Brushy Creek is a great place for picnics and large gatherings. Picnic areas are located around the park. They offer
tables and fire grills. Two
open shelters can be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
Equestrian users enjoy one of the most modern camp facilities in the Midwest. The northern equestrian campground has a
modern shower and restroom, 125 campsites (50 electrical), horse wash area, ample shade, a substantial hitch rail at
every site (users are required to tie animals to rails) and a 100' by 200' arena. Water hydrants with potable water
are available, as are picnic tables, grills, and a playground. In the future another shower/toilet building will be
constructed.
The south campground has a modern shower and restroom with 62 electric, 22 non-electric sites, and 8 full water
and sewer hookup sites with the same amenities as the northern campground. Advance campsite reservations can be
reserved online through the
park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available on
a first-come, first-serve basis.
Horses are not to be hitched or tied to trees, shrubs or park facilities in a manner that will cause injury or
damage to the plant or facility. Animals may be hitched to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and saddling.
Animals must be stabled inside a trailer, at a hitch rail or in stalls or corrals if provided. Portable stall/pens or
electric fences are not allowed.
A non-equestrian campground has 47 sites including 39 electric sites, and 8 with full water and sewer hookups. This
location makes the campground very inviting to those using the nearby boatramp and beach. This area is also available
for picnicking. Non equestrian campers are also welcome to use any of the equestrian campgrounds. Half of these
campsites can be reserved online through the
park reservation system. The rest of the campsites are available on a
first come/first serve basis.
Currently there is a day-use staging area near the existing equestrian campground in the northern portion of the
recreation area and one in the southern portion, near the equestrian campground. Day users are encouraged to use these
areas at no charge for the day. Facilities include seasonal restrooms. Additional staging areas are being developed in
the southern area.
Fishing is also a popular activity at Brushy Creek. The creek and Des Moines River have always provided not only
scenic beauty but also a challenge to the angler with smallmouth bass and panfish as favorite catches. Several boat
ramps and fishing jetties are located around the 690 acre lake. A fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake,
north of the beach area. There are fishing tournaments occurring almost every weekend out on the lake.
Brushy Creek is a no wake lake, meaning that the maximum speed allowed on the lake is well below the speed needed for
skiing, tubing or wakeboarding.
Swimming is allowed in the designated beach area only. A large sandy beach is located on the west side of the lake.
With approximately 45 miles of multi-use trails, there are trail activities for everyone including horseback riding,
hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. Mountain biking is allowed on all multiple use trails.
A map of these trails is on display at the information kiosks located in the equestrian campgrounds. When using the
multi-use trail system:
- Always call ahead (515)543-8298 for current trail conditions or go on line at
www.reserveiaparks.com for current trail status
- Stay on designated trails only
- Respect others' trail rights,
- Report any trail problems to park staff, and
- Enjoy!
Hunting is one of the most popular activities at Brushy Creek. Every year, hunters pursue a variety of game species
ranging from pheasants, quail, rabbits and squirrels to white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. A number of designated
parking areas are located throughout Brushy Creek to provide convenient access for the hunter.
Two ranges are located at Brushy Creek SRA. One is south of the park office approximately 1/2 mile north of County Rd.
D-46. The other is a trap range located in the northern section of the park. It can be reached by taking 250th from
Co. Rd. P-73, then turn right on Taylor Ave.
At over 6,000 acres, Brushy Creek is one of Iowa's largest tracts of public outdoor recreation land. Visitors can
get a real sense of being "away from it all" while, at the same time, enjoying a variety of outdoor
recreation opportunities such as camping, hunting, horseback riding, and winter sports. The development of a 690 acre
lake and associated facilities will provide additional opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, picnicking.
These developments are under construction and are expected to be completed in the future.
Lehigh is located five miles southwest of county road D45. Duncombe is located five miles north on county road P73.
Stratford is located 9 miles south on Stagecoach Rd of Hwy 20. Ft. Dodge is located approximately 15 miles northwest
of Brushy Creek on Hwy 20. Webster City is located approximately 15 miles northeast on Hwy 20.
3175 290th Street
Lehigh, IA 50557
ph. 515/543-8298
fax: 515/843-8395
E-mail address: Brushy_Creek@dnr.iowa.gov
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