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State Park Alerts - Closures and Important Information

Backbone State Park - Delaware County
  • All gates are open.  There is still tree work to be done and tree debris in some parking lots.  Please be courteous and patient as staff works to finish clean up.  In the event of possible snow or ice, the gates will close.
    Posted 3/13/24
  • Modern facilities are shut down through out the park.  This includes the shower buildings and the dumpstation.  Frost free hydrants are on in the campgrounds until the end of October.  Watch here for further updates.  The cabins remain open year-round.
    Posted: 10/18/23
Big Creek State Park - Polk County
  • OFF-SEASON FACILITIES: Modern restrooms and the fish cleaning station at Big Creek State Park are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available for off season use at the Beach boat ramp, Disc Golf Course, and Williams Drive Boat Ramp. Docks are in the water and available for use at all boat ramps on Big Creek. Questions about seasonal closures may be directed to the park office at big_creek@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-984-6473. (Updated 3-13-24)

  • Snowmobile Trail Status: Closed. The trail is open with measurable snow from January 11 through March 14th. (Updated 2-23-2024)

  • Neal Smith Trail Closure: A short section of the Neal Smith Trail through Big Creek State Park is currently closed due to a construction project. Trail users must detour off-trail to avoid the construction site.  The trail is expected to re-open by June 2024. Questions may be directed to the park office at 515-984-6473 or big_creek@dnr.iowa.gov. (Posted 12/1/2023)

Black Hawk State Park - Sac County
  • Black Hawk State Park shower building is closed for the season.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Webster County
  • As of March 14, 2024 the soft trails at Brushy Creek are temporarily closed to equestrian and bike use due to wet conditions.  The 14 mile gravel all-weather Lake and Pond trails remain open for use. This bulletin will be removed when trails have dried sufficiently.

  • Restroom and shower buildings in the park will be closed for the season October 16, 2023. Weather permitting, they will reopen April 15, 2024. Camping remains available in the off-season with pit vault toilets in each of the 3 campgrounds; water hydrants and electricity also remain on. Camping stays remain limited to 14 days followed by vacating a minimum of 72 hours. Please call (515) 543 8298 with any other questions

  • To receive emergency alerts for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, text "WebCoBrushy" to 67283. Text alerts will be sent when severe weather approaches or local emergencies impact the park. To opt out of alerts text "Stop" to 67283.
Cedar Rock - Buchanan County
  • The 2024 season is May 22-October 13. Tours are offered Wed-Sunday at the top of each hour from 10am-3pm. Reservations are recommended, walk-in guests are accepted as space allows, make a reservation by calling 319.934.3752 or emailing the park at cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov. 

  • Tours have concluded for the season at Cedar Rock. Schedule a tour of the Walter Estate Wed-Sunday May 22-October 13, 2024.

Clear Lake State Park - Cerro Gordo County
  • 2024 Campground/Closure Renovation: The campground will be closed from March 25, 2024 through April 30, 2024.  Reservations/walk-ins will not be accepted during that time.  DNR anticipates campsites 1 - 115 to reopen for reservations from May 1 - July 7, 2024.  Campsites 1 - 115 will be released for reservations sometime before May 1 since DNR does not have an expected release date. When the campsites are available for reservations all campsites 1 - 115 will be 100%/same day reservable.  Starting approximately on July 8, 2024 the entire campground will be closed for the campground renovation.  Campsites 116 - 176 will be closed for the entire 2024 recreation season. The middle of the campground will be getting new water lines and additional water hydrants. Due to campsite layout modifications, the campground will be renumbered as some campsites will be eliminated. If you wish to be notified when the campground reopens, fill out the following form:: Clear Lake Campground Google Form. (Updated March 1, 2024)

  • Clear Lake Lodge Closure: The Clear Lake State Park Lodge will be closed to reservations from July 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 for repairs.  After the repairs are finished the lodge will open back up for reservations.If you would like to be notified when the lodge opens, fill out this Clear Lake Lodge notification Google form. (Updated February 27, 2024)

