Flooding Impacts State Parks Across Iowa Heading in to Camping Kick-off Weekend
Posted: April 29, 2008

Heavy rains and flooding conditions caused some campsite, road and trail closures at a number of Iowa state parks.

The Iowa DNR has a list of impacted parks on its website at www.iowadnr.gov then click on State Parks, then click on Current News, Lake Levels and Construction Updates, then on Flooding Updates. It is also available at www.reserveiaparks.com then click on pink Park Notices/Reservation Closures button at the bottom of the page.

The lists will be updated as necessary. The following is the list of parks impacted by flooding or high water.

George Wyth State Park
George Wyth State Park is planning to reopen April 30. For updated information contact the park office at 319-232-5505.

Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park is experiencing flash flooding. The East, West and North Gate entrances and boat ramp are closed to vehicle traffic. The trout streams and shelters are unusable. The cabins, South Lake campground and Six Pines campgrounds are unaffected. For more information call the park office 563-924-2527.

Fairport State Recreation Area
Due to river conditions and campground flooding at Fairport State Recreation Area, many campsites will be unusable through May 19. Reservable sites 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are still usable at this time. Walk-in campsites are also available. Check the website for more information or contact the park office at 563-263-4337

Pikes Peak State Park
The boat ramp at Sny Magill, 5 miles south of Pikes Peak State Park on the Mississippi River, is closed due to flooding. For updated information contact the park office at 563-873-2341.

Palisades-Kepler State Park
Due to heavy rain and the rising Cedar River, the boat ramp at Palisades-Kepler State Park is flooded and closed. Call park office at 319-895-6039 for updated information.

Lake Macbride State Park
Due to high water and flooding on the Coralville Reservoir, the Lake Macbride Dam Road that leads to the Lake Macbride Dam area, the Fisheries Station and the Coralville Reservoir boat ramp, is closed. The road will most likely be closed for at least three weeks and possibly longer depending upon upcoming rainfall. For updated information contact the park office at 319-624-2200.

Ledges State Park
The canyon road at Ledges State Park is closed due to flooding and is not expected to reopen before the weekend; however, if the situation changes, park staff will open the canyon road. For updated information contact the park office at 515-432-1852.

Wapsipinicon State Park
The lower road along the Wapsipinicon River in Wapsipinicon State Park is closed and will remain closed through this weekend. For updated information contact the park office at 319-462-2761.

Volga River State Recreation Area
The trails at Volga River State Recreation Area will be closed this weekend due to heavy rains last week. The trails have sustained some damage from the heavy rains and are currently too wet to use. Dry weather and trail repairs are needed before the trails are ready for use. The rest of the area is open including the regular campground and picnic areas next to the lake.

Lake of Three Fires State Park
Lake of Three Fires Equestrian trails will remain closed for this weekend due to the wet weather.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
All trails south of the South day-use area will be closed. The rest of the trails will be weather dependant.

Stephens State Forest
The trails at Stephens Forest remain closed due to wet conditions and extensive damage from last winter's ice storm. The trails will likely be closed through this weekend.

Elk Rock State Park
Storm damage at Elk Rock State Park has been cleaned up, but due to the wet weather, the equestrian trails will remain closed.

Nine Eagles State Park
The equestrian trails at Nine Eagles State Park are closed due to wet conditions.

Waubonsie State Park
The equestrian trails at Waubonsie State Park are closed due to heavy rains.