It seems like sometimes in the summer, even the most peaceful lakes and swimming holes are packed with visitors looking to cool off. Do you want to get away – and we mean REALLY get away? You might want to head to Lake Sugema in southeast Iowa, only a short distance from the Missouri border. With a peaceful lakefront and a nearby state park perfect for hiking, it may just be the isolated summer retreat you’ve been looking for.

You won't find big crowds at Lake Sugema - but this man-made lake is known among its fans as a quiet, isolated retreat perfect for fishing.
Stevenjgarner/Wikipedia
The crystal-clear waters look even more beautiful when backed by the fall foliage, but the landscape is beautiful and peaceful any time of year.
SouthIA/TripAdvisor
On one side of the lake, you'll find the Lake Sugema Campgrounds, where you'll find a fully-equipped place to park your RV or pitch a tent.
TravelIowa
But if you drive to the other side, you'll be hiking distance to Lacey Keosauqua State Park, another underrated nature destination in the area.
SouthIA/TripAdvisor

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The park has several trails that take you into the woods and around a smaller lake, and can be fully explored in a day.
Tom K/AllTrails
The terrain is fairly easy, if largely unpaved, and the woods have a simple beauty to them.
SouthIA/TripAdvisor
Along the way, you'll encounter some fascinating sites in the park from decades past.
Caradee Fisher/AllTrails
The park is also home to some historical sites and sculptures to explore, if you want to take a break from hiking.
Luross99/TripAdvisor
After a long day of exploring, return to the shores of Lake Sugema for a cookout and bask in maybe the most serene and remote lakeside getaway in the Hawkeye State.
RBHawk/TripAdvisor

Have you escaped from the crowds at Lake Sugema and Lacey Keosauqua State Park? Let us know all about your getaway in the comments section. If you’re looking for a larger but equally peaceful escape from the summer heat, consider visiting one of Iowa’s largest lakes.

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Featured Addresses
Lake Sugema, Iowa 52565, USA
Lacey Keosauqua State Park, 22895 Lacey Trail, Keosauqua, IA 52565, USA