Kent Park is a serene recreational area located in Johnson County, Iowa. The beautiful park spans over 1,000 acres and offers many activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Kent Park is a conservation area in Johnson County between Tiffin and Oxford, just over 10 miles from Iowa City. Established in 1966, it has been a popular destination for visitors and locals for years.
Originally, much of Kent Park was prairie covered with native grasses and wildflowers. Extensive efforts have been made to restore and enhance the native prairie and over 250,000 trees have been planted in Kent Park since 1970.
Today, Kent Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
From fishing and boating on the lake to hiking and camping in the woods, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Getting to F.W. Kent Park
Kent Park is located between Tiffin and Oxford (2 miles west of Tiffin on Hwy 6) and can be easily accessed by car. The park is about a 20-minute drive from Iowa City.
The official address is 2048 US-6 NW, Oxford, IA 52322.
Kent Park is open year-round, although some facilities are closed in the winter. Admission to the park is free.
Click here for a park map.
Top 13 Reasons to Visit F.W. Kent Park [Iowa]
1. It’s Beautiful During Any Season
Kent Park is a wonderful place to visit any time of year. There are different things to do and varied scenery during each season.
Spring
In the spring and summer months, you will find beautiful wildflowers and lush greenery.
Spring is a great time of year to pack a picnic and find a scenic spot to enjoy it. After a long winter, it’s nice to get out of the house and take the kids to the playground or for a walk along the lake trail.
Summer
Summer is the perfect time to hit the beach or take a boat out on the lake. The water is refreshing, but not too cold, and the weather is often hot and sunny throughout the summer months in Iowa.
Fall
Fall is a great time to go hiking, fishing, and camping. It is also a popular season for photography. The weather is cooler and the fall colors are incredible.
Winter
One of the best things to do in the winter is to drive the scenic loop road and enjoy the snowy views. If you are prepared to brave the cold, get out of the car for winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or sledding.
2. It’s a Great Place to Go Hiking
Kent Park offers over 13 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails wind through lush forests and open prairies, providing hikers with stunning views of the park’s natural beauty.
The park’s most popular trail is the 1.5-mile Lake Trail which loops around the park’s main lake. You will cross seven historic country road bridges along the Lake Trail.
Both the Lake Trail and the 0.5-mile Conservation Education Center Loop Trail are comprised of small crushed rock and are stroller-friendly. The remaining trails in the park are grass or dirt and are not stroller/wheelchair accessible.
See the Kent Park Trail Map here.
3. You Can Go Fishing
Kent Park’s 27-acre lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, walleye, and crappie. There are also dozens of smaller ponds around the park to fish at.
The lake is a popular spot for fishing, and anglers can fish from the shore, fishing jetties, from one of the seven historic bridges, or by boat. There is also an accessible fishing pier available by the boat ramp parking area.
Ice fishing at Kent Park is also an option during the winter months
4. It’s Full of Great Picnic Spots
Kent Park has several picnic areas, from lone picnic tables to covered shelters. The shelters have picnic tables and grills, making them the perfect spot for a family picnic or a cookout with friends.
There are six shelters, four of which can be reserved for $50.
- Bluebird Shelter – 8 picnic tables, grill, next to a playground, capacity 90
- Deer Run Shelter – 10 picnic tables, grill, across the road from a playground, capacity 90
- Bob White Shelter – 12 picnic tables, grill, lake views, capacity 120
- Red Haw Shelter – 12 picnic tables, grill, capacity 150
Two other large shelters – Whip-Poor-Will Shelter (across from the Conservation Education Center) and Twin Fawns Picnic Area (on the west side of the park) are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are many other smaller picnic areas scattered throughout the park.
5. You Can Go Camping
Kent Park Family Campground features 86 campsites with electricity (30 & 50 amp service). The campground has pit toilets, a shower house, and a playground.
The campground is known for its secluded campsites. Campsite pads are black-topped and each one has its own fire ring and picnic table.
Firewood is available for purchase at Kent Park, and there is a sanitary dump station in the park just outside the campground.
All sites are first come, first serve (no reservations) and the cost is $20/night.
6. Check out the Playground
The playground at Kent Park is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. It features swings, slides, climbing structures, and more.
It is situated among the trees next to a couple of picnic shelters, just up the hill from Kent Park Lake.
There is another smaller playground located in the Kent Park campground.
7. You Can Go to the Beach
Kent Park Beach is a great place to swim, play in the sand, and relax/catch some rays.
The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The posted hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, I have arrived well before 11 a.m. multiple times and the beach has always been open/available.
The beach is wide and spacious and has been clean each time we have visited.
A couple of things to note – there is a pretty steep hill that you have to go down/up to get to and from the beach, and pets are not allowed at Kent Park Beach.
There is a designated swimming area with shallow water, making it a great place for young children to play.
“Swim at your own risk” signs are posted, as there are no lifeguards on duty.
You will find changing rooms, a water spigot, and bathrooms just a short distance up the hill from the beach.
8. Take a Scenic Drive
We love driving the scenic road that loops around the park – it is about 4 miles and is beautiful during all seasons! You can expect rolling hills, acres of prairie, a peaceful setting, and lovely scenery.
Pull off at different viewpoints and attractions along the way or stay in the comfort of your car and enjoy the ride.
