State Park Alerts - Closures and Important Information

Ambrose A. Call State Park - Kossuth County
  • The water at Ambrose A Call has been turned off for the season. (October 22, 2024)

  • The water at Ambrose A Call has been turned off for the season. (October 22, 2024)

  • The water at Ambrose A Call has been turned off for the season. (October 22, 2024)

  • The water has been turned off for the season. (posted 10-16-2024)

Backbone State Park - Delaware County
  • Modern facilities are shut down throughout the park.  This includes the shower buildings and modern restrooms.  The dumpstation will be left on until at least the 20th, as long as weather alllows.  This message will be updated when that changes.  The frost free hydrants in the campgrounds will be on until November.  The cabins are still open and available to rent, and the electricity at the campground stays on also.   posted 10/18/24

Bellevue State Park - Jackson County
  • (WATER OFF- RESTROOMS CLOSED)The campground water hydrants and the modern restroom/shower building are closed for the season on OCTOBER 23, 2024. Pit toilets are available for use during the off-season. Water and facilities will reopen April 2025. posted 10/23/2024
     
Big Creek State Park - Polk County
  • Modern restrooms throughout the park have been closed for the season. Pit latrines at Williams drive, Beach Boat Ramp, Disc Golf, and the Handicap Fishing Pier will remain open for off-season use.  Modern restrooms are expected to re-open on April 15th.  (Posted 10/15/24)

Black Hawk State Park - Sac County
  • Black Hawk State Park shower building will be closed for the season on Oct. 15th. Hydrants and dumpstation will remain open , weather permitting.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Webster County
  • Restroom and shower buildings in the park will be closed for the season October 16, 2024. Weather permitting, they will reopen April 16, 2025. 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

    Note: Full hookup hydrants will be turned off approximately mid-November-mid March when there are consistent freezing temperatures. For winter camping please call the park office for accessiblity status.

    posted 10/2/24

  • 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 State Park - Buchanan County
  • Tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Walter Estate have concluded for the year. We expect to offer tours again in mid-May of 2025. (Posted October 7, 2024)

Clear Lake State Park - Cerro Gordo County
  • 2025 Lodge Closure Renovation: The Clear Lake Lodge will be closed from May 1, 2025  through September 30, 2025 for repairs.  DNR can notify you if the project is completed sooner and the closure is removed, allowing for rentals.  If you wish to be notified when the lodge reopens, fill out the following form: Clear Lake Lodge Google Form. (Posted October 18, 2024)

  • Campground Facilities:  The campground is closed for the season as of October 16th due to green ash tree removal and campground renovation work. 10/15/24

     
  • 2024 Campground Availability:  Campsites 1 - 115 (except 49, 50, 66, 67 will remain closed) are accepting reservations through October 15, 2024.  Starting on October 16 the entire campground will be closed for the campground renovation. (Updated September 9, 2024)

Dolliver Memorial State Park - Webster County
  • Modern Shower Building and Restrooms are Closed for the Season a Pit Latrine is Available

  • 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: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

Elk Rock State Park - Marion County
  • On Saturday January 4th and Sunday January 5th 2024, the park will be closed to the public for a antler less deer management hunt. The park will re-open to the public on Monday January 6th 2025. For more information please contact the park office at 641-842-6008.

  • As of Monday October 21st 2024 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 2025. (Posted 10/7/2024)

Emerson Bay State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

Fairport State Recreation Area - Muscatine County
  • Water has been shut off and bathroom facilities have been winterized and closed.  Water will be turned back on sometime around the beginning of May 2025.  (posted 10/21/2024)

  • ATTENTION:  The Fairport Campground is open, however, a few sites are still closed due to flood damage.  Campsites affected and closed are sites 37 to 39.  Campsites will open back up when they have dried out and Park Staff have been able to make the necessary repairs.  (Updated 8/14/24)

Fort Defiance State Park - Emmet County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

  • Trails at Fort Defiance have been severely impacted by flood damage.  Most of the bridges are unsafe for use and multiple blockages have been identified.  Until repairs can be made, trails will be closed until further notice. (Posted 08/23/2024)

Geode State Park - Henry County
  • The Modern Restrooms at the Beach will close for the season on October 1st, 2024. There is a pit latrine located at the upper parking area in the beach for off season use.

  • The Rstroom/Shower House in the lower/back part of the campground has been closed for the season. 

George Wyth State Park - Black Hawk County
  • Shower/restrooms and water will be shutoff Oct. 16, 2024 for the season. (LE 10/5/24)

  • Restrooms/showers and water will be turned off for the season Oct. 16, 2024 (LE 10/2/24)

Green Valley State Park - Union County
  • Green Valley Road is closed between 140th and 150th St for a bridge replacement. Estimated completion date is March 2025.

