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State Park Alerts - Closures and Important Information

Backbone State Park - Delaware County

  • Road Resurfacing Project: Visitors may experience noise during the week as contractors are working on the road. 75 percent of the beach parking lot will be available for use. This project does not affect access to the lodge or beach area. The 16 cabins will not be accepting reservations from January 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024. The Beach Shelter will not be accepting reservations from May 1, 2023 - October 15, 2023. The concession will be closed while the cabins are closed from March 1, 2023 - February 28, 2024. If you would like to be notified if the cabins open earlier than expected, fill out

    this Backbone State Park notification Google form. (Posted 3/1/2021)
Big Creek State Park - Polk County
  • OFF-SEASON FACILITIES: Restrooms at the Jolly Boat Picnic Area will be closed for the season on September 5, 2023. Restrooms at the Inland Cat and Atlantic Shelters will be open only for shelter reservations beginning September 5, 2023. Modern restrooms at Beverly Dinghy, Duster, Ensign, and Firefly Shelters will close for the season on October 2, 2023. Modern restrooms at Cadet Shelter, Hampton Shelter, Beach, East Boat Ramp, and West Boat Ramp will be available until October 15, 2023, weather permitting. Vault toilets are available for off season use at the Beach boat ramp, Disc Golf Course, and Williams Drive Boat Ramp. (Posted September 3, 2023)
  • FISHING PIER CLOSURE: The universally accessible fishing pier at Big Creek State Park was damaged in the August 2020 derecho weather event. The pier itself and surrounding area are scheduled to be renovated over the winter of 2023/2024. The pier, parking lot, and immediate area around the pier will be closed during replacement. A short section of the Neal Smith Trail will be closed during construction, trail users may detour through the parking lot. Work is expected to begin in October 2023 and is expected to be completed in June of 2024. Please contact the park office at 515-984-6473 or big_creek@dnr.iowa.gov with questions. (Updated August 3, 2023)
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Webster County

  • Effective September 23, 2023, the multi-use trails have been closed at Brushy Creek State Rec Area due to wet conditions.  The all-weather trail will remain open for use.

  • To receive emergency alerts for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, text "WebCoBrushy" to 67283. Text alerts will be sent when severe weather approaches or local emergencies impact the park. To opt out of alerts text "Stop" to 67283.
Cedar Rock - Buchanan County
  • Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright designed property at Cedar Rock 5/24- 10/15, Wednesday - Sunday with tours begining at 10am, departing hourly with the last beginning at 3pm. Reservations at 319.934.3572 or email cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov
Clear Lake State Park - Cerro Gordo County
  • The West shower building next to site 100, will close on September 18th. The East shower building will remain open until mid October. Also please note that golf carts, atv's and utv's are strictly prohibited in the Iowa State Parks. Electric toys like razors, scooters, kids vehicles, etc. are not permitted to operate on the state park roads.
  • Clear Lake Lodge: Due to the renovation construction process moving slower than anticipated, the lodge will be open for reservations for the 2023 summer rec season but will be closed after September 5, 2023 through Sept 2024. At that time reservations can be made online on through the call center. If you would like to be notified when the lodge opens, fill out this Clear Lake Lodge notification Google form. (Posted 2/16/2023)
Dolliver Memorial State Park - Webster County
  • Request to be notified when Dolliver Memorial State Park reopens: The campground and all facilities at Dolliver Memorial State Park are closed from July 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024 due to a road repaving project. If the project starts later or is completed earlier than expected, DNR can notify you that the closure will be removed for the campground, cabins, lodges and shelter. If you would like to be notified, fill out the following form, Dolliver Memorial State Park reopens.
  • To receive emergency alerts for Dolliver Memorial State Park, text "WebCoDolliver" to 67283. Text alerts will be sent when severe weather approaches or local emergencies impact the park. To opt out of alerts text "Stop" to 67283.
Elk Rock State Park - Marion County

  • On Saturday January 6th and Sunday January 7th 2024, the park will be closed to the public for a antler less deer management hunt. The park will re-open to the public on Monday January 8th 2024. For more information please contact the park office at 641-842-6008.

  • As of Monday October 15th 2023 all modern restrooms and shower buildings will be closed for the season. The campsite electricity and water hydrants will remain on year round. The buildings will be reopened in mid-April 2024. (Posted 9/20/2023)

