Okamanpedan State Park
Iowa’s Tuttle Lake Picnic Park — Walleye & Northern Pike Fishing, CCC-Era Stone Bathhouse Ruins, Lakeside Shelters & Des Moines River Access in Emmet County
Okamanpedan State Park is a small, passive-use lakeside park on the shores of Tuttle Lake in Emmet County, Iowa, near Dolliver. The park offers shoreline fishing access for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, and panfish, river fishing on the East Fork of the Des Moines River, a historic CCC-era stone bathhouse structure, a shady lakeside picnic area, an open shelter, and walking trails.
While Okamanpedan is a smaller, quieter state park without a campground, its fishing access on Tuttle Lake is the primary draw. The lake produces walleye, northern pike, and bass — species not always common in smaller Iowa lakes. The park preserves a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-era stone bathhouse, a remnant of the 1930s New Deal park-building program. A boat ramp adjacent to the park provides lake access. For camping, the nearby Tuttle Lake Recreation Area on the southwest shore offers developed campsites.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Species: Walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, panfish
- Tuttle Lake: Excellent shoreline fishing access from the park
- East Fork Des Moines River: Additional river fishing access
- Boat ramp: Adjacent to the park for lake access
- Iowa fishing license required
Historic Features
- CCC-era stone bathhouse: Remnant of 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps construction
- Historic park infrastructure from the New Deal era
Picnicking & Walking
- Shady lakeside picnic area
- Open shelter: First-come, first-served
- Walking trails
- Birding and nature observation
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Day-use / passive recreation — NO camping at this park |
| Address | 5118 Tuttle Lake Road, Dolliver, IA 50531 |
| Camping | Not available — use Tuttle Lake Recreation Area (SW shore) for camping |
| Boat Access | Ramp adjacent to park area |
| Facilities | Open shelter; picnic tables; limited walking trails |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Warm-water fishing; picnicking; birding; long days; full access | Hot and humid; mosquitoes near lake; thunderstorms |
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ Walleye run; spring bass; birding migration; wildflowers; uncrowded | Variable weather; cool; muddy trails |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Fall color; walleye + pike active; quiet; photography; cool hiking | Cooling; shorter days |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Ice fishing on Tuttle Lake; winter solitude | Cold; limited access; check conditions |
Visitor Tips
- No camping: Okamanpedan State Park does not have a campground. For camping, use the Tuttle Lake Recreation Area on the southwest shore of the lake.
- Walleye lake: Tuttle Lake is an excellent walleye and northern pike fishery — bring appropriate tackle.
- CCC history: Look for the CCC-era stone bathhouse ruins — a piece of 1930s New Deal history.
- Quiet park: This is a small, quiet, passive-use park — ideal for anglers and nature lovers who prefer solitude over developed recreation.
- Name: “Okamanpedan” is derived from a Native American word associated with the area.
- Check conditions: The park is small and remote — check the Iowa DNR website for current alerts before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Okamanpedan State Park?
No — Okamanpedan State Park is a day-use, passive recreation area without a campground. It offers excellent shoreline fishing access on Tuttle Lake, a shady lakeside picnic area, an open shelter, and walking trails. For camping near Tuttle Lake, use the Tuttle Lake Recreation Area located on the southwest shore of the lake, which offers developed camping facilities.
What fish are in Tuttle Lake at Okamanpedan State Park?
Tuttle Lake at Okamanpedan State Park is an excellent warm-water fishery. Species include walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, and various panfish. The park provides shoreline fishing access, and a boat ramp adjacent to the park allows boat access to the lake. The East Fork of the Des Moines River also flows nearby, offering additional river fishing opportunities. A valid Iowa fishing license is required.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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