Alerts and Closures

  Places to Go   >   State Parks   >   Alerts and Closures
State Park Alerts - Closures and Important Information
Ambrose A. Call State Park - Kossuth County
  • As of Friday, November 16 the gates to the park are closed for the winter. The road and campground continue to be open to all no-motorized use. (Posted 11-20-2018)
  • The water has been turned off for the season. Electricity will remain on and pit toilets will remain available. (posted 10-10-2018)
Backbone State Park - Delaware County
  • 11/09/2018 - 05/01/2019 | Park gates at the East, West and North gate entrances are closed starting November 9, 2018. Gates will remain closed until April 1, 2019 or weather permitting. The South entrance to the cabins and modern campground is open and roads are plowed, 2 frost free water hydrants and all electric sites are on all winter. Six Pines Campground is located outside of the West Gate and roads are plowed in the winter. Water is turned off until May 1, 2019. Attention CABIN RENTERS access to the South Gate and Cabins: If traveling from the west on Hwy. 20 exit on Hwy. 187 to Lamont, turn right on C-64 to Dundee, turn left at the stop sign onto W-69 and continue 2 miles to the South Gate Entrance. From Manchester, IA go north on Hwy. 13 turn left on Hwy. C-64 to W-69 in Dundee and continue 2 miles north of Dundee to the South Gate Entrance. If traveling from the north at Strawberry Point, IA take Hwy. 13 south, turn right on Hwy. W-69 and continue for 5 miles to the South Gate Entrance.
Bellevue State Park - Jackson County
  • 10/24/18
  • All modern facilities are closed and hydrants at the dump station are turned off until April 15, 2019. Electric will remain on throughout the winter, pit latrine is available during the off season. (Posted 10/24/18)
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 Handi Cap Pier will remain open
Black Hawk State Park - Sac County
  • Shower Building is closed for the season. Water hydrants and dump station will remain on weather permitting.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Webster County
  • As of October 30 docks have been removed at Brushy Creek Lake.
  • RESTROOM AND SHOWER FACILITIES CLOSED FOR SEASON: Restroom and shower facilities will be closed for the season on October 16, 2018. Water hydrants and electricity remain on throughout the year for off-season camping. 14 day maximum stays are still in place. Pit vault toilets are available in all 3 campgrounds, 4 boat ramps, and at the North and South day use areas. During the winter season please call ahead (515) 543 8298 to ensure access to a campsite. Weather permitting, facilities will reopen around April 16, 2019. Trail status: Trails at Brushy Creek may be temporarily closed during wet conditions to horse and bicycle use. A 12 mile all-weather gravel trail around the lake does remain available for use when the soft trails are under a closure. For current trail conditions please call the park office at 515 543 8298 or visit the closure webpage at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures
Dolliver Memorial State Park - Webster County
  • South Lodge Closure: The South Lodge will be renovated and will be closed from July 8 - October 31, 2019. (Posted February 1, 2019)
  • RESTROOM AND SHOWER FACILITIES CLOSED FOR SEASON: Restroom and shower facilities will be closed for the season on October 16, 2018. Water hydrants and electricity remain on throughout the year for off-season camping. 14 day maximum stays are still in place. Pit vault toilets are available in the campground. During the winter season please call ahead (515) 359-2539 to ensure access to a campsite. Weather permitting, facilities will reopen around April 15, 2019.
Elk Rock State Park - Marion County
  • As of Monday October 22nd 2018 all modern restrooms and shower buildings will be closed for the season. The campsite electricity and water hydrants will remain on year round. Portable toilets are provided. The buildings will be reopened in mid-April 2019. (Posted 9/28/2018)
Fairport State Recreation Area - Muscatine County
  • The campground at Fairport Recreation Area is open throughout the winter months, but 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, 2019. A pit latrine is available year-round on the west end of the campground.
Fort Defiance State Park - Emmet County
  • Fort Defiance Lodge will be closed until 8/1/2019 for renovations. Existing reservations will still be honored, however, no new reservations will be accepted during this time frame to allow contractors time to complete the work. Posted 2/11/19
Geode State Park - Henry County
  • A short section of the hiking trail which circles the lake will be closed for construction work occurring in that area. This is occurring on the west side of the lake near the spillway area of the dam. This is construction of a haul road for hauling silt out of the lake as part of the lake renovation. Only the small stretch close to spillway on the west side of the dam will be closed. It is expected that there will be work in this area for until Summer 2019.
