Alerts and Closures

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State Park Alerts - Closures and Important Information
Backbone State Park - Delaware County
  • Road Resurfacing Project: The 16 cabins will not be accepting reservations from January 1, 2023 - February 28, 2024. The Beach Shelter will not be accepting reservations from May 1, 2023 - October 15, 2023. The Beach Lodge we are not accepting reservations from May 1, 2023 - October 15, 2023. The concession will be closed while the cabins are closed from March 1, 2023 - February 28, 2024. If you would like to be notified if the cabins open earlier than expected, fill out this Backbone State Park notification Google form. (Posted 3/1/2021)
  • Modern Facilities closed for the season. Modern facilities, including the shower buildings, and the dump station are shut down for the season. Frost free hydrants in the campgrounds will be left on until Nov 1st. Pit toilets remain open, and electricity to camp sites remains on.
  • Backbone State Park will be closed to the general public December 4th and 5th 2021, due to an antlerless controlled deer hunt. Hunters possessing Backbone antlerless controlled hunt deer tags will be allowed to access Backbone State Park except in areas that are closed to hunting. Cabin Renters will be allowed to access areas that are closed to the park hunt in the cabin, beach and park shop area.
  • Road Resurfacing Project: If you would like to be notified if the beach lodge opens earlier than expected, fill out this Backbone State Park notification Google form. (Posted 5/12/2021)
Big Creek State Park - Polk County
  • Flush Facilities will be closed after October 15,2018 for the season. Pit latrines at Williams drive, Beach Boat Ramp, Disc Golf, and Handicap Fishing Pier will remain open. (Posted 10/15/21)
  • The Big Creek Snowmobile Trail is closed for use beginning March 15th to January 10th. On January 11th, the trail will open and there must be measurable snow, 1/10 of an inch, for allowable use, as described in the Code of Iowa Chapter 321G. The trail is a one-way trail, with traffic traveling in a clockwise location. Please obey all installed signage along the trail. (Posted 10/4/21)
Black Hawk State Park - Sac County
  • Shower building will be closing on October 18, 2021. It will re-open in April 2022.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Webster County
  • Docks have been removed from the lake for the season. posted 10/26/21
  • Restroom and shower buildings in the park will be closed for the season October 18, 2021. Weather permitting, they will reopen April 15, 2022 Camping remains available in the off-season with pit vault toilets in each of the 3 campgrounds; water hydrants and electricity also remain on. For camping during the winter months please contact the park office in advance for information on site accessibility. Camping stays remain limited to 14 days.
  • Restroom and shower buildings in the park will be closed for the season October 18, 2021. Weather permitting, they will reopen April 15, 2022 Camping remains available in the off-season with pit vault toilets in each of the 3 campgrounds; water hydrants and electricity also remain on. For camping during the winter months please contact the park office in advance for information on site accessibility. Camping stays remain limited to 14 days.
Cedar Rock - Buchanan County
  • Tours of the Walter House will be offered mid-May to mid-October of 2022.
  • Tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Walter Estate at Cedar Rock have concluded for the season. Tours will resume in Mid-May 2022.
Elk Rock State Park - Marion County
  • The Elk Rock fish cleaning station is closed for the season with a re opening date of Mid April 2022. For further information please call the park office at 641-842-6008.
  • The Elk Rock fish cleaning station is closed for the season with a re opening date of Mid April 2022. For further information please call the park office at 641-842-6008.
  • On Saturday January 8th and Sunday January 9th 2022, 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 10th 2022. For more information please contact the park office at 641-842-6008.
