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Park Activities
Park Activities

  • Biking

    Bicycles are allowed at the park on designated trails and on park's roads.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:06 PM)

  • Birding

    Birders travel from throughout the region to visit because of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-billed curlews and whooping cranes 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: 5/22/2020 1:06 PM)

  • Boating

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

    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:06 PM)

  • Camping

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

    For more information, see the Jackson Lake camping page. 

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    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:06 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

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

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

    • their waste is properly disposed of

    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:06 PM)

  • Education Programs

    Educational programs are usually offered on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Saturday mornings beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:06 PM)

  • Fishing

    Jackson Lake is stocked with warm-water fish such as: walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, crappie and wipers. Northern pike and large and small-mouth bass were also stocked. Fishing is restricted during waterfowl hunting season. For a fishing report, check out our Conditions​ page. Be sure to check out our fishing brochure​!
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:02 PM)

  • Geocaching

    Jackson Lake State Park hosts two geocaching sites:  "5 O'Clock Somewhere" and "Centennial." A Parks Pass is required to enter the park.

    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:07 PM)

  • Group Camping

    Dunes Group Campground has a total of 18 sites which may be reserved as one flat fee and comes with electricity. Please visit our Group Facilities​ page for additional information.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:07 PM)

  • Group Picnicking

    Groups of up to 100 are accommodated at the Centennial Group Picnic Area. Adjacent to the picnic shelter is Dunes Group Campground.  

    (Updated: 10/21/2020 8:48 AM)

  • 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​. Folks also enjoy walking along the shoreline or along park roadways.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:04 PM)

  • Hunting

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

    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:09 PM)

  • Ice Fishing

    Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. Call the park office for conditions or visit our Conditions page. Fishing areas include a boat ramp, the inlet and dike in front of gate house. Be sure to check out our fishing brochure​.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:09 PM)

  • Ice Skating

    Ice skating is a popular winter sport at Jackson, depende​​nt on ice conditions.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:09 PM)

  • Jet Skiing

    Please review personal watercraft laws, including the requirement that drivers must be at least 16. Youth, ages 14 & 15, can operate crafts upon successful completion of a Boating Safely Course which is offered at Jackson Lake. Please refer to Calendar of Events​ for available dates.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:09 PM)

  • OHV Riding

    The OHV track​ is open daily from 8 AM to sunset year-round. The track is located at the South Entrance. Registered OHVs must be trailered in to the staging area, which is the Cottonwood parking lot. Vehicles must have a parks' pass. OHVs are not allowed on parks' roads, in campgrounds or on local roads.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:10 PM)

  • Photography

    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. There are many photo opportunities - Sunrise is especially beautiful to capture!
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 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: 5/22/2020 1:10 PM)

  • Sailboarding

    Jackson Lake has 2,700 surface acres when full. Warm breezes are a sure bet to give sailboarders a workout!
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:10 PM)

  • Swimming

    Jackson Lake is shallow and warms up quickly in the summer. We do not have designated swim beaches. The Jackson Lake swim areas do not have lifeguards.  Swimming is at your own risk.  Swimming is allowed on the west shore out to the no wake buoys.  Swimming is not allowed around the boat ramp and in the inlet canal.  Swimming on the south shore is allowed out to the no wake buoys.
    (Updated: 6/5/2020 10:05 AM)

  • Volleyball

    A regulation court is located in the Centennial Group Picnic Area​.  We have a net but bring your volleyball.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:11 PM)

  • Water Skiing

    Even on the busiest weekends, there is lots of room for everyone!
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:11 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: 5/22/2020 1:11 PM)

  • Winter Activities

    Winter at Jackson Lake State Park is peaceful and quiet but there’s plenty to do. Check out the available winter activities​.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:12 PM)

  • 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 and winter. For more information, visit the Camping​ page.
    (Updated: 5/22/2020 1:12 PM)

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