I haven’t done it yet, but if you enjoy biking, I think the Kent Park loop road would be a delightful ride!
9. You Will Likely See Wildlife
I have seen wildlife every time I have visited Kent Park – from various birds to small mammals to snakes (yes, snakes cross the trails at times – eeek!).
You will find a bird blind, which is open to the public year-round, located on the east end of the Conservation Education Center parking lot.
The Knight Prairie Pavillion on the west side of the park has viewing binoculars, as well as graphics/information about the wildlife in the area.
10. Visit the Conservation Education Center
The Conservation Education Center (CEC) is a facility located in Kent Park that offers year-round educational programs and events related to nature and conservation.
Programs include prairie hikes, scavenger hunts, fishing clinics, outdoor skills programs, day camps, weekend workshops, and more.
The center is open to the public on summer weekends. Visitors will find a hands-on learning center featuring interactive displays, dioramas, a wildlife viewing area, and other interesting features.
There is a half-mile storybook trail that starts and ends at the CEC. It is a small rock loop trail (stroller-friendly) and is perfect for young hikers.
11. You Can Go Boating
Kent Park Lake is open to canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and small boating. There is a boat ramp available for launching. Gasoline boat motors and sailboats are not permitted to operate on the lake.
You will often see people on the lake at Kent Park cruising around in small watercraft, fishing, or enjoying the peaceful setting.
12. Check Out the Historic Bridges
Seven historic county road bridges were relocated to F.W. Kent Park and are utilized on the Ron Dunlap Memorial Bridge Trail. The trail loops around the lake and the bridges cross over various water inlets along the path.
The bridges were all saved from demolition when they were relocated from various roads throughout Johnson County.
The trail with the seven bridges is named after Rod Dunlap, who was the first director of the Johnson County Conservation Board. He was largely responsible for getting the historic bridges moved to the park.
13. It’s a Popular Place for Photography
Many people from the Johnson County area and beyond come to Kent Park to take photos or have a photoshoot.
Kent Park is a special place for me, as I have had many “milestone” photos taken here, including my senior pictures, pregnancy announcement photos, new baby pictures, and our last family photos before my mom passed away.
You really can’t go wrong taking photos anywhere in the park. The best lighting is during the “golden hour” just before sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a campground in Kent Park?
Yes, Kent Park has a campground with 86 electric (30 & 50 amp service) with pit toilets. Individual vehicle campsite pads are black-topped and have a picnic table and ground fire ring. Firewood is available for purchase and there is a sanitary dump station nearby.
All sites are $20.00 per night. No reservations are required for campsites; they are all on a first come first serve basis.
Campground hosts reside on the site from mid-May through mid-September. Rangers periodically patrol the area. The park closes at 10:30 PM and opens at sunrise. Closing hours are rigidly enforced for your protection.
Click here for the F.W. Kent Park Campground Map.
Can you swim at the beach in Kent Park?
Yes, there is a beach at Kent Park where swimming is allowed. Kent Park Beach is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily from the first Saturday after Memorial Day through Labor Day. However, I have arrived well before 11 a.m. multiple times and the gate to the beach is always open and many other people are often there before 11 as well.
There are bathrooms and changing rooms available, as well as a water spigot for washing off before leaving. There are no lifeguards on duty – swim at your own risk.
The beach is spacious, and the water is very shallow, making it ideal for young children.
Please note that pets are not allowed on the beach.
Is fishing allowed in Kent Park Lake?
Yes, fishing is allowed in Kent Park Lake. The 27-acre lake is stocked with a variety of fish. There are also multiple ponds available for fishing as well. A fishing license is required, and all state fishing regulations apply.
How can I rent a shelter in Kent Park?
Shelters at Kent Park can be reserved by calling 319-645-2315. Six shelters are available, four of which are available for rent. Shelters vary in size and amenities. No electricity or water is available at the shelters. Pit toilets are available nearby.
Blue Bird Shelter – 90-person maximum capacity (Playground is next to this one)
Deer Run Shelter – 90-person maximum capacity
Bob White Shelter – 120-person maximum capacity
Red Haw Shelter – 150-person maximum capacity
Shelters can be rented for $50.
Additional shelters are available on a first-come first-served basis.
What is the Conservation Education Center in Kent Park?
The Conservation Education Center (CEC) is a facility located in Kent Park that offers year-round educational programs and events related to nature and conservation. Current programs include prairie hikes, fishing clinics, outdoor skills programs, day camps, weekend workshops, and more.
Many educational materials are available for checkout by group leaders, including insect nets, aquatic study equipment, binoculars, and other materials.
The center is open to the public on summer weekends for visitation. Visitors will find a hands-on learning center featuring interactive displays, dioramas, a wildlife viewing area, and other interesting features.
The half-mile loop Storybook Trail starts and ends at the CEC and is perfect for young hikers.
For further details contact the naturalist at (319) 645-1011.
Does Kent Park offer kayak rentals?
No, Kent Park does not offer kayak rentals. However, visitors can bring kayaks or canoes to launch on the lake. There is a boat ramp available for public use.
Who is F.W. Kent?
People frequently ask why the park is named F. W. Kent Park. The park name honors the late Frederick Wallace Kent who was best known as a talented photographer and birder in the Johnson County area.
Read more about the park’s namesake here.