  • As of Monday October 18th 2021 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 2022. (Posted 9/13/2020)
Fairport State Recreation Area - Muscatine County
  • Pine Creek Grist Mill and Melpine Schoolhouse are closed for the season. The campground and trails at Wildcat Den State Park remain open year-round, however, water hydrants and the modern restroom are closed for the season. These services will resume around mid April 2022. Pit latrines, located in the campground and Upper Picnic Area, will remain open year-round. If you would like to make a future reservation for the 2022 recreation season, click on the above banner titled "Make a Park Reservation" or call toll free 1-877-427-2757. For all other inquires, please contact the park office at 563-263-4337. (UPDATED 11-08-2021)
Geode State Park - Henry County
  • Shower Buildings in the campground will be closed as of 11/8 2021. Facilities available during the winter are as follows: Electricity at the camp pads remain on. There is one water hydrant left on at the campground entrance. There is a pit toilet left open in the center part of the campground. Shower buildings are normally opened again in early April(weather depending)
George Wyth State Park - Black Hawk County
  • We are not accepting reservations from April 1 through May 15, 2022 due potential spring flooding. All camping, shelters will be first-come first serve.
Green Valley State Park - Union County
  • Modern restroom/shower buildings will be closed as of 10/18/21. Water hydrants will remain on throughout the campground and park until temperatures get below freezing. The dump station will remain open. Electricity will be available throughout the campground. A pit latrine will remain open at the North end of the campground. Facilities will reopen by April 15, 2022. (Posted 10/09/2021)
  • Campground and Cabin Closure: The campground and cabins are not accepting reservations from April 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022 due to an anticipated road project. (Updated 6/28/2021)
Lake Ahquabi State Park - Warren County
  • Park Renovation Projects: The drawdown of the lake started in mid July of 2021. Due to the lake level going down, the beach will be closed starting on Sunday, July 25 for the remainder of the recreation season and in 2022 unless otherwise posted. The concessionaire is also closed. The lodge and shelter will be available in 2021, but the water level will be very low in August and September due to the lake restoration project. In 2022, the campground, shelter, and lodge will be closed due to renovation. (Updated July 21, 2021)
Lake Anita State Park - Cass County
  • Winter 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. (Posted 10/25/21)
Lake Darling State Park - Washington County
  • Lake Darling State Park will be closed the weekend of December 4th & 5th 2021 for a controlled deer hunt. Access to the park will be restricted to registered hunters only. The park will re-open to the public on Monday, December 6th 2021. (POSTED 11-1-2021)
  • As of Monday, November 1st, 2021, the modern campground restrooms and shower buildings are closed for the season. The water hydrants, electrical pedestals, dump stations, and pit latrines are still available for use. Anticipated re-opening date will be mid April 2022. (POSTED 11-1-2021)
Lake Keomah State Park - Mahaska County
  • All Park Facilities will be closing October 16th for the end of the recreational season. They will remain closed until the spring of 2022. Pit latrines and frost free hydrants will still be available. Updated: 10/8/2021
Lake Macbride State Park - Johnson County
  • The shower building in the modern campground and the modern restroom in the primitive campground are now closed for the season (October 21, 2022). The fish grinder station located at the primitive campground boat ramp is also closed for the season. In the modern campground, a portable restroom is available until the road construction project is completed. In the primitive campground, a pit toilet is located at the top of the hill near the check in station. Modern restrooms will re open late in April 2022. Updated 10-21-22
  • ROAD CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the one-way road leading to the Main Boat Ramp, Main Lodge and Beach will be closed to vehicle traffic for a road reconstruction project. This will not affect access to the modern campground, the Coralville Boat Ramp or the dam and spillway area. All other boat ramps and shelters will be available as normal. Please make plans accordingly.
