Camping Fishing Accessible Park Facilities Iowa’s state parks, recreation areas and forests offer enthusiasts 62 campgrounds with more than Fishing opportunities abound in state parks, A primary DNR goal is making campgrounds, 5,100 campsites. Modern facilities (showers and flush toilets) are available at 44 campgrounds. from trout fishing in Backbone’s trout streams, to picnic shelters, cabins, overlooks, fishing jetties, Electrical hookups are available at 50 campgrounds. Camping is permitted only at designated camp- walleye and yellow perch fishing in northwest trails and other facilities accessible to everyone. sites on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Campers are required to register Iowa’s natural lakes. With opportunities like Check the parks chart for a listing of facilities themselves. Designated “hike-in” campsites are available at Ledges, Preparation Canyon, Maquoketa these, it’s not surprising that 40 million fish are accessible to the mobility impaired. Open Caves and Honey Creek. caught annually in the state making fishing the picnic sites and camp sites marked with the most popular participant sport in Iowa. wheelchair sign are reserved for persons display- For a more rugged camping experience without modern rest rooms or showers, campgrounds are ing a handicapped parking permit on their available at Yellow River, Stephens and Shimek state forests. vehicle. Picnicking Open shelters, tables, grills or fire rings and Ledges water are available in most picnic areas. Facili- ties are available on a first-come basis, although some may be reserved by contacting the park. Cedar Rock Picnic sites marked with the wheelchair sign are Cedar Rock is a Frank Lloyd reserved for persons displaying a handicapped Wright-designed residence on parking permit on their vehicle. the Wapsipinicon River near Quasqueton in Buchanan Viking Lake County. Designed by the famed architect in the late 1940s, it is an excellent example of Wright’s “Usonian” style of architecture. Honey Creek Wright not only designed the home, but also its interior fur- Rental Facilities nishings. The home and Cabins, group camps, lodges, shelters with grounds were given to the state kitchens and open shelters may be reserved for a Catfish, Big Creek in 1981 by its original owners, fee through the park or concessionaire. All Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Walter. The reservations must be made starting on the first Swimming residence, grounds and visitor center are open for public tours business day after January 1. Swimming opportunities are available in many May through October, 11 a.m. to Interior, Cedar Rock state parks in designated beach areas only. 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Some offer lifeguards and a food concession. Guided tours are given each half Check with park staff for more details. hour. Last tour departs at 4:30.
Walnut Woods Nature Centers/Museums Visit a nature center or museum to learn about Cabins and Yurts the history or natural features of the park or Cabins are available at 12 state parks. Some region. cabins at Backbone and Wapello accommodate Open shelter, Ledges eight people, all others comfortably sleep four. E.B. Lyons Nature Center, Mines of Spain, Included are kitchens with cooking utensils. features information about the early Dubuque Lodges Renters must provide their own bedding, towels, settlement, history of mining and the plant and A number of state parks contain beautiful dishes and other camping items. The heated animals of the area. Open year round. lodges. The majority are stone and log struc- and air-conditioned cabins at Backbone and tures constructed during the 1930s by the Pine Lake are available year round. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Stone State Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) or the Works Park, provides visitors a view of Iowa’s prairie, Progress Administration (WPA). All provide The camping cabins and yurts at Green Valley, fish and natural history. Open year round and excellent settings for day-use group events. The Lake Darling, Pleasant Creek, Dolliver, McIntosh managed by the Woodbury County Conserva- facilities normally include kitchens, rest rooms Woods and Wilson Island are smaller and with- tion Board 712-258-0838. and, in some instances, fireplaces. See parks out kitchens or bathrooms. Cabin users should bring all items needed for camping. Overnight chart for details and locations. Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies, Bellevue South Bluff Nature Center, Bellevue State Park, visitors can use the shower and rest room facili- interprets the natural history of the area. The ties located in nearby campgrounds. Special Events “Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies” is the largest Fort Atkinson Rendezvous butterfly garden in Iowa. The nature center is open seasonally. Beach facility, Lake Wapello The annual rendezvous has been held during the last full weekend of September at Ft. Atkinson Maquoketa Caves Museum, formerly known as State Preserve in northeast Iowa since 1977. The Equestrian Facilities Sager’s Museum, features information about the event recreates life on the 1840s Iowa frontier geology of cave formations, park history and Horseback riding is a popular activity at a num- with authentic buckskinners, U. S. Army dra- background of early inhabitants. Open on ber of state parks, recreation areas and state goons, black powder shoots, craftspeople, con- summer weekends and by appointment. forests. Equestrian camping opportunities and tests, movies and demonstrations. extensive trail systems are available at nine areas. Trail riding booklets are available from the DNR. Forest Crafts Festival Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum, Backbone State Park, tells the story of the CCC, Held