Dolliver Memorial State Park - Webster County
  • Request to be notified when Dolliver Memorial State Park reopens: The campground and all facilities at Dolliver Memorial State Park are closed from July 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024 due to a road repaving project. If the project starts later or is completed earlier than expected, DNR can notify you that the closure will be removed for the campground, cabins, lodges and shelter. If you would like to be notified, fill out the following form, Dolliver Memorial State Park notification Google form. (Posted 9/7/2023)

  • To receive emergency alerts for Dolliver Memorial State Park, text "WebCoDolliver" to 67283. Text alerts will be sent when severe weather approaches or local emergencies impact the park. To opt out of alerts text "Stop" to 67283.
Elinor Bedell State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Elk Rock State Park - Marion County
  • As of Monday October 15th 2023 all modern restrooms and shower buildings will be closed for the season. The campsite electricity and water hydrants will remain on year round. The buildings will be reopened in mid-April 2024. (Posted 9/20/2023)

Emerson Bay State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Fairport State Recreation Area - Muscatine County
  • The campground at Fairport Recreation Area is open throughout the winter months, however, water is shut off and the modern restroom/shower building and RV dump station are closed for the season. These facilities will re-open around May 1st, 2024. Electricity will remain on and the pit latrine, located on the west end of the campground, will remain available for winter use. Docks have been removed from river and will be placed back in Spring 2024  (Posted 12//2023)

  • The Fairport Campground is open, but due to damage to the electrical boxes from the May 2023 flood waters of the Mississippi River, sites 37 to 40 have been temporarily closed. They will reopen as soon as we can have the electrical box repaired or replaced. For more information please call the Park Office at 563-263-4337. (Posted 5/22/2023)
Geode State Park - Henry County
  •  Modern Restroom & Shower facilities in the campground are normally opened around mid- April, weather depending. The hydrants in the campground are normally turned on around April 1st. The campground leaves the electric on at pedestals during the winter, there is one hydrant left on year round for filling at the campground entrance. There is a year round pit toilet located near the center of the campground. Winter rates apply until May 1st. For questions please call the park office at (319)392-4601

  • Shelter # 1 Road is open for the season

George Wyth State Park - Black Hawk County
  • Water is shut off and modern restrooms are closed for the season. 

Gull Point State Park - Dickinson County
  • Lodge Closure: The lodge is not accepting reservations for the 2024 recreation season. (Posted February 9, 2024)

  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Honey Creek State Park - Appanoose County
  • 10/27/2023 MODERN RESTROOM CLOSURES: The north and south campground shower buildings and flush toilets are now closed for the season. The modern restroom facility at the main boat ramp is closed as well. All vault toilets in the park will remain open. The modern restrooms will reopen in mid-April 2024, weather permitting. This bulletin will be removed when the facilities are open. 

Lake Ahquabi State Park - Warren County
  • Lake Ahquabi is open to the public.  The beach side will remain closed but will reopen Spring of 2024.  The Lake has not reached full crest yet but is continuing to fill up.

Lake Anita State Park - Cass County
  • Due to a water leak the water is shut off to the south side of the park. There is currently no water supplying the hydrant by the beach or the restroom near shelter #5. We have pit latrines available at both boat ramps, the picnic area, and at the dam. There is an ADA accessible portable toilet located at the top of the hill by the beach. This does not affect the campground. Posted 1/18/2024

  • Winter Restroom Closure: All modern restrooms and showers have been shut down for the season at Lake Anita State Park. Electricity, frost free hydrants, and sewer drains are still on and available at the campsites. Pit latrines are available at the boat ramps, picnic area, and dam. Buildings will be opened again around April 15th 2024 depending on weather. (Posted 10/18/23)

Lake Darling State Park - Washington County
  • Phase 2 of the Highway 1 & 78 construction project is set to begin on March 20th, 2024.  Beginning on this date, park users will only be able to access Lake Darling from the west.  Highway 1 & 78 will be closed from the park entrance east to the City of Brighton. For more information see the IA DOT NEWS. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
     
    (POSTED 3-8-24)
  • As of Monday, October 30th, 2023 the modern restroom facilities are closed for the season.  They will be re-opened April 15th, 2024. (POSTED 10/30/23)

Lake Keomah State Park - Mahaska County
  • Lake Keomah is scheduled for a major reconstruction project.  This will improve water quality, provide better amenities for park users and increase structure for fishing.  In order for this project to begin the lake will be drained.  As a result, a drawdown will start after July 4, 2024.  Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.