Fairport State Recreation Area - Muscatine County
  • The Fairport Campground is open, but due to damage to the electrical boxes from the May 2023 flood waters of the Mississippi River, sites 37 to 40 have been temporarily closed. They will reopen as soon as we can have the electrical box repaired or replaced. For more information please call the Park Office at 563-263-4337. (Posted 5/22/2023)
Geode State Park - Henry County
  • Beach, Beach Parking Lot, and Shelter Closure: The beach, road to the beach and the parking lot will be closed from late April through September of 2023 for demolition and repaving. The trail from the campground to the beach will be closed. The Beach Shelter and restrooms will be closed and will not be accepting reservations. The trail around the lake will remain open and a corridor will be available next to the work area to allow trail users to pass through. This project is expected to be completed in September of 2023. For the most current information, contact the park office at (319) 392-4601. (Updated March 28, 2023)
George Wyth State Park - Black Hawk County
  • The Cedar Valley Lakes Trail west of George Wyth Campground and from George Wyth Lodge to Krieg's Crossing will be closed to all traffic-biking, walking, running, hiking and rollerblading for phase II of the trail replacement project. The asphalt trail is being removed and replaced with concrete. Use South Riverside Trail to get to Cedar Falls/Pfeiffer Park from Waterloo. This project will take up to three months depending on weather. Contractors are not looking for people to be in this area. ALL TRAIL TRAFFIC IS CLOSED ON CEDAR VALLEY LAKES TRAIL IN GEORGE WYTH STARTING JJUNE 14 UNTIL COMPLETED BY END OF SEPTEMBER 2023.
  • Trail Construction in George Wyth Attention all trail users construction on the Cedar Valley Lakes trail from the George Wyth Lodge to Krieg’s Crossing will be starting on Monday May 9, 2022. The section closed is part of the Cedar River Loop. This section has been closed for the last three years due to washed out sections and the safety of the public. Signs will be posted and fencing will be up. Please stay out of the construction area for your safety and do not go around barricades or fencing. Construction workers are not looking for pedestrians to be anywhere in the construction zone! Project completion is projected to be the end of June barring any weather issues. The second phase of trail repair will start with bid letting in July with a completion date of September 15, 2023.
Honey Creek State Park - Appanoose County
  • 11/17/2023 NOVEMBER PARK CLOSURE: Honey Creek State Park will be closed Friday 11/17 to Sunday 11/19 for a deer management hunt. No traffic will be able to enter the park. This closure includes both campgrounds, the cabins, shelters, and both boat ramps, as well as all park roads and trails.
Lake Keomah State Park - Mahaska County

  • Request to be notified when Lake Keomah Facilities reopens: The facilities at Lake Keomah State Park are closed from August 1, 2024 - October 15, 2025, due to renovations. If the project starts later or is completed earlier than expected, DNR can notify you that the closure will be removed for the lodges and shelters. If you would like to be notified, fill out the following form, Lake Keomah Facilities reopens. (POSTED 09/18/2023)

Lake Manawa State Park - Pottawattamie County
  • Lake Manawa Water levels: Lake Manawa, located within Lake Manawa State Park, continues to experience abnormally low water levels that may impact recreation opportunities. The lake is still deep enough that we have not yet seen major issues getting boats on and off the lake via the public boat docks. However, members of the public should be aware that due to the decreased water levels there may be an increased risk of hazards when launching vessels on public and private boat docks. Due to lowered water levels we are encouraging members of the public to exercise caution when boating near the shore on any part of the lake and especially in the southeast portion of the lake near "Tin Can Dike". The Conservation Officers and the Water Patrol have set buoys on the lake in an effort to mark areas of shallow water. In addition, the area off the north point of the lake is also shallower and boaters should exercise caution as they may not be able to get as close to the point as they could in years past. Water levels in oxbow lakes adjacent to the Missouri River, including Lake Manawa, are lower than normal due to dry conditions in western Iowa and historic low flows in the Missouri River. The current drought period in Western Iowa began in 2020. Climate conditions over the last three years are some of the driest three-year periods in the 128-year record for the region. In the past two years, annual runoff was at least 25 percent below normal levels. Local average annual precipitation is also below normal for the area, contributing to the low water conditions at Lake Manawa. Lake Manawa, like many other oxbow lakes, is characterized by a small watershed drainage area relative to the size of the lake and a localized water recharge area. Oxbow lakes form when a curve (or meander) in a river finds a shorter path, effectively isolating the old curve to form an oxbow lake in a low-lying plain near the side of the river. Water levels in these lakes are highly influenced by nearby river and groundwater levels. The DNR will continue to divert from Mosquito Creek to the lake as long as the water clarity is maintained; however, this will not have a significant impact on lake water levels. The Lake Manawa State Park Staff along with Conservation Officers, Water Patrol and our Fisheries Biologist will continue to monitor lake levels and adjust the location of buoys as necessary.
Lake Wapello State Park - Davis County
  • New Park Office and Shop being constructed
Ledges State Park - Boone County

  • Modern restrooms and shower facilities throughout Ledges State Park will close for the winter season on Monday, October 16th.. All water hydrants and the RV dump station will remain on and open as long as possible until freezing hard temperatures are experienced. Portable restrooms will be available in the campground and canyon area of the park from mid-October until the end of November. The Ledges campground will close completely on November 15, 2023 for the winter season. (This alert was updated on 9/20/2023)

