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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: campReturn

Help protect Iowa’s forests - leave firewood at home

• 5/23/2023 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 551

Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

Urban Forestry awards recognize local dedication to trees and outreach

• 4/11/2023 2:29:00 PM
• View Count 2345

DES MOINES – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective communities. 

April 21-23 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop now accepting registrations

• 2/28/2023 1:31:00 PM
• View Count 2582

Registration is now open for the April 21-23 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, near Solon.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 1/24/2023 11:56:00 AM
• View Count 12151

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Campground hosts needed for 2023 recreation season

• 11/22/2022 11:40:00 AM
• View Count 7669

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Lake Manawa State Park opens new campground

• 6/28/2022 3:18:00 PM
• View Count 3567

COUNCIL BLUFFS – The new campground at Lake Manawa State Park has opened.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 3/22/2022 12:48:00 PM
• View Count 2738

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season. 

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 12/7/2021 1:49:00 PM
• View Count 4418

Campground hosts general duties include greeting visitors, assisting campers checking in and with reservations, cleaning bathrooms, light maintenance and administrative duties, acting as a liaison between campers and DNR staff and answering questions and disseminating information to campers.

Urban Forestry awards recognize local dedication to trees and outreach

• 4/13/2021 1:14:00 PM
• View Count 2000

DES MOINES, Iowa – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective communities. Awards were presented virtually on April 8, on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

Campground hosts still needed for 2021 recreation season at five state parks

• 4/6/2021 12:40:00 PM
• View Count 5474

The Iowa DNR is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season at five state parks and forests.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 1/26/2021 12:07:00 PM
• View Count 5822

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Busy Labor Day weekend expected on Iowa waters and at state parks

• 9/2/2020 12:37:00 PM
• View Count 3321

DES MOINES, Iowa – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans out to their state parks and waterways.

Iowa Outdoors Expo goes virtual

• 8/25/2020 1:36:00 PM
• View Count 1897

The Iowa Outdoor Expo has gone virtual this year, and extended the opportunity to learn about the outdoors for the entire month of September.

Virtual Outdoor Cooking Series

• 8/19/2020 7:07:00 AM
• View Count 2014

The Iowa Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program is hosting three outdoor cooking classes virtually where participants are encouraged to cook along with the instructors. Classes will be held Sept. 14, Oct. 5 and 19 and there is no fee to participate.

Iowa offers She Goes Outdoors subscription boxes

• 8/4/2020 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 2375

A project between natural resources agencies in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, Becoming an Outdoors Women, and Women in the Outdoors have created an opportunity for ladies to purchase outdoor subscription boxes.

8 steps to building a better campfire

• 7/15/2020 11:12:00 AM
• View Count 6342

Camping isn’t complete without the fire, but getting it started doesn’t have to be a tricky process. Here are some tips to build a successful fire: 

DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

• 7/1/2020 12:26:00 PM
• View Count 3356

DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers. The DNR along with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Polk County Health Department are partnering to share some safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend.

Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks

• 5/20/2020 11:47:00 AM
• View Count 14176

DES MOINES, IA -- Iowa state parks will open modern restrooms, shower buildings and cabins starting Friday, May 22 in time for Memorial Day weekend. This means campgrounds will be open for all campers, including RVs, pop-ups and tent camping. Youth group campsites will remain closed.

Reminder to check DNR website before visiting parks, campgrounds

• 5/11/2020 1:55:00 PM
• View Count 2512

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As campgrounds begin opening up today to walk-in, first come, first served, campers with self-contained restrooms, and visitors continue to take advantage of state parks, the DNR is encouraging everyone to check the DNR website for temporary closures before traveling to any of these areas.

Governor’s new proclamation opens campgrounds May 8

• 5/6/2020 4:56:00 PM
• View Count 57277

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Today, Governor Reynolds issued a new proclamation opening campgrounds in the state of Iowa, effective Friday, May 8, 2020. 

Get Ready for “Camp-In Kickoff,” May 1-3

• 4/28/2020 3:23:00 PM
• View Count 5175

DES MOINES ⎯ Iowa state parks invite you to celebrate Camp-In Kickoff by enjoying the outdoors your way this weekend.

New changes for Iowa state parks due to COVID-19; campgrounds close

• 4/7/2020 2:05:00 PM
• View Count 17930

With the latest closures by Governor Reynolds to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa, we are announcing new changes to park operations, including the closing of campgrounds for recreational use through April 30, 2020.

Governor Reynolds orders campgrounds, cabins, yurts and playgrounds close temporarily

• 4/6/2020 12:23:00 PM
• View Count 9863

DES MOINES, Iowa - In a proactive effort to prevent further spread of Covid-19, this morning Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation closing all public campgrounds, cabins and yurts temporarily, as well as all outdoor playgrounds through April 30. 

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 2/4/2020 12:38:00 PM
• View Count 11210

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

DNR to host open house on future planning at Dolliver Memorial State Park

• 11/13/2019 11:37:00 AM
• View Count 1746

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the group camp at Dolliver Memorial State Park.