  • E
  • The Beach Shelter will not be open for rental the first part of 2019. It is connected to the campground facilities and therefore will need to remain off (includes:water/restrooms/kitchenette) while lines in the campground are upgraded and replaced. The outdoor portion of the shelter may be used on a first come, first served basis. The lake is drained and there is no swimming at the beach, but the area near the beach facility and trails may still be used.
  • Work continues on Lake Geode renovation throughout Spring and early Summer 2019. It is anticipated that all in lake work will be complete sometime in the first half of 2019. After that the lake drain will be closed and the lake will be allowed to fill up with natural rainfall. Depending on weather and if there is a dry or wet year it is difficult to predict how long that process may take. Be aware that a portion of the hiking trail near the spillway on the west shoreline of the lake is cut off due to dirt hauling and a trail detour must be used to get around the construction zone. Campground renovation is coinciding with the work in the lake during the Spring/Summer 2019. The campground is anticipated to be open again sometime in mid summer 2019 if all goes according to plan. There are no reservations for the campground or the shelter connected to the campground water /wastewater system( Beach Shelter) until work is complete. The outdoor portion of the beach shelter is available on a first come first served basis no kitchenette, restrooms or water available until work completion. Please contact park office at (319)392-4601 for any other questions (Updated January 4th,2019)
George Wyth State Park - Black Hawk County
  • Water has been shut off for the season. There are 2 hydrants where you can get water. You can dump at the dump station but won't be able to rinse out. With flooding this fall there will be a limited number of electrical sites. Everything will be first come first serve through May 19, 2019. We hope to have all repairs completed by this time barring no more flooding in the spring.
Green Valley State Park - Union County
  • Modern restroom/shower buildings will be closed as of 10/15/18 and will reopen near 4/15/19. Water has been shut off to the park for the season. Electricity will still be available throughout the campground. A pit latrine will remain open at the North end of the campground. (Posted 10/13/2018) (Updated 12/3/2018)
  • The ski zone buoys have been pulled and the ski zone is closed for the year. All of Green Valley Lake will remain a 5 mph or less lake until the ski zone is reestablished next year. Boat docks are still out. The beach ropes and buoys have also been pulled and the beach is closed for swimming till next year. (Posted October 18, 2018)
Lake Ahquabi State Park - Warren County
  • Shower buildings will close October 15th, 2018 for the season. Frost free hydrants and dump stations will remain open throughout the year. Beach restrooms are now closed for the season. All pit vault latrines will remain open throughout the year.
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.
Lake Darling State Park - Washington County
  • Both campground shower buildings have been shut down for the season. There is a pit vault latrine located near the camping cabins, as well as one located near the entrance to the campground. The water hydrants, electricity, and dump stations will remain on throughout the winter. Anticipated opening date of the shower buildings for the 2019 recreation season will be mid April. (POSTED 11-1-18)
Lake Macbride State Park - Johnson County
  • Modern Campground Water Hydrants Will be turned off beginning December 1, 2018
  • Alcohol is prohibited inside the fenced in designated beach area. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed within the fenced designated beach area. (Updated July 2, 2018)
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 31st, 2018 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 10-31-18)
Lake Wapello State Park - Davis County
  • Main road in park from entrance to cabins is open. Road going up to Smith Knoll and road from cabins to campground are still closed.
  • Cabins 1 - 12 Closure: The cabins will be closed due to maintenance through May 30, 2019. (Posted January 3, 2019)
  • Shower house is closed for the season. Electric and water hydrants will remain on thru the winter.