Gull Point State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

Honey Creek State Park - Appanoose County
  • 10/16/2024 RESTROOM CLOSURE: The south campground shower building and flush toilets are now closed for the season. The modern restroom facility at the main boat ramp is closed as well.  The  north campground shower building will remain open weather permitting until late October. All vault toilets in the park will remain open.  The modern restrooms will reopen in mid-April 2025. This bulletin will be removed when the facilities are open.

  • Park closed November 15th-17th 2024

Lake Ahquabi State Park - Warren County
  • WINTER SEASON FACILITY UPDATE:  The campground is open to overnight camping and all campsites are reservable in advance.  Modern restrooms and shower facilites throughout the park are currently CLOSED.  The RV dump station and water hydrants in the campground will remian on until we experience a hard frost.  The campground will be completely closed from December 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025.

     

     

     

Lake Anita State Park - Cass County
  • This does not affect the campground.( The campground is open and has water available)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. Posted 1/18/2024

Lake Keomah State Park - Mahaska County
  • Shower buildings will be closed October 15th until the spring of 2025.  Frost free hydrants and a pit toilets are available.

     

    Posted 10/14/2024

  • Lake draw down for renovations will begin Tuesday, July 9th.  Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.  During this project, Lake Keomah will remain open along with camping and its amenities.

    Facilities closing due to the renovations include the Beach and Lodge.

    Shelters are at a first come first serve availability during this time and are not reservable

     

    updated; 7/23/24

  • Request to be notified when Lake Keomah Lodge, Shelters, and Beach reopen: The Lodge and Beach at Lake Keomah State Park are closed from August 1, 2024 - October 15, 2025, due to renovations.  Shelters are at a first come first serve availability during this time and are not reservable.  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)

  • Please keep out of the lake bed.  Conditions of dried silt give the appearance of solid ground, when in fact the soils are very soft.  These conditions could lead to entrapment, if you fall into these spots.

     

    added: 7/23/24

  • 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

Lake Macbride State Park - Johnson County
  • The modern restrooms at Lake Macbride's primitive campground are now closed for winter.

    The shower building/restrooms at Lake Macbride's modern campground are now closed for winter.

    Both campgrounds will be closing November 1, 2024 for the winter.

    Updated 10-21-24

  • The fish cleaning/grinder station at Lake Macbride State Park located near the primitive campground is now closed down for the winter season. 10-16-24

  • 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. Both campgrounds will be closing November 1 in preparation for going 100% reservable in 2025. Water hyrdants will remain on until the campground closes on November 1st. Updated 7-11-24

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 15th, 2024 for the winter. The RV dump station is open with no running water. Water hydrants and electric campsites will remain ON in the campground until November 1st.

Lake Wapello State Park - Davis County
  • Modern restrooms at the beach will be closed on 10/7/24. The camground shower house will close on 10/16/24. Please contact the park office at with any questions 641-722-3371

Ledges State Park - Boone County
  • WINTER SEASON FACILITY UPDATE:  The Canyon Drive is currently OPEN to vehicle traffic. The campground is open to overnight camping and all campsites are reservable in advance. Modern restrooms and shower facilities throughout the park are currently CLOSED. The RV dump station and water hydrants in the campground will remain on until we experience hard freezing temperatures. The campground will be completely closed from December 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025. (This alert was updated on 10/21/2024)

Lewis and Clark State Park - Monona County
  • Lewis and Clark State Park: On October 15th, 2024 water will become unavailable throughout Lewis and Clark State Park including the shower building, full hookup sites, and hydrants. Water will become available again at the start of the 2025 recreation season. (Posted 7/25/24)

  • Lewis and Clark State Park Visitor Center and Beach Shelter: The Visitor Center and beach shelter at Lewis and Clark State Park will be closed to the public after Labor Day, 9/2/2024. (Posted 7/25/24)

  • 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)

Maquoketa Caves State Park - Jackson County
  • The caves in the park are Closed every year from October 15th until April 15th as they server as a hibernaculum for overwintering bats. 

  • The Caves Closed on October 15th 2024 for the winter due to Bat Hibernation. You may still hike the trails but cannot enter the caves. They will reopen on April 15h 2025 (Posted 10/16/2024).

  • All modern facilities and the shower building in the park have closed for the season they will reopen on April 15 2025 (posted October 16 2024)

  • TRAIL CLOSURE: A section of the trail between Window and Match cave is closed due to boardwalk damage. Please do not enter this area. (Posted 8/30/2024)

Marble Beach State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

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 $18.00/electric and $10.00/non electric.     (posted 10/16/2024 HW)

Mini-Wakan State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

Nine Eagles State Park - Decatur County
  • Facilities: The modern restrooms/showers at Nine Eagles State Park are closed as of October 15th, 2024 for the winter. The RV dump station is open with no running water. Water hydrants and electric campsites will remain ON in the campground until November 1st.

