Natural swimming hole
Bobwhite State Park beach
Lake · Iowa
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Bobwhite State Park is a county-operated park in Wayne County named for the northern bobwhite quail, with about 15 acres of restored prairie along its five miles of trails. The Iowa DNR lists swimming among the park's activities and a beach among its amenities, on a small lake formed by damming the South Fork of the Chariton River. The state built the swimming beach and picnic areas when it developed the park in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | lake maximum depth 11 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | park lots off Bob White Road |
| Amenities | beach, picnic area, playground, restrooms, campground, boat ramp, kayak launch |
| County | Wayne County |
| Nearest town | Allerton |
| Safety notes | check Iowa DNR beach monitoring before swimming - this beach has periodically been listed as swimming not recommended for E. coli during the 2026 season before returning to OK status |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Bobwhite State Park beach?
Yes — Bobwhite State Park beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Iowa. Heads-up: check Iowa DNR beach monitoring before swimming - this beach has periodically been listed as swimming not recommended for E. coli during the 2026 season before returning to OK status. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Bobwhite State Park beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Bobwhite State Park beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Bobwhite State Park beach?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Bobwhite State Park beach?
The best season is typically June-August.