Ledges State Park - Boone County
  • The Canyon Drive is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to freezing and icy conditions in the low water crossings, making vehicle passage hazardous. Visitors are welcome to hike into the Canyon at this time though. Parking is located at the top (east) of Canyon Drive in the Oak Woods picnic area or in the lower part of the park in the Flood Pole parking lot. For more information, please contact the park office at 515-432-1852 or Ledges@dnr.iowa.gov (updated 2/7/2019)
  • Modern restrooms and water hydrants throughout the park are closed for the winter season. A pit vault latrine is open year round just inside the east entrance of the park. (updated 2/7/2019)
Maquoketa Caves State Park - Jackson County
  • All modern facilities and the hydrants at the dump station are closed for until April 15, 2019. Posted 10/15/18
  • The Caves in the park will be closed from October 15th 2018 through April 15th 2019 for Bat Hibernation Period. Posted 10/5/18
Marble Beach State Recreation Area - Dickinson County
  • Campground Renovation: The campground will be closed from April 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019. The campground will be opened earlier if conditions allow. (UPDATED November 20, 2018)
McIntosh Woods State Park - Cerro Gordo County
  • Shower building & modern restrooms have CLOSED for the season. Water to fill your camper can be found at the hydrant near the yurt cabins. Electricity at the campsites is ON. Dump station water is OFF but dumping is still allowed.
  • Shower building & modern restrooms have CLOSED for the season. Water to fill your camper can be found at the hydrant near the yurt cabins. Electricity at the campsites is ON. Dump station water is OFF but dumping is still allowed.
Palisades-Kepler State Park - Linn County
  • Lodge Closure: The lodge will be closed due to well maintenance for the entire 2018 and 2019 rental season. (UPDATED 4/4/2018)
Pikes Peak State Park - Clayton County
  • The water is turned off and the modern restrooms and shower facilities are closed for the season and will reopen in the spring of 2019. There is a pit latrine at the south end of the campground that is open year-round. Thanks for another great season! (Posted 11/02/18)
Pilot Knob State Park - Hancock County
  • As of Friday, November 30 the gates to the park through road are open for snowmobile use. The west bound lane is designated as a cross country ski trail. The east bound lane is designated a multipurpose trail for the winter. The road continues to be open to all no-motorized use. (Posted 11-20-2018)(Updated 12-3-2018)
  • As of Friday, October 5, 2018 the water has been turned off for the season. All modern restrooms are closed for the season. The hydrants, dump station and fill station are also closed for the season. The pit latrine inside the campground will remain open through the winter. The electricity will remain on through the winter. (POSTED October 2, 2018)
  • As of Friday, October 5, 2018 the water has been turned off for the season. All modern restrooms are closed for the season. The hydrants, dump station and fill station are also closed for the season. The pit latrine inside the campground will remain open through the winter. The electricity will remain on through the winter. (POSTED October 2, 2018)
Pine Lake State Park - Hardin County
  • Cabin Closure: The cabins at Pine Lake State Park will be closed from March 1 - March 31, 2019 and through July 5 - October 31, 2019 for a renovation project. Please contact the park office at (641) 858-5832 with questions. (Updated 1/30/2019)
  • CAMPGROUND & SHELTER CLOSURE: The campground and circle point picnic shelter at Pine Lake State Park will be closed beginning March 1, 2019 for upgrades to campground restrooms and showers. The campground and shelter are expected to re-open mid-summer 2019. Closure window will be more specific once contracts for the project are in place. Please call the park office at (641) 858-5832 with questions. (Posted 12/28/2018)
  • Off Season Amenities: The campground is open and electricity will remain available year-round, however modern restrooms and showers have been closed for the season. Water from frost-free hydrants will remain on until early December. A vault toilet is available for off season use South of the campground at the Upper Pine Lake boat ramp. Modern restrooms at the beach and Iowa River boat ramp have been closed for the season. Courtesy docks have been removed from the boat ramps on Upper and Lower Pine Lakes for the winter season. (Updated 11/28/2018)
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - Linn County
  • Lodge Closure: The day-use lodge will be unavailable for reservations from July 8, 2019 - October 31, 2019 due to the parking lot and boat ramp being resurfaced and repaired. (Posted 2/14/2019)
  • Lodge Closure: The day-use lodge will be unavailable for reservations from July 8, 2019 - October 31, 2019 due to the parking lot and boat ramp being resurfaced and repaired.
