🌤 Weather at Nine Eagles State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–72 °F | 62–85 °F | 31–76 °F | 16–38 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Lamoni Municipal Airport, 7 mi away, elevation 1,131 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Nine Eagles State Park is a public state park in Iowa near Davis City in Decatur County County. Spanning 1,100 acres and established in 1100, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Davis City |
| County | Decatur County |
| Park Size | 1,100 acres |
| Established | 1100 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Nine Eagles State Park is located near Davis City, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 40.5983, -93.7694.
Things to Do
Iowa state parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes beyond the classic rolling farm fields, featuring deep river valleys, natural lakes, loess hills, and ancient limestone bluffs. Activities revolve around the water, with excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, boating on natural and man-made lakes, and pleasant beach swimming. Land activities include camping in shaded hardwood forests, hiking expanding trail networks, exploring unique geological formations like the Maquoketa Caves, and cycling on extensive paved rail-trails that frequently connect park units across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for lake activities and family camping, though July and August can bring high heat and humidity. Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit, offering cooler, comfortable temperatures, beautiful hardwood foliage, and excellent conditions for hiking and fishing without the summer crowds. Spring (April–May) provides great mushroom hunting (morels) and spring wildflower blooms. Winter is quiet, but several parks offer cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Visitor Tips
Iowa stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Half of all campsites are reservable, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. When visiting cave parks like Maquoketa Caves, check for any temporary closures related to bat protection (White-Nose Syndrome) and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Nine Eagles State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Nine Eagles SP — 1,119 acres — one of Iowa’s most remote and wild parks. The park’s lake, oak-hickory forest, and prairie support bald eagles, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. The Nine Eagles name refers to an encounter with nine bald eagles by early settlers.
Nearby Attractions
Decatur County — surrounding. Davis City — nearby.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Bobwhite State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Red Haw State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Nine Eagles State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Iowa DNR park descriptions cite three campgrounds totaling 68 campsites, 28 with electrical hookups. The online reservation system itemizes: Standard Electric 28 sites and Standard Non-Electric 20 sites in the main campgrounds; Equestrian Standard Non-Electric 7 primitive sites with fire rings, pit toilets, water and hitching rails; and Youth Group Only 1 hike-in site (50-person capacity). Electric sites offer 20/30/50-amp service; no full-hookup sites. Modern shower house and restrooms, plus pit/vault toilets. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 1 modern family cabin. |
| Pets | Pets allowed at camping sites. |
| Reservations | 100% reservable at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or (877) 427-2757; park office (641) 442-2855. Equestrian riders must present a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and negative Coggins test. |
| Special sites | Trailer dump station; 6 miles of bridle trails; two reservable open shelters. |
Camping questions about Nine Eagles State Park
Can you camp at Nine Eagles State Park?
Iowa DNR park descriptions cite three campgrounds totaling 68 campsites, 28 with electrical hookups. The online reservation system itemizes: Standard Electric 28 sites and Standard Non-Electric 20 sites in the main campgrounds; Equestrian Standard Non-Electric 7 primitive sites with fire rings, pit toilets, water and hitching rails; and Youth Group Only 1 hike-in site (50-person capacity). Electric sites offer 20/30/50-amp service; no full-hookup sites. Modern shower house and restrooms, plus pit/vault toilets.
How do you reserve a campsite at Nine Eagles State Park?
100% reservable at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or (877) 427-2757; park office (641) 442-2855. Equestrian riders must present a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and negative Coggins test.
Are there cabins at Nine Eagles State Park?
1 modern family cabin.
Are pets allowed at the Nine Eagles State Park campground?
Pets allowed at camping sites.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Nine Eagles State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Nine Eagles State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Nine Eagles State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