Lake Wapello State Park - Davis County
  • The Shower house at the campground is now closed for the remainder of the 2021 season. It will reopen in April of 2022. 10/27/21
  • The lodge is closed for the season. Reopens in April 2022. (10/15/2021)
Ledges State Park - Boone County
  • Modern restroom and shower facilities throughout Ledges State Park are CLOSED for the winter season. Portable toilets will be available for use in front of each campground restroom building and along the Canyon Drive from now until the end of November. From December 1 to March 15, a pit vault latrine is open and located just west of the campground entrance. Campground water hydrants and the RV dump station are off for the winter season. A frost-free water hydrant will remain ON at the campground entrance year round. Electricity will remain ON throughout the winter to those campsites equipped with hook-ups. The campground remains open all year, and all sites are available right now on a first come, first serve basis through the self-registration system at the park. (This alert was updated on 11/23/2021)
Lewis and Clark State Park - Monona County
  • On October 18th 2021 the modern facilities will be closed for the winter season. Water will be shut off throughout the park, including the water hydrants throughout the campground (including full-hookup sites). The shower building and beach house will be closed to the public. Pit toilets will be open throughout the park. The dump station is open, but will not have water to wash out tanks. The boat dock is out at our boat ramp. (Posted 10/6/21)
  • 2021 Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: The visitor center will be open during business hours as staffing allows beginning September 18, 2021 through May 1, 2022. Please call 712-423-2829 prior to arrival to confirm hours or to schedule a tour. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available. (Posted September 17, 2021)
Maquoketa Caves State Park - Jackson County
  • Winter Closures: The Caves are closed for bat hibernation you can still walk trails and view the caves but you may not enter or go through them. The modern bathrooms have also been closed for the season and the caves and bathrooms will reopen on April 15th 2022. (Posted10/15/21)
  • 2021 Campground Changes: The campground is 100% reservable. Same day reservations will be accepted from April 1 - November 30 and until 9 pm on the day of arrival. A reservation is required. The campground will be closed December 1, 2021 - February 28, 2022. (Updated October 8, 2021)
Nine Eagles State Park - Decatur County
  • Modern restroom/shower buildings will be closed as of 10/18/21. Water hydrants will remain on throughout the campground and park until temperatures get below freezing. The dump station will remain open. Electricity will be available throughout the campground. Pit latrines will remain open. Facilities will reopen by April 15, 2022. (Posted 10/09/2021)
Pikes Peak State Park - Clayton County
  • The water is turned off and the modern restroom facilities are closed for the winter season. The electricity stays on to the campsites year-round and there is a pit latrine at the south end of the campground that stays open year-round. The dump station drain will close on Tuesday, 11/09/21. (Posted 11/01/2021)
  • The campground, shelter and parking area will be closed for walk-ins and not accepting reservations for the January 1,2022 - October 31, 2022 due to renovations. (Posted 9/28/2021)
  • Campsite Closure: Campsites 27, 28, 30, 31 and 34 are closed for the 2021 recreation season. (Posted April 9, 2021)
Pilot Knob State Park - Hancock County
  • As of Tuesday, October 19, 2021 the water has been turned off for the season. All modern restrooms are closed for the season. The hydrants, dump station and fill station will be closed for the season Tuesday, October 26, 2021. The pit latrine inside the campground will remain open through the winter. The electricity will remain on through the winter. (POSTED October 18, 2021)
Pine Lake State Park - Hardin County
  • Off-season Amenities: The campground at Pine Lake State Park is open year-round and electricity remains on throughout the winter. Modern restrooms and showers in the campground are closed for the season. A vault toilet is available for off-season use South of the campground near the Upper Pine Lake boat ramp. Water from frost-free hydrants is currently available in the campground, however is expected to be turned off on November 22nd. The dock at the Upper Pine Lake boat ramp has been removed for the season, however the dock at the Lower Pine Lake boat ramp is still available and will be removed the week of November 22nd Questions regarding off-season amenities should be directed to the park office at (641) 858-5832 or pine_lake@dnr.iowa.gov. (Updated 11/16/2021)
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - Linn County
  • Water facilities will be shut down 10/18/21. Water facilities will be turned on mid to late April 2022 as weather permits. (POSTED 10/17/21)
  • 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
  • The shower/modern restroom facility is closed for the season and will remain closed through April 14th, 2022. Water to the campground has been turned off. There is a hydrant by the brown shop near the park office that will be on. All other restrooms, with the exception of the beach restroom undergoing construction, will remain open. POSTED Monday, November 12, 2021
Stephens State Forest - Lucas County
  • There are no trash bins available in the Whitebreast Unit campgrounds from early November through April. Please carry out all trash. Call 641-774-5632 with any questions (updated 11/12/2021).