DNR to host open house on site of former Camp Aldersgate

• 10/22/2019 3:52:00 PM
• View Count 2562

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the building site at the former Camp Aldersgate.

Iowa DNR to host open house about former Camp Tahigwa

• 10/15/2019 11:47:00 AM
• View Count 3316

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the building site at the former Camp Tahigwa.

Strong storms in northeast Iowa cause flooding, closures at Yellow River State Forest

• 9/19/2019 2:30:00 PM
• View Count 2074

HARPERS FERRY, Iowa – Flash flooding has forced closures at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds and trails. 

Strong storms in northeast Iowa cause flooding, closures at Yellow River State Forest

• 9/16/2019 8:12:00 AM
• View Count 1982

HARPERS FERRY, Iowa – Flash flooding has forced closures at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds and trails.

Peak camping season extended at seven campgrounds

• 7/23/2019 12:38:00 PM
• View Count 2290

DES MOINES — The Iowa DNR is extending its peak camping season to mid-October at seven campgrounds as an effort to improve park management at some of Iowa’s most popular camping destinations. 

Looking for an outdoor activity for your kids this summer?

• 5/2/2019 10:27:00 AM
• View Count 2406

The University of Iowa is hosting wildlife day camps in several state parks this summer, and there's still time to sign up! 

14 state parks to host University of Iowa Wildlife Camps

• 4/30/2019 11:43:00 AM
• View Count 4066

This summer, the University of Iowa is partnering with 14 Iowa state parks to host Wildlife Camps for kids across the state.  

Iowa state parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

• 4/30/2019 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 1775

Iowa state parks invite campers to visit this weekend and help celebrate Camping Kick-Off, May 3 – 5.

Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

• 4/16/2019 2:52:00 PM
• View Count 2225

DES MOINES ⎯ As Iowans eagerly anticipate warmer temperatures, state park staff are preparing for the start of the 2019 camping season. The first weekend of May marks the official launch of the summer camping season with Iowa State Parks’ annual Camping Kickoff celebration.

Local Iowa groups can receive financial assistance to launch clean water campaigns

• 3/28/2019 3:16:00 PM
• View Count 2419

DES MOINES — Beginning March 28, Iowa groups looking for help implementing innovative, regional and locally led Clean Water Awareness and Education Campaigns can apply for funding from the Iowa DNR Watershed Improvement Section.

Volunteers donate over 200,000 hours to Iowa DNR in 2018

• 3/26/2019 1:10:00 PM
• View Count 2304

Each year, the Iowa DNR relies heavily on volunteers through partnerships and other avenues to keep Iowa’s natural resources in pristine condition.

Fourth of July campsite reservations open soon

• 3/26/2019 1:04:00 PM
• View Count 2244

Campers anxious to reserve spots for the Fourth of July weekend should mark  April 4 on their calendars, when reservations for that day open.

Memorial Day weekend campsites available soon for reservation

• 2/20/2019 8:00:00 AM
• View Count 4245

For people interested in camping during Memorial Day weekend, the three-month window to reserve a campsite at an Iowa state park opens Sunday, Feb. 24.

Outdoors skills classes offered at Olofson shooting range

• 1/8/2019 12:34:00 PM
• View Count 3587

Polk City, Iowa - The Olofson Shooting Range, at Big Creek State Park, has scheduled more than 70 outdoor skills programs open to the public in 2019, including hunter education, hand gun basics, taxidermy, Dutch oven cooking, how to use a trail camera and more. Programs begin on Jan. 16 with a course on cleaning and storing guns.  

Ledges State Park campground to reopen December 1

• 11/27/2018 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 2833

The Ledges State Park campground will reopen on Saturday, December 1, following a renovation project that has kept it closed for all of 2018 season.

State park campgrounds getting ready for winter

• 10/16/2018 12:40:00 PM
• View Count 5894

Another busy camping year in Iowa state parks is coming to an end and staff are preparing for the first freezing temperatures of the fall.

4 things to know before packing a cooler

• 8/27/2018 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 6668

Packing a cooler may seem pretty simple – just throw in ice, right? But it’s a science and an art, one that will help any camping trip go smoother and safer. With a little preparation, packing a cooler is quite simple.

New Cabin at Yellow River State Forest for Overnight Guests

• 8/7/2018 3:30:00 PM
• View Count 7327

Iowa state parks has a new cabin available for rent at Yellow River State Forest in Harper’s Ferry.

Fish kill north of Runnells appears limited to five miles

• 7/25/2018 8:47:00 AM
• View Count 1927

PLEASANT HILL - A fish kill that began in Camp Creek east of Pleasant Hill and about five miles north of Runnells in Polk County appears to be limited to less than five miles of Camp Creek, DNR investigators said today.

DNR investigating spill and fish kill north of Runnells

• 7/24/2018 11:32:00 AM
• View Count 1689

PLEASANT HILL - Iowa DNR field staff are investigating a fish kill that began in Camp Creek east of Pleasant Hill and about five miles north of Runnells in Polk County.

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