    Created March 11, 2024

  • All buildings including Shower Building will be closed October 15th 2023 unitl the Spring of 2024.

    -Posted October 5th 2023

  • Request to be notified when Lake Keomah Facilities reopens: The facilities at Lake Keomah State Park are closed from August 1, 2024 - October 15, 2025, due to renovations. If the project starts later or is completed earlier than expected, DNR can notify you that the closure will be removed for the lodges and shelters. If you would like to be notified, fill out the following form, Lake Keomah Facilities reopens. (POSTED 09/18/2023)

Lake Macbride State Park - Johnson County
  • The Shower Building and Modern Restrooms are closed for the winter season. Primitive Restrooms are available at the Main Boat Ramp and South Primitive Campground. Water will remain on the campsites until Late November. Updated 10-23-23

Lake Manawa State Park - Pottawattamie County
  • The Lake Manawa campground, restroom facilities and fish cleaning station are now closed for the winter season.  Those facilities will open up mid-April of 2024.  A portable toilet is located at the playground parking lot and all other day use facilities are still available, however all docks have been removed to prevent ice damage. 

Lake of Three Fires State Park - Taylor County
  • Facilities: The modern restrooms/showers at Lake of Three Fires State Park are closed as of October 26th, 2023 for the winter. The RV dump station is open with no running water. Water hydrants and electric campsites will remain ON in the campground year round. Posted 10/26/2023.

Lake Wapello State Park - Davis County
  • The shower house located in the campground at has been shut down and winterized for the season. Posted 10/16/2023.

  • The lodge and the beach restrooms are closed and winterized for the season. Posted 10/16/2023.

Ledges State Park - Boone County
  • WINTER SEASON FACILITY UPDATE:  The Canyon Drive is currently OPEN to vehicle traffic unless heavy local rainfall or winter weather conditions force park staff to close the road. The campground is open to overnight camping and all campsites are reservable in advance. Modern restrooms throughout the park are currently closed, but there are portable restrooms in the campground, Oak Woods picnic area, and along Canyon Drive. There is also a pit vault restroom facility just west of the campground entrance that is open. There is a frost-free water hydrant on at the campground entrance, but all other water hydrants are currently off. (This alert was updated on 03/05/2024)

  • Starting March 18, 2024; the Des Moines River boat ramp at Ledges State Park will be closed to public access for a paving project. The project is expected to last approximately 1 month. This alert was updated on 3/5/2024.

  • The Oak Woods Shelter is currently closed to public access until further notice. No reservations are being taken for the shelter at this time, but the Carl Fritz Henning shelter remains open and available for reservation in 2024. This alert was updated on March 1, 2024.

Lewis and Clark State Park - Monona County
  • Banquet Room Closure: Reservations for the Banquet Room will be unavailable beginning in 2023 for repairs and updates. The Banquet Room will be closed for reservations until further notice. If you would like to be notified when the Banquet Room reopens, fill out the following form: Lewis and Clark Google Form. (Updated February 13, 2024)

  • Boat Dock Out Due to Low Water Levels: Due to the drought conditions Western Iowa has been experiencing, the boat dock will remain out at our boat ramp until water levels rise. Once water levels have risen enough to allow the dock to be put in without damage, this alert will be removed. Park Staff are recommending that you DO NOT LAUNCH boats at this time, as the end of the pavement is just below the waters edge. Reports of boat trailers going off the edge have increased in the last week. (Updated 7/24/22) To see current drought conditions click this link.

