Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Check before you go

Park Alerts & Notices

For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.

Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in Linn County is a premier outdoor destination for fishing and boating. The state recreation area was developed in the 1960s to create accessible lake recreation for eastern Iowa communities. 

Several miles of trails, a large lake and nearby hunting help make Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area a popular spot for several year-round recreational activities.

Plan Your Visit

• Hike more than eight miles of trails winding through restored prairie and connecting to scenic overlooks. Explore this multi-use trail system while hiking, biking, and horseback riding, or by cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
• Boat in Pleasant Creek Lake, one of the larger lake destinations in eastern Iowa. Any size boat motor may be operated at a “no wake” speed. Four boat ramps and a kayak launching area provide easy access to the water. Kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving and windsurfing are popular lake activities.
  • Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset and swimming is only allowed at the designated beach area.
  • Alcohol, glass containers and pets are not allowed within the fenced beach area. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed within the fenced designated area.
• Fish for a variety of species, including muskellunge, channel catfish, largemouth bass, white bass and more. Fishing jetties provide access to shoreline fishing, and all ages and abilities are encouraged to test their fishing skills.
• Camp in one of three, non-equestrian campgrounds. The campgrounds contain electric and non-electric sites along with two modern shower and restroom facilities. Rustic, pine log camping cabins are available and offer visitors a sense of the pioneer lifestyle. The seasonal cabins feature microwaves, small refrigerators, basic furnishings and electricity. Advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. 100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations April - October and is closed November - March.
• Hunt for a variety of game including pheasants, cottontail rabbit and white-tailed deer. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is open to public hunting and trapping, and the hunting grounds are groomed to maintain the area’s natural habitat.
• Reserve one of three open shelters for family gatherings. Several picnic areas along the northeast and southeast shores are also available for day-use. The shelters can be reserved through the online reservation system for Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

Amenities at a Glance

• Hunting
• Horseback riding
• Hiking trails
• Swimming beach
• Boat ramps (4)
• Kayak launch
• Fishing jetties
• Accessible fishing pier
• Fish cleaning station
• Modern restrooms
• Modern showers
• Shelters
• Camping cabins
• Electric campsites
• Full hook-up campsites
• Non electric campsites
• Youth-group only campsites
• Dump station

Explore the Park

• Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area map and flyer
• Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area campground map