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Park Activities
Park Activities

  • Biking

    Bicycles are allowed at the park on designated trails and on park roads.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 12:52 PM)

  • Birding

    Birders travel to the region because of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-billed Curlews and Whooping C​ranes are occasionally observed. Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks are present in the winter, while Swainson’s Hawks return for the summer months. Northern Harriers fly low over wetlands and grasslands. Ground-nesting grassland birds such as Horned Larks, Lark Buntings, Western Meadowlarks and Vesper Sparrows may breed in the park in the spring.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 12:57 PM)

  • Boating

    Jackson Lake is a great place to boat! For more information, check out Jackson Lake's Conditions page. 

    (Updated: 2/14/2023 12:57 PM)

  • Camping

    • Jackson Lake has 251 campsites, most can accommodate RVs, trailers or tents. 
    • Group camping and picnicking is available. 
    • Facilities include showers, toilets, electric hookups and drinking water. 

    For more information, see the Jackson Lake camping page. 

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    (Updated: 2/14/2023 12:58 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

    ​Pets are welcome anywhere ​in the park as long as:

    • They are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times.

    • Properly dispose of pet waste.

    (Updated: 2/14/2023 12:59 PM)

  • Education Programs

    Educational programs are usually offered on Friday and Saturday beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:01 PM)

  • Fishing

    Jackson Lake is stocked with warm-water fish such as: walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, crappie and wipers.  For a fishing report, check out our Conditions​ page. Be sure to check out our fishing brochure​!
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:01 PM)

  • Geocaching

    Jackson Lake State Park hosts geocaching sites.

    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:02 PM)

  • Group Camping

    Dunes Group Campground has a total of 18 sites ​comes with electricity. Please visit our Group Facilities​ page for additional information.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:03 PM)

  • Group Picnicking

    Groups of up to 5​0 are accommodated at the Centennial Group Picnic Area. Adjacent to the picnic shelter is Dunes Group Campground.  

    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:03 PM)

  • Hiking

    Prairie Wetland Nature Trail is a 1/4 mile, self-guided trail and is located north of Cove Campground. There is also a 1.5 mile trail located between the Visitor Center north to Northview Campground​. Park visitors can also enjoy walking along the shoreline or along park roadways.
    (Updated: 2/23/2023 10:28 AM)

  • Hunting

    Waterfowl and small game hunting are allowed in designated areas of the park. For more information, consult the Hunting page.

    (Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

  • Ice Fishing

    Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. Check our Conditions page and our fi​shing brochure​.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:06 PM)

  • Ice Skating

    Ice skating is a popular winter sport at Jackson, depende​​nt on ice conditions.
    (Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

  • Jet Skiing

    Please review personal watercraft laws, including the requirement that drivers must be at least 16 years of age. Youth, ages 14 & 15, can operate vessels upon successful completion of a Boating Safely Course. 
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 3:01 PM)

  • OHV Riding

    The OHV track​ is open daily from 8 AM to sunset year-round. The track is located at the South Shore. Registered OHVs must be trailered in to the staging area, which is near the Cottonwood parking lot. Vehicles must have a parks' pass. OHVs are not allowed on park roads, in campgrounds or on county roads.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:08 PM)

  • Photography

    Sunrise and sunset is especially beautiful to capture! Commercial photograpy requires a Special Activity Permit​.
    (Updated: 2/14/2023 1:10 PM)

  • Picnicking

    Individual tables are located at the inlet, outlet, boat ramp, south and west beaches, and the Cottonwood picnic area and are available first-come, first-serve. For information, check out the park map. 

    Also check out the Group Facilities page for information on our picnic pavilion​ which is available for large groups and can be reserved.

    (Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

  • Swimming

    ​​​Jackson Lake's sandy beaches and gradually sloping lake bottom make it ideal for swimming.

    Swimming is permitted from sunrise to sunset.

    Swimming is not permitted within 150 feet of any dock, boat ramp, inlet or outlet structures.

    (Updated: 2/14/2023 2:45 PM)

  • Wildlife Viewing

    An abundance of wildlife can be observed and photographed in the park. The list includes pelicans, eagles, hawks, heron, deer, coyote, turkeys, waterfowl and numerous shore birds.
    (Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

  • Winter Camping

    Jackson Lake offers either electric or non-electric camping year-round. The Pelican, Cove, and Lakeside Campgrounds are available for reservations. Vault toilets are open; however; shower buildings are closed during the fall, winter and early spring. For more information, visit the Camping​ page.
    (Updated: 2/23/2023 10:29 AM)

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