Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

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Park Alerts & Notices

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Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is one of the largest state parks in Iowa, showcasing native prairie, grassland, timber, river and lake habitats across its 6,500 acres. The lake at Brushy Creek is perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. 

With more than 45 miles of trails, Brushy Creek is a popular destination for horseback riding, including two equestrian campgrounds.

Plan Your Visit

• Bike more than 45 miles of multi-use trails, including the 12-mile gravel trail around Brushy Creek Lake. The trails can be explored by horseback riding, mountain biking or on foot, and snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter.
• Fish for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye or muskellunge at the 690-acre Brushy Creek Lake. The lake has 21 miles of shoreline including four boat ramps and eight fishing jetties. An accessible fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake. Boating is allowed at a “no wake” speed, and visitors can swim at the designated beach area.
• Hunt for a variety of species at Brushy Creek including pheasant, quail, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Several parking areas around the area provide convenient access for hunters. Brushy Creek also has two shooting ranges nearby.
• Camp in the equestrian or non-equestrian campgrounds. The north and south equestrian campgrounds contain a modern shower and restroom, electric and non-electric sites, a horse-wash area, and hitch rails. Both campgrounds feature picnic tables and grills at each site. All users are required to tie their animals to rails. The non-equestrian campground contains electric and full hookup sites with water and a sewer. Advanced campsite reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
• Reserve shelter or beach cabana during your visit to Brushy Creek. Three open shelters and four beach cabanas can be reserved through the online reservation system for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.

Text Alerts

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.

Amenities at a Glance

• Shooting range
• Hiking trails
• Playground
• Swimming beach
• Boat ramps (4)
• Fishing pier; ADA accessible
• Fishing jetties (8)
• Fish cleaning station
• Shelters
• Modern restroom
• Showers
• Equestrian campsites, electric
• Equestrian campsites, non-electric
• Equestrian campsites, full hook up
• Equestrian campsites, buddy
• Electric campsites
• Full hook up campsites
• Buddy campsites
• Youth group only campsites
• Dump station

Explore the Park

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