at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park the second who built more than 1,000 structures in 43 state Lodge interior, Gull Point weekend of October, the festival features wood- parks in Iowa. Open seasonally and by request. Trails craft demonstrations and sales, forest and wildlife Organized Group Camps The Department of Natural Resources provides Sailing, West Okoboji management demonstrations and buckskinners. Keelboat Discovery, Lewis and Clark Overnight group camping facilities are available hundreds of miles of trials within state parks, Nearby Keosauqua has a parade, carnival and on a rental basis at Dolliver and Springbrook forests and recreation areas . Of these, more Boating other related events. state parks. Groups are provided complete than 625 miles are available to hikers, 350 Experience the thrill of power boating and skiing lodging and dining accommodations including all miles to snowmobilers, 230 miles to horseback at Lake Rathbun. Take a breeze-propelled Lewis and Clark Festival dishes and cooking utensils as well as showers riders, 500 miles to cross country skiers, and 25 sailboat trip at Big Creek or a scenic paddling In 1984, the first annual Lewis and Clark Festival and rest rooms. Groups must bring their own miles of hard surface trails specifically for cyclists adventure along the Iowa River through Pine was held at Lewis and Clark State Park near bedding, towels and toiletry items. Special rates with an additional 260 miles for mountain Lake State Park. Whatever the preference, there Onawa, the site of an 1804 Lewis and Clark are available for organized youth groups. A group bikers. Seasonal volkssport trials have been are more than 9,000 miles of boatable rivers encampment. The June festival features movies camping facility is also available at Lake Keomah established in six parks. and streams, as well as more than 200 natural about the 1804 expedition, buckskinners in State Park. Although there are no overnight and artificial recreational lakes in Iowa. Most frontier dress, bluegrass music and events such as lodging accommodations, the area is open to tent Many state parks have self-guided nature trails. park concessionaires rent boats, canoes and a fishing contest and “fun run.” A major attrac- and trailer camping for groups renting the facility. These include points of interest, species identifi- pontoons. Motor size and speed regulations tion is the full-sized replica of Lewis and Clark’s The building contains a complete kitchen, rest cation and site interpretation. Brochures are vary so check with the park or contact the DNR keelboat, Discovery, constructed by local volun- Cabin, Backbone rooms and meeting space. available at trail heads and park offices. for a boating regulations guide. teers and park staff.
Interpretive Programs Current trends show visitors to Iowa state parks want more than just a “being-in-the-outdoors” experience. Many park visitors want to partici- pate in and learn more about their favorite area; such as its natural and cultural resources as well as resource management programs. Seasonal naturalists provide various programs in some of our parks throughout the recreational season. For program topics and dates please check the website or visit your local park.
For More Information Current rate, park regulation and individual park brochures are available free of charge at most state parks or by calling the DNR’s 24-hour information system at 515-281-TENT and fol- lowing the instructions to request publications. Specific publications regarding canoeing, boat- ing, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, trail riding and hunting are also available from the DNR. Either call, visit or write the DNR's central Shelby’s playground, Elinor Bedell office in the Wallace Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. This brochure was printed courtesy of Touchstone Energy®, an alliance of local, consumer-owned utilities around the country, committed to providing superior service at Regulations affordable rates to all customers, large and Visitors to Iowa's parks, forests and recreation small. areas are asked to swim only in designated areas and to use only fire rings or grills for fires. Please The four core values of Touchstone Energy® do not bring glass containers or pets onto beach Cooperatives are integrity, accountability, Interpretive program, Walnut Woods areas. Pets are, however, allowed in other recre- innovation and commitment to community. ation areas provided they are leashed. And There are approximately 560 electric coopera- tives that are part of the Touchstone Energy® finally, visitors to Iowa's state parks and recre- brand. They are located in 39 states and serve ation areas are asked to carry out their trash from approximately 17 million people. More most day-use areas. Receptacles are available at information is available at our web site, Federal regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated campgrounds, lodges, cabins and supervised against in any program, activity or facility mentioned in this publication, please write to: Director, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wallace www.touchstoneenegy.com. State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. beach areas. Come on in. We’ve got something to show you. Park the RV or pitch the tent. Bring the whole family. Our welcome mat is out. Pack your fishing gear and catch the evening meal. Hike our trails, bike our paths, paddle our waters or take a stroll down memory lane. Share some laughs around the campfire. Roast marshmallows. Swim at the beach or just relax. Whether it’s one of our majestic parks or one of our best kept secrets, our door is always open. We’re ready to show you the boundless natural beauty and endless ways to enjoy yourself when you camp Iowa state parks.