  • Winter Closure: Restrooms and shower buildings closed for the winter, effective October 16, 2018. Electric to campsites to be shut off with first measureable snowfall. Look for facilities to be available mid to lat April 2019 weather depending. (Posted 10/16/18)
  • BEACH CLOSED- The lake is still low due to the lake restoration project. The lake is refilling but it will take some time. Estimates of late summer 2019 to spring 2020 until the lake will be full and beach will be open. (posted 6/18/2018)
Prairie Rose State Park - Shelby County
  • The shower/modern restroom facility is closed for the season. The water has been turned off to the hydrants in the campgrounds due to a water leak. They will remain off until the leak can be fixed. There is water available at a hydrant located at the Park Office. There are pit latrines available throughout the park. The shower building will reopen by May 1st 2019.
Red Haw State Park - Lucas County
  • The campground shower building and flush toilets are closed for the season and will remain closed until mid-April, 2019. Frost free hydrants remain available. (Posted 10/14/18)
  • The Red Haw campground shower building and modern flush toilets will be closed for the season on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 and remain closed until mid April 2019. Campground hydrants will remain available. (Posted 9/29/18)
Shimek State Forest - Van Buren County
  • Effective, January 7, 2019, equestrian trails have been CLOSED. The wet weather trails are OPEN. Trails are closed due to rainfall. This bulletin will be changed when the trails have been re-opened. (updated 1-7-2019)
Stephens State Forest - Lucas County
  • EQUESTRIAN TRAIL CLOSURE: The equestrian trails are currently closed. This notice will be removed when the trails have been re-opened. Questions can be directed to the forest headquarters at 641-774-4559 (updated 2/11/18).
Stone State Park - Woodbury County
  • The park roads have been closed for the winter season. Parking is available at the equestrian lot, near the park office and at the west park entrance. The park is open to non-vehicular traffic. Please call 712-255-4698 for information.
Viking Lake State Park - Montgomery County
  • Modern restroom/shower buildings are closed for the season. Hydrants and dump stations in the campground will be closed the week of Nov. 5th. Water will be turned back on mid-April 2019
Volga River State Recreation Area - Fayette County
  • The equestrian trails are currently closed for 1st and 2nd Season Shotgun Deer Hunting Season and Late Season Muzzleloader Season. The trails will remain closed until they have had a chance to dry out from the winter and spring thaw.
  • The water to the Lakeview and Albany Campgrounds have been shut off for the season. In addition, the Lakeview shower building and boat ramp restrooms have been closed for the season. Electricity is still available in both campgrounds. A pit latrine is located near the extra vehicle parking lot in the Lakeview Campground and the north and south ends of the equestrian campground. The Lakeview Campground will close once snow accumulates. The Albany will be open with electricity throughout the winter. Water will be turned on approximately April 22, 2019.
Walnut Woods State Park - Polk County
  • Winter Closure: The modern restrooms and dump station at Walnut Woods are closed for the season. Water hydrants at full hookup sites will remain on until Nov. 15, 2018. Electricity at all sites will remain on. A portable restroom is located near the campground restroom building, and vault restroom facilities will remain open in adjacent picnic areas. Modern restrooms and dump station will reopen approx. April 15, 2019 (Posted 10/17/18)
Wapsipinicon State Park - Jones County
  • Gates are closed at the upside down bridge and the campground. Access to caves is by walkin only until snow melts.
  • Winter Closure: Water to the restrooms and drinking fountains have been turned off. Electricity is still on at the campsites and a pit latrine is available in the campground. Updated 10-29-18
Wildcat Den State Park - Muscatine County
  • The campground and trails at Wildcat Den State Park are open throughout the winter months, but the water is shut off. This service will resume around May 1st, 2019. Pit latrines are made available year-round.
Wilson Island State Recreation Area - Pottawattamie County
  • Wilson Island is open, however recovery from the flood of 2018 continues. Campsite selection is very limited. For 2019 all campsites will be first come first serve. As the cleanup continues and sites become available the closures will be removed. The boat ramp and pit toilets are open. Drinking water is not available. For further information call the park office at (712) 642-2069. Updated 2-4-19 For further information call the park office at (712) 642-2069. Updated 1-11-19
Yellow River State Forest - Allamakee County
  • (POSTED 11/26/18) Effective today the equestrian trails are closed for the season. We anticipate re-opening the trails in April 2019 if the conditions allow. The water will remain on throughout the winter months at the A-frame area for camping. The cabin is closed for the season and will re-open April 1, 2019. If you have any other questions please call the office (563) 586-2254. Thank you.