Palisades-Kepler State Park - Linn County
  • Attention Campers: Starting in April of 2025, all campsites at Palisades Kepler 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 4, 2024. Thank you for your patience during this transition! (Posted August 22, 2024)
     
  • Lodge Viewings, Monthly: Open to the Public, No Reservation Needed, Lodge Viewings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of every month from 2 pm. to 4 pm. Park staff will attend the viewings to answer questions.

Pikes Peak State Park - Clayton County
  • BURN BAN ( Effective 10-9-2024) Clayton County is in a burn ban no campfires in the campground at this time.

  • Winterization, Pikes Peak State Park will winterize all modern facilities to include restrooms, shower buildings on October 16th. Water hydrant's will remain on until October 28th 2024. All facilities will be locked and closed for the season after October 28th 2024.  

Pikes Point State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

Pilot Knob State Park - Hancock County
  • The water at Pilot Knob has been turned off for the season. (October 22, 2024)

Pine Lake State Park - Hardin County
  • Facilities at Pine Lake: Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities are CLOSED throughout Pine Lake State Park. There are vault toilets available at the Circle Point Shelter area as well as the Upper Pine Lake Boat Ramp. Water Hydrants and dump station will remian open until a hard freeze forces there closure. If you have any questions regarding this please contact park staff via: 641-858-5832 or pine.lake@dnr.iowa.gov (POSTED: 10/15/2024) 

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - Linn County
  • Water facilities are shut down for the winter season.  The dump station will remian open until tempatures get near freezing at night.  Facilities wil be turned back on late April 2025. (Posted 10/22/24)

  • 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
  • Modern restrooms and the shower building will be closed October 16, 2024 to April 15, 2025. 5 Pit toilets will remain open year-round. POSTED 10/17/2024

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)

Rock Creek State Park - Jasper County
  • Modern Restroom Facilities have been closed for the season effective October 16th, 2024.   Pit latrines, frost free hydrants, and electricity will remain open during the off season.   Modern Restrooms open dates is tenatively scheduled for April 15th, 2024.   

  • The equestrian trails will be closed for the remander of the 2024 season due to flood damage.

Stone State Park - Woodbury County
  • Stone State Park: Water throughout Stone State Park will be turned off starting October 16th, 2024. The shower building, modern restrooms, and hydrants will be unavailable until the beginning of the 2025 recreation season. (Posted 10/9/24)

Templar State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

Trappers Bay State Park - Dickinson County
  • Seasonal Closure: All water will be shut off, modern restroom facilities closed, and trash pickup suspended beginning 10/16/24. (Posted 10/15/24)

Union Grove State Park - Tama County
  • Facilities at Union Grove: Modern Restroom and Shower Facailities are CLOSED in the Union Grove State Park campground. Dump station and water hydrants will remian on until a hard freeze forces there closure. Vault toilets are avaliable in the campground. If you have questions regarding this please contact park staff via: 641-473-2556 or union.grove@dnr.iowa.gov (POSTED 10/15/2024) 

     

     

Volga River State Recreation Area - Fayette County
  • (POSTED 10/22/24. WATER AND MODERN FACILITIES-The water is turned OFF at Lakeview Campground. The shower building and modern restroom at the boat ramp are closed for the season. Lakeview campground is open for camping and a pit vault restroom is available.  The water at the Albany equestrian campground will remain open until November 1, 2024.  If you have any questions please call the office (563) 425-4161.

  • (POSTED 10/11/24). Fayette County issued a BURN BAN effective on 10/9/24.  There are no campfires allowed unless the fire is contained to a ring, is supervised at all times, and is covered at minimum with a 1 inch by 1 inch cover. If you have any further questions please contact the park office at (563) 425-4161. Thank you.

  • (POSTED 8/31/2024) The Equestrian Trails are currently OPEN. If you have any questions, please call the park office at (563) 425-4161.

Walnut Woods State Park - Polk County
  • Campground restrooms will close for the season on October 16th, 2024. The fill hydrant and dump station, as well as the full hook up hydrants will remain on until November 1st, 2024.

  • The eastern portion of the Walnut Woods trail will be closed indefinately for construction. All other trails remain open.
Wapsipinicon State Park - Jones County
  • Starting October 15th 2024, the campground shower building and playground restrooms will be closed for the season. This includes hydrants and water fountains. They will reopen in spring of 2025.  

  • The Wapsipinicon campground will be closed during the off-season starting November 1st. The electricity, modern restrooms, water, and drinking fountains will be shut off. The campground will reopen April 1st, 2025. 

