Lacey-Keosauqua reopens after 15 months

KEOSAUQUA – A once in a generation campground renovation was well worth the 15-month wait, as Lacey-Keosauqua State campground reopened May 15.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, with contractors, DNR personnel, Friends of Lacey supporters and community members attending.

The campground was closed for the 2018 season and part of 2019.

'We really appreciate the support from the Iowa Legislature who appropriated the money, Friends of Lacey who generously gave funds, contractors and others who made this possible,” said Justin Pedretti, Lacey-Keosauqua Park Ranger.

Pedretti noted that the project, originally estimated to cost $450,000 came in under budget.

DeLong Construction was awarded the contract at $386,000 and Friends of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park raised $28,000 to provide sewer hook-ups in the renovation. The campground road was recently seal-coated.

The campground will have a total of 65 sites, 52 with electrical and 13 without. Of the 52 with electric, 12 will have new sewer/water hook-ups, 10 will have water hook-ups and 30 with just electrical service. A total of 19 sites will be pull-through with 33 back-ins. Studies have shown that with these modern amenities, campers will come more frequently and stay longer. Iowa State Parks are funded 50 percent from the state of Iowa's general fund and 50 percent from the past year's camping, cabin, lodge, and shelter revenue.