State Parks

Please note new changes to parks operations during the COVID-19 health emergency.

In accordance with state recommendations pertaining to COVID-19, we want to share with you important information about Iowa state parks.

State Parks, Forests and Preserves visitors are reminded to strictly abide to the social distancing rules and not gather in groups. Remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and bring supplies from home including disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and other hygiene products.

Park Facility Changes (Updated 4/27/2021):

• Campgrounds are open. Campers and visitors should follow gathering size, social distancing and increased hygiene requirements and recommendations.
• Cabins and yurts are open. Modern cabins are equipped with pots and pans. Dishes and utensils are not available at this time. The check-in time is 4:00 pm and the check-out time is 11:00 am.
• Lodges and Shelters are open. Check-in time is 10:00 a.m. If you need access to the facility prior to 10:00 am, contact park staff and they will try and accommodate an earlier check-in time.
• Customers with lodge reservations will be allowed to cancel up to 7 days prior to the arrival date without penalty and receive a full refund of the rental fees and taxes paid. The original non-refundable reservation fee ($4.00 for online reservations and $6.00 for reservations made through the call center) will not be refunded along with the cancellation fee of $5 online or $7 through the call center. Lodge cancellations less than 7 days prior to the arrival date will be subject to the regular reservation cancellation policy. To cancel, contact the customer service call center at (877) 427-2757.
• Playgrounds are open. Equipment is not sanitized, user discretion is advised.
• Programs and events. Visitors attending programs and events in state parks should follow any guidance provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health and CDC.
• Visitor centers, museums and nature centers are closed except at Cedar Rock and the Lewis & Clark visitor center. See the individual park webpages for details on hours of operation and restrictions.
• We are monitoring the situation. We promise to remain diligent and intentional in protecting you and making your visit a great experience. As conditions change, so may our policies on park visitation and overnight stays. We will keep you informed of any changes moving forward.

Here's How You Can Help:

• According to state of Iowa recommendations, limit your group size and stay at least 6 feet away from other park visitors.
• If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay at home for your health and the safety of others.
• Please maintain distance between you and other park visitors according to guidelines and recommendations by health officials. Please take into consideration the health of others when spending time outdoors.
• Pack extra soap or hand sanitizer. Soap or sanitizer may not be available at state parks during the winter. Be sure and bring your own and wash your hands frequently.
• Wearing a cloth face mask in public around others when social distancing may not be possible.
• Additional information on best practices for keeping you and your family safe can be found online at the CDC website.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility. We appreciate your support of Iowa state parks as we all work together to keep each other safe.