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Otter Creek Lake and Park

Welcome to Otter Creek Lake and Park!

Otter Creek Lake and Park

This gem of Tama County Conservation is located at the near center of Tama County, a strategic location by some of the very original Conservation Board members to provide the greatest equal access to outdoor recreation opportunities for the people living in and visiting Tama County. At the center of the Park lies a now nearly 70acre Lake suitable for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, light motorized craft (no wake) and beach access. The park is dotted with numerous trails that take patrons out around the lake, passed the campground areas and within the outlying wooded and prairie acres.

Lake Restoration Complete as of 2023! In 2021 Tama County Conservation broke ground on a massive lake restoration project for Otter Creek Lake. The lake had long been subject to slow siltation over the decades and was so full of eroded material, that some parts of the center of the lake were traversible by foot. The lake was drained and excavated, and all the removed material placed up onto the hillsides surrounding the park where new native prairie habitat was planted. Following excavation, the lake no reaches as deep as 25-30ft at its central points. Additionally, we've established new natural and artificial fish habitat, improved angler access, stabilized the previously eroding lake shore, added new wetland habitat, and added new play and recreational features among other updates. For progress pictures and updates, please check the Tama County Conservation Facebook page.

Otter Creek In-Lake Improvements Otter Creek Watershed Improvements

Nature Center

The Tama County Nature Center serves as a hub for environmental education. When not used for summer camps, educational programs, or other park events, the Nature Center has an event space available for rent. This facility is open by appointment only, Monday-Friday, generally between 8am-3pm. Please call ahead to 641-484-2231 if wanting to visit or tour the nature center interior and our wonderful Diorama Display room.

About the Nature Center

Camping is Open!

Otter Creek Lake & Park Campgrounds

Otter Creek Lake & Park's campground boasts 56 electrical sites and 17 primitive sites. An on-site dump station is available for use by campers. Primitive sites are located on the West side of the park ($10/night); Electric sites are located on the East side of the park ($20/night), north of the Nature Center.