Lake Okoboji
Arnolds Park, IA
One of Iowa's few natural blue-water lakes, ringed by cottages and small beach towns, with an old-fashioned amusement park at Arnolds Park. Swim, rent a boat or take a lake cruise; summer weekends are busy, so arrive early.
Lake Okoboji consists of West and East Okoboji Lake, part of the Iowa Great Lakes in Dickinson County. West Okoboji Lake covers about 3,850 acres (1,560 ha) and, at 154 feet (47 m), is Iowa's deepest lake; it is on the Outstanding Iowa Waters list and is known for its water quality. The often-repeated claim that it is one of only three "blue water lakes" in the world has been refuted. Four towns lie on its shore, including Arnolds Park.
In Arnolds Park, "Legend," a wooden roller coaster from 1927, runs in the local amusement park. The Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin Museum commemorates the 1857 Spirit Lake Massacre. On the lake, swimming, boating, sailing, and fishing are possible. Allow at least half a day. Summer weekends get crowded, so arrive early.
- Nearest town
- Arnolds Park, IA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.3805, -95.1360
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fieldstone RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Lake OkobojiMotorhomes
- Cutty's Okoboji Resort ClubMotorhome stopover4 mi from Lake OkobojiMotorhomes
- Marble Beach State Recreation Area CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Lake Okoboji · 221 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Brown Park South CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Lake Okoboji · 18 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Wolden Recreation Area CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Lake Okoboji · 90 pitchesElectricityShowers
- Kilen Woods State Park CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Lake Okoboji · 33 pitchesElectricityShowersToilets
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lake Okoboji?
Lake Okoboji is in Arnolds Park, IA, at GPS 43.3805, -95.1360. It is about 81 mi from Sioux Falls.
Can you camp near Lake Okoboji?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Minnewashta Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Lake Okoboji?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grotto of the Redemption (45 mi), Pipestone National Monument (74 mi), Falls Park (80 mi) and SPAM Museum (110 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lake Okoboji?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)