Keota: Agate Rockhounding in Washington County, Iowa

Updated June 2026

Keota is a mapped rockhounding spot in Washington County, Iowa. Reported finds include agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Washington County
State: Iowa
Nearest road: Keokuk Washington Road
Postcode: 52248
Coordinates: 41.34347, -91.94244

Geology at Keota

This spot sits on ground mapped as Augusta Group that formed roughly 355 to 330 million years ago. Tough silica like agate and jasper typically survives weathering and collects as float in drainages and gravel.

Mapped unit: Augusta Group
Age: 355–330 Ma (Mississippian)
Elevation: 750 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Keota

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WASHINGTON station (13 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Keota

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Keota.

Across the state line from Keota

Keota is close enough to the Iowa border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Keota FAQ

Where is Keota?+

Keota is in Washington County, Iowa, at 41.34347, -91.94244. Nearest road: Keokuk Washington Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Keota?+

Keota is reported to produce Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Keota?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Keota?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Keota?+

The most comfortable months at Keota are March to November.

How do I get to Keota?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.34347, -91.94244 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Keokuk Washington Road.

More rockhounding in Iowa

See all 49 Iowa spots →

Open Keota on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.