  • The water hydrants in the Lucas Unit Primitive Campground are temporarily unavailable for use. This message will be removed when the hydrants are available. There are alternative water hydrants available in the Lucas Unit Middle Campground and Whitebreast Unit Equestrian Campgrounds. Please call 641-774-5632 with questions (updated 10/11/2021).
Stone State Park - Woodbury County
  • The road to the campground and lodge will be closed beginning 10/28/21 for road construction. The campground will be closed to walk-in reservations. You may not walk into the campground through the construction zone to camp. If you have any questions please call the park office at 712-255-4698 (Posted 10/28/2021)
  • Modern facilities are closed for the winter season. The shower building and Ricketts Glenn bathroom will be closed to the public. Pit toilets will be open throughout the park. (Posted 10/15/21)
Union Grove State Park - Tama County
  • The modern restroom/shower building in the campground will be closed on Monday, October 18th for the season. Water hydrants and electricity for the campsites will remain on and available to use. Pit vault restrooms are available in the campground year round. Modern facilities will reopen mid-late April 2022.
Volga River State Recreation Area - Fayette County
  • Effective October 18th, 2021. Water will be turned off for the season to the Lakeview Campground hydrants, dump station and shower building and modern flush toilets. Water will also be turned off to the Albany Campground hydrants. (posted 9-26-21)
Walnut Woods State Park - Polk County
  • Dump stations and campground restrooms are closed for the season. Water in campground is turned off. All pit vault latrines in the park will stay open for the winter.
Wapsipinicon State Park - Jones County
  • PARK ROAD CLOSURE: Effective November 19th, 2021: The main park road between the playground and the campground is now closed for the winter season. (11-19-21)
  • WINTER CLOSURES: Effective September 18th, 2021: The modern restrooms, water, and drinking fountains are closed. Campsites with 30 amp electricity will remain on. (posted 10/18/2021)
Waubonsie State Park - Fremont County
  • Waubonsie's seasonal modern restrooms, showers, and dump station will be closed on November 1st for the winter season. The Equestrian Area water will be also be shut off at this time. Camping is still available with electricity and community water hydrants. Two modern cabins and the WaShawtee Lodge are still available to rent, but please review COVID19 restrictions prior to making a reservation. All facilities will be open again by April 15th, 2022 or as weather allows.
Wildcat Den State Park - Muscatine County
  • The Pine Creek Grist Mill and Melpine Schoolhouse are closed for the season. The campground, hiking trails, and pit latrines (located in the campground and Upper Picnic Area) will remain open year-round. Water hydrants in the campground and picnic area are currently disconnected and will be available again around mid April 2022. If you would like to make a future reservation for the 2022 recreation season, click on the above banner titled "Make a Park Reservation" or call toll free 1-877-427-2757. For all other inquires, please contact the park office at 563-263-4337. (UPDATED 11-08-2021)
  • A deer management archery hunt is being held at Wildcat Den from October 1st, 2021 to January 10th, 2022. The park is still open to normal visitation and hours during this time.
Wilson Island State Recreation Area - Pottawattamie County
  • The Wilson Island campground will be closing for the winter on October 15, with the last night available to camp being October 14th. The campground will reopen April 15th, 2022.
Yellow River State Forest - Allamakee County
  • Effective November 19, 2021, if making reservations for 2022 please be advised that most of the campsites at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds have been re-numbered. Sites 1-14 are the same but campsites 15 through 133 have changed. The pictures will be correct on the reservation system, but the number in the picture will be incorrect. New pictures will be added by June 1, 2022. Campground Map has been removed until changes have been made. If you have any questions please call (563) 586-2254.