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Camping Season is Underway

Camping Season is Underway

  • 5/24/2016 1:27:00 PM
  • View Count 6362
Many Iowa campers have already taken advantage of this spring’s beautiful camping weather, and many more will join them at the end of the week. Anxious campers are going through their equipment and checking supplies, preparing for the Memorial Day weekend and kickoff to summer. Likewise, state park staff is going through the final stages of prep work for its peak camping season. Iowa’s state parks expect to host more than 900,000 overnight stays and nearly 15 million day visits this year.
Fourth of July Campsite Reservations Open Soon

Fourth of July Campsite Reservations Open Soon

  • 3/22/2016 8:30:00 AM
  • View Count 4483
Campers anxious to reserve spots for the Fourth of July weekend should mark April 1 on their calendars, when reservations for a Friday arrival open.
Memorial Weekend Campsites Soon Available for Reservations

Memorial Weekend Campsites Soon Available for Reservations

  • 2/16/2016 8:10:00 AM
  • View Count 4352
The three month window to reserve a state park campsite for a Friday arrival on Memorial Day weekend opens Saturday, Feb. 27. More than a few campers will plan their arrival for the weekend before Memorial Day and stay through the holiday, which means their window will open Saturday, Feb. 20.
11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

  • 12/30/2015 8:26:00 AM
  • View Count 86601
The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds galore), fishing and more.
Nine State Parks Extend Overnight Opportunities

Nine State Parks Extend Overnight Opportunities

  • 11/3/2015 7:54:00 AM
  • View Count 4892
Although Iowa’s beautiful fall has lingered longer than usual this year, camping season will come to a close very soon for most people, if it hasn’t already. But don’t let the changing seasons limit your enjoyment of Iowa’s state parks, or the chance to stay overnight, reminds State Park Bureau Chief Todd Coffelt.
8 Camping Hacks to Save Your Weekend

8 Camping Hacks to Save Your Weekend

  • 9/11/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 26118
No matter how many times you’ve camped, there’s always a new trick or two to try on your next trip. Try these simple hacks yourself to be extra prepared for your next outdoor adventure.
Cool Gadgets to Make Your Camping Trip Easier

Cool Gadgets to Make Your Camping Trip Easier

  • 8/5/2015 11:03:00 AM
  • View Count 18232
While camping in Iowa goes all the way from roughing it to glamping, there’s no denying there are gadgets and gear that are must-haves – and then there are some that are just fun!
4 Before-You–Go Tips for Kayak Camping (and 7 Destinations)

4 Before-You–Go Tips for Kayak Camping (and 7 Destinations)

  • 7/29/2015 8:30:00 AM
  • View Count 35468
Kayaking is a great way to explore the state and get some exercise, but if you intend to stay the night at a paddle-in only campsite, you have to pack thoughtfully. Check out the advice below, approved by DNR paddling expert and instructor Todd Robertson, to help you start camping comfortably with your kayak. And remember, always check water levels before you go.
9 Quick Camping Cabin Getaways

9 Quick Camping Cabin Getaways

  • 7/22/2015 11:03:00 AM
  • View Count 30836
If tent camping isn’t quite your cup of tea or there’s no truck to pull a camper, there’s no need to give up on the idea of camping altogether. If you want a solid roof over your head or a hassle-free weekend camping getaway, rent a basic family cabin, a camping cabin or a yurt at an Iowa state park!
21 Outdoor Experiences Every Iowa Kid Needs to Try

21 Outdoor Experiences Every Iowa Kid Needs to Try

  • 7/1/2015 5:24:00 AM
  • View Count 29942
From something as simple as chasing fireflies or hiking a trail to bigger adventures like camping and skiing, there are lots of ways to get kids outdoors in Iowa. Use this as a checklist through the rest of the year to guide your outdoor explorations! Be sure, too, to help your kids make a connection between the activity and protecting Iowa’s natural resources. For example, explain how clean water helps the fish when you’re angling. Talk about habitat when chasing butterflies or frogs. Creating these connections ...
Leave It As You Found It: 6 Camping Tips

Leave It As You Found It: 6 Camping Tips

  • 6/26/2015 3:47:00 AM
  • View Count 13377
A weekend camping in the woods is a great way to reconnect with the outdoors. Thank your host - Mother Nature - by leaving your campsite as you found it or even better than it was when you set up camp with these tips.
Paddle Up To These Secluded Campsites

Paddle Up To These Secluded Campsites

  • 6/19/2015 11:02:00 AM
  • View Count 56685
The self-reliant can take advantage of several remote paddle-in primitive campsites, get surrounded by nature and leave other humans behind. The locations make for a Boundary Waters-like experience in Iowa.
Three Off-The-Beaten-Path Places to Camp in Iowa

Three Off-The-Beaten-Path Places to Camp in Iowa

  • 6/2/2015 10:14:00 AM
  • View Count 68137
Iowa’s state parks and forests offer many beautiful and relaxing campgrounds, but if you’re looking to feel like you’re escaping civilization for a while, here are some top places to rough it in Iowa.
How to Build a Campfire [Tutorial]

How to Build a Campfire [Tutorial]

  • 5/27/2015 10:39:00 AM
  • View Count 13448
It’s just not a campout without a crackling fire (and the s’mores and hot dogs to roast over it). If building a solid campfire has always eluded you, here are some simple tips to make sure your next campfire keeps blazing bright.
Why We Camp

Why We Camp

  • 5/22/2015 9:11:00 AM
  • View Count 9239
Struggling to set up his fold-down camper, my brother-in-law asks, “Tell me again why we do this?”
8 Surprising Memorial Day Camping Getaways

8 Surprising Memorial Day Camping Getaways

  • 5/1/2015 10:22:00 AM
  • View Count 19536
Not all hope is lost when it comes to finding a place to camp this Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25. For those who like a little more quiet, don’t mind more primitive camping or are willing to take a chance on a first-come, first-served or “walk-in” campsite, here are some nice possibilities. Try kicking off the summer season with one of these lesser-known state parks:
Get Ready for Spring Camping [Checklist]

Get Ready for Spring Camping [Checklist]

  • 4/15/2015 6:56:00 AM
  • View Count 6751
It's that time of year when it's time to dust off the tents and equipment or pull the camper out of storage. With water being turned on soon in state park campgrounds (parks vary, always call ahead first), it won't be long before camping become a regular activity again. Use our handy checklist to get ready for that first outing of spring!
12 Iowa Camping Hacks and Tricks

12 Iowa Camping Hacks and Tricks

  • 8/25/2014 7:30:00 AM
  • View Count 27011
If you’re just getting started or are looking for some new ideas, try some of these camping tips and tricks.
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