  • Starting in April 2024, all campsites at Lewis and Clark State Park will become 100-percent reservable and will be accepting same-day reservations. As part of the process, the campground will close on November 1, 2023. Thank you for your patience during this transition! (Posted August 15, 2023)
  • Due to upcoming renovations the Visitors Center will be by appointment only beginning 7/21/23. If you would like to schedule a tour of the Visitors Center, please contact the park by calling 712-423-2829. We apologize for the inconvenience. (Posted 7/20/23)
Lower Gar State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Maquoketa Caves State Park - Jackson County
  • CAVES CLOSED FOR BAT HIBERNATION. They will reopen on April 15 2024. (posted October 16 2023)

  • All modern facilities in the park have closed for the season they will reopen on April 15 2024 (posted October 16 2023)

  • PARKING UPDATE - Parking in the park is limited to designated parking spots only and will be enforced. Peak park visitation times are weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park weekdays or during non-peak hours in the morning or late afternoon on weekends. (Posted 4/19/2022)
Marble Beach State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

McIntosh Woods State Park - Cerro Gordo County
  • Water facilities are now CLOSED for the Season this includes shower bldg, all restrooms, yurts, fish cleaning station and dump station.  Camping rates are  $12.00/elec and $6.00/non elec.  The docks at the two boat ramps will remain until the last week of October.  

Mini-Wakan State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Okamanpedan State Park - Emmet County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Palisades-Kepler State Park - Linn County
  • Seasonal Closures: Campground, Cabins, Lodge, and Shelters closed for the season. Campground and cabins reopen mid April (weather dependent), lodge reopens on May 1st. The road past the lodge and the campground road are closed for the winter season. Visitors may use the accessible parking lots and walk through the park. All water systems are off for the season. (Posted October 31, 2023)

Pikes Point State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Pilot Knob State Park - Hancock County
  • Off Season - The water has been turned off for the season. The shower building is closed. Camping remains available and nightly camping rates are $18 for electric sites and $10 for non-electric sites. The Host site East of the shower building is available for $18.00 per night. (posted 10-16-2023) (Updated 3-8-2024)

Pine Lake State Park - Hardin County
  • FACILITY CLOSURES: ALL modern restroom and shower facilities throughout Pine Lake State Park are closed for the season. RV dump stationand water hydrants will remain on. Pit latrines are available at Upper Pine Lake Boat Ramp and Circle Point Shelter.  (03/05/24)

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - Linn County
  • Campground and Cabin Closure: From April 1 - June 2, 2024 the campground is not accepting reservations and from April 15 - May 27, 2024 the cabins are not accepting reservations due to a road project.  The closure will be modified or removed once the project is completed.  (Posted February 5, 2024)

  • Water facilities are shut down for the winter season.  Facilities wil be turned back on late April 2024. (Posted 10/16/23)

  • Alcohol is prohibited inside the fenced in designated beach area. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed within the fenced designated beach area.
Prairie Rose State Park - Shelby County
  • Beginning Monday, October 16th, the shower building and modern restrooms will be shut down for the winter season. They will remain shut down until April 15th, 2024. Latrines will remain open throughout the winter. Water hydrants in the campground are now on. POSTED: 3/13/2024

Red Haw State Park - Lucas County
  • Campground Closure: The campground will remain closed for 2024. Access to the lake can be gained through the North boat ramp. This ramp has a kayak launch and boat ramp, as well as the fish cleaning station has been reinstalled. Shelters available include the Stone Shelter and Youth Shelter both open for reservations. The Beach is currently open and available for use, as well as all Hiking Trails. (Updated March 1, 2024)

  • Beach Bathroom Closure 10/16/2023: The Modern Restroomat the beach is closed for the season. The vault restroom will remain open. This bulletin will be removed when the restrhas been re-opened in the Spring of 2024.

  • Construction will be on going throughout the park. Please be mindful of trucks and equipment driving through the park and working. Posted (October 31st, 2023)

Shimek State Forest - Van Buren County
  • The dirt trails have been CLOSED for equestrian use, the WWT (Wet Weather Trail) is OPEN. This alert will be removed when trail status has changed. (updated 3-8-2024)

  • ATTENTION!!!! Forest roads are minimum maintenance and may be snow covered, icy, or slick during winter months. Use caution if traveling in the Forest.

