Jackson County Parks + Rec

They maintain a lot of trails in the area. They do a lot for recreation. Too much? We’ve had problems on their trails (Little Blue & Rock Island & Lake Jacomo) such as a lot of ATVs illegally cruising back and forth, nasty porto potties, auto break ins, windows smashed. We have always called in these incidents, were thanked for reporting, but as always there are too few rangers to do much if anything. One time in 2023 (this is inexcusable) I came across the initial beginning of a forest fire around Lake Jacomo. It was small but not insubstantial, bigger than a large campfire that likely had been burning overnight based on the charred logs in the area. I was assured a ranger would come. So I waited. The fire was getting larger. I called again. I started carrying water from a pond nearby in 2 empty 5-gallon jugs I had in the car. It took about a half dozen trips to and from the pond about 1/2 mile away. I finally got the fire out to the point where it was just hardly smoldering. It took a couple hours. Guess what? Still no rangers. I have no idea how I was in the right place at the right time. The trail had recently been cleared of downed trees with a chainsaw, and I suspect sparks on the very dry day had started the fire.

A really diverse area with tons of different ecosystems and areas! The native hoofed wildlife area was always fun as a kid, as were the surrounding ponds. The wetlands are one of my favorite areas, with tons of turtles and aquatic life even in the cold of winter. The lake itself is home to a slew of animals, with cricket frogs even making an appearance on rocky beaches. The dam is also a semi-arid area, with people often seeing warmth-loving collared lizards there in the warmer months! Can't wait to go back during spring!

These lakes are outstanding, even just to tour the area from the car. The two bridges and other parking lots provide vistas over the water. There are some nature lookout points that were closed which we will return to. I don’t know what that old huge house is for.

Lovely place. Nice walking area.

Came here for a family gathering. The picnic tables and grill were nice. The playground equipment was great for the kids. Actual bathrooms with running water would be a welcome improvement, but the porta potties were adequate. Would recommend if you're looking for a place to have a get together with a decent number of people.