Nine Eagles State Park is located in Decatur County, Iowa. The 1100-acre park is surrounded by hills with wooded forests and valleys covered with oak trees. The 64-acre Nine Eagles Lake provides nearly three miles of shoreline. Open year-round, peak season begins in May and runs through September. Select campsites are reservable and others are available on a first-come, first served basis.
After arriving at the state park, stretch your legs on the three-mile trail that circles the lake. Lounge in the afternoon sun on the sandy beach or take a swim in Nine Eagles Lake. In the early mornings, watch white-tailed deer grazing throughout the park. If your visit is during the winter months, bundle up for snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. This state park is full of activities for any season.
During the peak season of May through September, temperatures generally range from the 70s to the high 80s. Enjoy the shade from the oak trees or the cool lake water on the hotter days. In the wintertime, you can expect the temperatures to be at or below freezing. The lake often ices over and snow will blanket the park creating a winter wonderland.
In 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps began work to further develop the state park and lake. Due to the state of the economy and cuts to the Civilian Conservation Corps at the time, materials and resources were hard to find and construction was not finished. In the 1960s, the Friends of Nine Eagles organization completed fundraising to finish the construction within the state park.
In the southern region of Iowa, surrounded by hills and valleys filled with lush trees and vegetation, you’ll find Nine Eagles State Park. The state park is located in Davis City. From Highway J-66, head south on Dale Miller Road to the entrance.
Though the park's location may seem rugged, you won’t have far to go if you need to head to town for any reason. Services and supplies can be found with just a short drive from the park. The towns of Davis City, Pleasanton, and Leon are all within ten miles.
During your drive to the park, watch for deer on the highways and roads leading to the campground. White-tailed deer are common to the area. In the winter months, snow and ice can make the roads hazardous. Be sure to check weather reports and be ready for any weather and road conditions.
Surrounded by oak trees, you’ll find the camping areas to be quiet. Enjoy relaxing evenings around a campfire or simply taking in the beautiful scenery within the park.
There are three campgrounds at Nine Eagles State Park. Both electric and non-electric sites are available. Additionally, the park has six equestrian campsites. Some campsites are available for online reservation, but others are first-come, first served.
The parking pads are gravel, so leveling may be required upon arrival. The state park has both back-in and pull-through sites. RVs and trailers up to 76 feet can be accommodated, though the parking pads are narrow.
Other amenities at Nine Eagles State Park include restrooms with showers, several picnic areas, and many activities. Water spigots are located in each campground. A dump station is located within the state park as well. The park is pet-friendly, but remember that your pet should remain on a leash at all times.
The sandy beach located on the lake makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a warm day. Lounge in the sunshine on the beach and take a dip in the lake to cool off. While taking a plunge into the lake you’ll see the many different types of fish and some may even swim right up to you. No lifeguard is on duty at the state park.
The 64-acre Nine Eagles Lake provides the opportunity for boating. Only non-motorized boats and those with electric motors are permitted on the lake. Enjoy the cool breeze the lake provides while out on the water on a hot day or bring your fishing gear along. There is a boat ramp which provides easy access to drop in your watercraft.
Nine Eagles Lake has many different types of fish. Bass, Northern Pike, and Crappie are just a few types of fish anglers may catch. With a boat launch and a pier available for use, you can fish from boat or from land. There is a fish cleaning station located at the lake.
There is a three-mile trail around the lake and an additional six miles of interconnecting trails within the park. Small ponds scattered along the trails as well as the wooded hills make for beautiful scenery and provide a home for much of the wildlife at the state park. There are some oak trees within the state park you may encounter that are over 300 years old. Share the trails with equestrians. Six miles of trails are open for equestrian use.
In the winter time, after the frozen lake impedes on fishing, boating, and swimming, and snow blankets the state park, explore seven miles of groomed trails snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Take in the breathtaking views of the frozen lake and snow covered tree branches while out on the trails.
There is plenty of wildlife to look for and watch while visiting the state park. In the quiet and calm of the morning hours, deer are commonly seen grazing throughout the state park and near the park roads. Near and on the lake, waterfowl will be searching for food or floating about on the lake’s surface. During your hikes, you will be likely to observe a number of different bird species.