Springbrook State Park - Guthrie County
  • All water hydrants at Springbrook have been shut off for the remainder of the season and will be turned back on in mid April of 2024. (POSTED 10/31/2023)

  • Springbrook State Parks Beach Shelter's Restroom water has been turned off and it will be closed for the remainder of the 2023 rec season. The electricity has also been shut off to the shelter as well.  (Posted 10/12/2023)

  • The shower/restroom buildings have been closed for the season. (Posted 10/17/2023)

Stone State Park - Woodbury County
  • Campground Closure: Effective November 20, 2023 the campground is closed.  The campground is expected to reopen on April 15, 2024.  (Posted November 20, 2023)

  • Winter Facilities Update:  Modern facilities are closed for the winter season.  The shower building and Ricketts Glen bathroom are closed to the public.  Water hydrants have been shut off for the season.  Pit toilets will be open throughout the park.  (Posted 10/19/23)

Templar State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Boat Ramp Closure: The boat ramp at the lagoon is closed until further notice. (Posted March 11, 2024)

  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Trappers Bay State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Union Grove State Park - Tama County
  • NON-ELECTRIIC CAMPSITES: Non electric campsites are unavailable at Union Grove State Park. They were removed in the fall of 2023. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the park office (641)-473-2556 or union_grove@dnr.iowa.gov. (03/13/2024)  

  • LIMTED/HAZARDOUS ACCESS: Access to Union Grove State Park will be limted and/or hazardous during winter weather events. Routes will be plowed to access cabins as well as the west boat ramp for ice fishing access. Questions about this closure can be directed to the park office: union_grove@dnr.iowa.gov, 641-473-2556. (01/05/2024)

  • FACILITY CLOSURE: Campground restroom and shower facility are closed for the season. RV dump station and water hydrants will remain on. Pit Latrines are avaliable in the Union Grove Campground. (10/16/23)

Walnut Woods State Park - Polk County
  • Campground restrooms will close for the season on October 16th, 2023. All water hydrants will shut down on November 1st 2023 for the winter. Dump and fill station are closed for the season. All pit toilets will remain open through the winter.

  • The eastern portion of the Walnut Woods trail will be closed indefinately for construction. All other trails remain open.
Wapsipinicon State Park - Jones County
  • PARK ROAD CLOSURE: Effective October 27th, 2023: The park road between the playground and the campground is now closed until weather conditions improve. (10-27-23)

  • WINTER CLOSURES: Effective October 23, 2023: The modern restrooms, water, and drinking fountains are closed. Campsites with electricity will remain on. (posted 10/23/2023)

Wildcat Den State Park - Muscatine County
  • TRAIL CLOSURE:  Due to the wet heavy snow that we received, a couple of very large trees have fallen over the top of two of the Parks Trails.  The Cave Trail, from the Lower Picnic Area to the crossing at State Park Rd., will be closed until Park Staff are able to get the larger tree removed and make necessary trail repairs.  The Punchbowl Trail, between the Mill Trail intersection to the Punchbowl Stairs, is placed as a "USE WITH CAUTION" as a large tree fell over the trail near one of the bridges.  The trail is still passable at this time, just please be aware of the hazard.  Park Staff are working to get these trees taken care, If you have any questions please contact the Park Office at 563-263-4337.  All other Trails are open for use at this time. (Posted 2/5/2024)

  • The Pine Creek Grist Mill is closed until Spring of 2024. (Posted 10/23/2023)

  • The campground and trails at Wildcat Den State Park remain open throughout the winter months, however, water hydrants and the modern restroom are closed for the season. These services will resume around May 1st, 2024. Pit latrines, located in the campground and Upper Picnic Area, will remain open year-round.  The Pine Creek Grist Mill and Melpine Schoolhouse are closed for the season.  If you have any questions, please call the park office at 563-263-4337  (UPDATED 10/16/2023)

Wilson Island State Recreation Area - Pottawattamie County
  • The campground at Wilson Island is now closed until April 15th of 2024. This closure includes all water hydrants and restrooms in the park.  A pit toilet east of the shelters is open year round.  Trails, shelters and other day use opportunities are still available.  Questions can be directed to the park office at  712-642-2069.  Posted October 16, 2023

Yellow River State Forest - Allamakee County
  • Yellow River State Forest: The Equestrian Trails are closed for the season, effective November 30, 2023. A new alert will be posted in the spring when the trails are re-opened.