Waubonsie State Park - Fremont County
  • Advanced notice - seasonal closure on Modern Shower building on October 28th 

    Modern Restrooms/ Shower building will be closed for the winter season starting October 28th (weather dependent). Frost free hydrants and pit latrines will still be available. 

  • Rental Facility Closure: All of the cabins, the lodge, and the Overlook shelter will not be accepting reservations from April 1 - July 10, 2025 due to a waterline project.  (Posted May 8, 2024)

Wildcat Den State Park - Muscatine County
  • Water has been shut off and bathroom facilities have been winterized and closed.  Water will be turned back on sometime around the beginning of May 2025.  (posted 10/21/2024)

  • TRAIL CLOSURE:  A portion of stairs and trail, along the Lower Picnic Area Trail, will be closed due to maintenance.  This section is located in the Lower Picnic Area, close to the parking lot.  (Posted 10/8/24)

  • SHELTER CLOSURE:  Beginning October 2nd, 2024, the Upper Picnic Area Shelter will be closed for a construction project.  The project will consist of replacing the concrete floor and repairing the wooden pillars.  Unknown timeline for completion.  (Posted 10/2/2024)

  • TRAIL CLOSURE:  The Cave Trail, from the Lower Picnic Area to the crossing at State Park Rd., will be closed until Park Staff are able to make necessary trail repairs.  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)

Wilson Island State Recreation Area - Pottawattamie County
  • FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE
     
    Nebraska State Game and Parks Commission has applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) funding through Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department (HSEMD) as a subrecipient. Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal actions must be reviewed and evaluated for feasible alternatives and for social, economic, historic, environmental, legal, and safety considerations. Under Executive Order (EO) 11988 and EO 11990, FEMA is required to consider alternatives, and to provide a public notice of any proposed actions in or affecting floodplains or wetlands. EO 12898 also requires FEMA to provide the opportunity for public participation in the planning process and to consider potential impacts to minority and low-income populations. This notice may also fulfill requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Funding for the proposed project will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state, and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards, permit requirements and
    conditions.
     
    Subrecipient: Iowa Department of Natural Resources Parks Bureau
    Project Title: IA-4421-1514; [126741] Wilson Island State Recreation Area
     
    Location of Proposed Work: The Wilson Island State Recreation Area is a 544-acre state recreation area however work will only occur in the pre-disturbed campground area. The address is 32801 Campground Ln, Missouri Valley, IA 51555. See Figures 1 and 2 at the end of the notice.
     
    Special Flood Hazard Area Zone: The Wilson Island State Recreation Area is located in a Zone A Floodway or 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Area. Confirmation of location in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
    was determined by the Pottawatomie County Flood Insurance Rate Map, Panel Number: 19155C0200E, effective on 2/4/2005 (Figure 1). There is a potential for the facility to be impacted by future flooding events due to its location within the floodway. The proposed work will take place in wetlands per the United States Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory.
     
    Proposed Work and Purpose: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IA DNR) Parks Bureau proposes to utilize FEMA’s Improved Project process to improve the existing recreation infrastructure. Out of the
    13 damaged elements, six will be improved, thereby changing from its pre-disaster footprint. The picnic tables, park grills, park signs, fire rings, electrical boxes, sump pumps, propane tanks, playground, boat dock, hunting blind, and picnic shelter will be replaced in kind, returning those elements to pre-disaster condition. The following damages are categorized as improved:
     
     
    Project Alternatives:
     
    - Alternative #1 (No action): The Wilson Island State Recreation Area provides access to campsites, hiking trails, and picnicking areas for the public. The park is still usable while the damaged elements are not repaired, however the usability has been reduced and it is more susceptible to damage in another extreme weather event. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources intends to restore the park back to pre-2019 flooding design with additional improvements that will benefit the public.
     
    - Alternative #2 (Relocate the park out of the floodplain): The current location of the Wilson Island State Recreation Area is within a Special Flood Hazard Area and is therefore at risk for repetitive loss. However, moving to another location would incur a significant cost. Additionally, the process for land acquisition and all necessary environmental permitting would be extremely lengthy. The new park may not be as large and would not be able to provide such recreation activities as fishing due to its proximity being far away from the river.
     
    Comment Period:
    Comments are solicited from the public; local, state or federal agencies, and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the proposed project on the community. Interested parties may submit comments, questions, or request a map of this specific project by writing to: Environmental and Historic Preservation Branch, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 7, 11224 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO, 64131, or
    by email to Regional Environmental Officer Teri Toye at R7-MT-EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Please send comments with the subject line: DR-4421-IA-1514 11988 Wilson Island State Recreation Area COMMENT.
     
    All comments are due by no later than 15 days of the posted date of this notice.
     
    Posted On: 10OCT24
     
    END OF NOTICE