappie spawning; bass pre-spawn; wildflowers; quiet camping; trails greening | Variable weather; some facilities opening; muddy trails |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fall color; cooler camping; fall fishing; waterfowl migration; disc golf | Shorter days; some seasonal closures; cooling water |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Ice fishing possible; winter cabin getaways; solitude | Reduced camping; check cabin availability; cold |
Visitor Tips
- Sand beach: Lake Icaria’s 300-foot sand beach is a genuine rarity in Iowa — most public lakes lack sandy swimming areas. A standout feature for families.
- Motor restrictions: Boating is permitted, but jet boats and jet skis are NOT allowed. Only outboard and inboard-outboard motors are permitted — no inboard motors. This creates a more manageable lake environment.
- Fishing pier: The accessible fishing pier and fishing jetty provide excellent bank fishing options — perfect for visitors without a boat.
- Cabins & cottages: The 14 cabins and 2 cottages offer a comfortable alternative to camping — furnished, air-conditioned, and lakeside. Reserve well in advance for summer weekends.
- Disc golf: The 18-hole disc golf course is well-maintained and a fun addition for active visitors — bring your discs.
- Reservations: Campsite and cabin reservations through mycountyparks.com. Summer weekends fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Lake Icaria?
Yes — Lake Icaria features a 300-foot sand beach swimming area, one of the few sandy swimming beaches at an Iowa public lake. The beach is open during summer months and is a popular family destination. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk. The sandy bottom and gradual entry make it particularly suitable for families with children.
Are jet skis allowed on Lake Icaria?
No — jet boats and jet skis (personal watercraft) are not permitted on Lake Icaria. The lake allows only outboard and inboard-outboard motors. Inboard motors are also prohibited. Boating, water skiing, and sailing are all permitted with approved motor types. The 648-acre lake provides ample space for motorboating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing within these regulations.
Last updated: April 2026
Park Location
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