  • The Oak Woods Shelter is currently closed to public access until further notice. No reservations are being taken for the shelter at this time, but the Carl Fritz Henning shelter remains open and available for reservation this season. This alert was updated on April 13, 2023.
Lewis and Clark State Park - Monona County
  • Winter Facilities Update: On October 16th 2023 the modern facilities will be closed for the winter season. Water will be shut off throughout the park, including the water hydrants throughout the campground (including full-hookup sites). The shower building and beach house will be closed to the public. Pit toilets will be open throughout the park. The dump station is open, but will not have water to wash out tanks. (Posted 8/20/23)
  • Starting in April 2024, all campsites at Lewis and Clark State Park will become 100-percent reservable and will be accepting same-day reservations. As part of the process, the campground will close on November 1, 2023. Thank you for your patience during this transition! (Posted August 15, 2023)
  • Due to upcoming renovations the Visitors Center will be by appointment only beginning 7/21/23. If you would like to schedule a tour of the Visitors Center, please contact the park by calling 712-423-2829. We apologize for the inconvenience. (Posted 7/20/23)
  • Boat Dock Out Due to Low Water Levels: Due to the drought conditions Western Iowa has been experiencing, the boat dock will remain out at our boat ramp until water levels rise. Once water levels have risen enough to allow the dock to be put in without damage, this alert will be removed. Park Staff are recommending that you DO NOT LAUNCH boats at this time, as the end of the pavement is just below the waters edge. Reports of boat trailers going off the edge have increased in the last week. (Updated 7/24/22) To see current drought conditions click this link.
  • Banquet Room and Lodge Reservation Update: Reservations for the day use Lodge and Banquet Room will be unavailable beginning this year (2023) for repairs and updates to these facilities. The Banquet Room will be closed for reservations from 8/14/23 - 6/3/24. The Lodge will be closed for reservations 9/25/23 - 7/30/24. If you would like to be notified when the lodge or banquet room opens, fill out the following form: Lewis and Clark Google Form. (POSTED 4/11/23)
Maquoketa Caves State Park - Jackson County
  • Modern Facilities Will Close October 1: Modern facilities (bathrooms and showers) and the dump station in the campground/park will not be available starting on October 1, 2023 due to the replacement of the wastewater liner. The modern restroom at the Visitor's Center near the park entrance and water hydrants throughout the park will not be impacted and will be available to visitors through October 15. While modern facilities are closed, DNR will provide portable restrooms in the campground. (Posted July 4, 2023)
  • PARKING UPDATE - Parking in the park is limited to designated parking spots only and will be enforced. Peak park visitation times are weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park weekdays or during non-peak hours in the morning or late afternoon on weekends. (Posted 4/19/2022)
Palisades-Kepler State Park - Linn County
  • Lodge Viewings: Open to the Public, No Reservation Needed, Lodge Viewings are scheduled for May 17th, June 21st, July 19th, August 16th, & September 20th. The viewings are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Park staff will attend the viewings to answer questions.
Pilot Knob State Park - Hancock County

  • PARTIAL PARK CLOSURE - ACTIVE LOGGING  September 26, 2023 - October 11, 2023

    All portions of Pilot Knob State Park south of the main road and east of the tower are closed to the public for a salvage tree harvest.  The road itself from the Tower Parking Lot going East to the East Gate is also close to all public use.  On July 5, 2022 a Derecho event occurred that affected Pilot Knob State Park.  The area most affected is the SE corner of the park.  Salvageable timber is being harvested by a contractor.  The area described is CLOSED to all public use until logging activities are complete.  (Posted 9-22-2023)

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - Linn County
  • Alcohol is prohibited inside the fenced in designated beach area. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed within the fenced designated beach area.
Red Haw State Park - Lucas County
  • Campground Closure: Campground will remain closed for 2023. Access to the lake can be gained through the North boat ramp. This ramp has a kayak launch and boat ramp, as well as the fish cleaning station has been reinstalled. Shelters available include the Stone Shelter and Youth Shelter both open for reservations. Beach is currently open and available for use, as well as all Hiking Trails. Posted (July 1st, 2023)
Union Grove State Park - Tama County

  • There will be road construction starting on Friday the 22nd. There will be no road closures and all state park roads will be passable. This alert will be taken down when project is completed (9/19/2023)

Volga River State Recreation Area - Fayette County

  • (POSTED 9/25/23) All modern facilities and water will be shut OFF for the season on Ocotber 16, 2023. If you have any further questions please call the park office at (563) 425-4161.

  • (POSTED 9/22/23) Effective September 22, 2023 the equestrian trails are CLOSED. This alert will be removed when the trails re-open. 

  • Effective November 9, 2022, if making reservations for 2023 please be advised that most of the campsites at Volga River State Recreation Area campgrounds have been re-numbered. Lakeview campground sites 31-36 are the same however the rest have changed. The pictures will be correct on the reservation system. New pictures will be added in June 2023. Campground Map has been removed until changes have been made. If you have any questions please call (563) 425-4161.
Walnut Woods State Park - Polk County
  • Campground restrooms will close for the season on October 15th, 2023. All water hydrants and dump station will shut down on November 1st 2023 for the winter. All pit toilets will remain open through the winter.
  • The eastern portion of the Walnut Woods trail will be closed indefinately for construction. All other trails remain open.
Wildcat Den State Park - Muscatine County
  • The Pine Creek Grist Mill Fall Hours: Fridays & Saturdays: 10:00am to 5:00pm Sundays: 12:00pm to 5:00pm (Posted 9/1/2023)