Pilot Knob Clear Lake
Trails
(B) Paved/Rock Bicycle(C) Cross Country Skiing Camping
(I)
(E) Eqestrian (M) Mountain Interpretive Bike (H) Hiking Trail (C)
(M) Concessionaires (G) Group (S) Seasonal (Y) Year Round
(M) Modern (E)Equestrian (N) Non-
Cabin Rental Museum Fishing Hunting Open Picnic Shelter Renta (R) Federal Reservoir (A) Artificial
Fishing Pier Modern (Y) Youth (H) Hike-In Lake Acreage
Campsites Trailer Dump Station (R) River/Stream (L) Lake (Designated Areas) (N) (V) Campsites
(X) Seasonal Yurt Nature Center Volksport Trail (R) Area Acreage Lodge Rental (P) Pier (J) Jetty Boat Rental Boat Ramp Playground Restaurant Swimming -Nonelectric (N) Natural
-Electric
l 1 Ambrose A. Call 641-581-4835 1-1/2 Mi. S.W. Algona 130 N 13 3 H,C I 2 Backbone 563-924-2527 4 Mi. S.W. Strawberry Pt IA 410 2000 N,M,Y 40 86 Y,S M H,E,M L,R J 85A C 3 Badger Creek Rec. Area 515-285-4502 6 Mi. S.E. Van Meter 1162 L 276A 4 Beeds Lake 641-456-2047 3 Mi. N.W. Hampton-Co. Rd. 319 M,Y 70 74 H L J 99A C 5 Bellevue 563-872-4019 2-1/2 Mi. S.Bellevue-U.S. 52 770 M,N,Y 22 17 N H,C I 6 Big Creek 515-984-6473 2 Mi. N. Polk City-IA. 415 3550 H,B V LJ,P 866A C 7 Bixby Preserve 563-924-2527 5 Mi. N. Edgewood 184 Rugged woodland with stream, ice cave and trails. No camping. 8 Black Hawk 712-657-8712 Lake View-IA 175 & 71 86 M 68 108 H I L P 957N 9 Brush Creek Canyon Pres. 563-425-4161 2 Mi. N. Arlington 217 Forested steep wooded terrain with diversity of habitats, flora and fauna. No camping 10 Brushy Creek Rec. Area 515-543-8298 4 Mi. S. Duncombe, Co. Rd. P-73 6500 N,E,M 120 82 C,H,E,M V L,R J,P 690A 11 Cedar Rock 319-934-3572 3 Mi. N.W. Quasqueton 423 Frank Lloyd Wright designed home. Daily tours (Tues.-Sun.). Visitor Center 12 Clear Lake 641-357-4212 2 Mi. S. Clear Lake-IA. 106 55 M 95 105 H L 3684N 13 Dolliver Memorial 515-359-2539 3 Mi. N.W. Lehigh-IA.50 600 M,Y 19 14 S, G HV R 14 Elinor Bedell 712-337-3211 2 Mi. E. of Spirit Lake-250th Ave. 80 M,Y 8 B,H L P 1823N 15 Elk Rock (Red Rock) 641-842-6008 7 Mi. N. Knoxville-IA. 14 850 M,E 36 54 M,H,E L 19000R 16 Emerson Bay & Lighthouse 712-337-3211 2-1/2 Mi. N. Milford-IA.86 12 M 60 57 L P 3847N 17 Fairport 563-263-3197 5 Mi. E. Muscatine-IA.22 17 M 42 R 18 Fort Atkinson Preserve 563-425-4161 Adjoins Ft. Atkinson-IA. 24 5 Reconstructed fort built in 1840. Museum open seasonally. 19 Fort Defiance 712-362-2078 1 Mi. W. Estherville-IA.9 221 N 8 8 H,E 20 Geode 319-392-4601 4 Mi. S.W. Danville-Co. Rd. 1641 M,Y 96 90 M,H,C I L 200A 21 George Wyth Memorial 319-232-5505 Waterloo/Cedar Falls - IA. 218 1200 M,Y 46 20 M,H,B L,R J,P 260A C 22 Green Valley 641-782-5131 2-1/2 Mi. N.W. Creston-IA. 186 990 M,Y 88 55 S H LJ,P 360A 23 Gull Point 712-337-3211 3-1/2 Mi. N. Milford-IA. 86 195 M 60 52 H I L P 3847N 24 Honey Creek (Rathbun) 641-724-3739 9-1/2 Mi. W. 3-1/2 Mi. S.E. 828 M 94 59 H I L 11000R Moravia - -Hwy. 142 25 Lacey-Keosauqua 319-293-3502 Adjoins Keosauqua-IA. 1 1653 M 45 68 S H,C L,R 22A 26 Lake Ahquabi 515-961-7101 5-1/2 Mi. S.W. Indianola-IA. 349 770 M,Y 85 76 H,M V LJ,P 115A C 27 Lake Anita 712-762-3564 5 Mi. S. Anita Interchange-I-80 1062 M 76 69 H,B V,I L J 171A 28 Lake Darling 319-694-2323 3 Mi. W. Brighton-IA. 78 & 1 1387 M,Y 81 37 S H,M L J 299A C 29 Lake Keomah 641-673-6975 5 Mi. E. Oskaloosa-IA. 371 366 M,Y 52 36 H L J,P 84A Look for 30 Lake Macbride 319-624-2200 4 Mi. W. Solon-IA. 382 2180 N,M,Y 60 62 H,B V,I L J,P 812A C Lake Manawa 712-366-0220 1 Mi. S. IA. 92-Council Bluffs 1529 M 35 33 H,B I LJ,P 660N C these signs 31 Is it in your nature to lend a helping hand? 32 Lake of Three Fires 712-523-2700 3 Mi. N.E. Bedford-IA. 49 1155 M,E,Y 30 82 S M,H,E V,I L J 85A Volunteer Thousands of Iowans have volunteered in on Iowa 33 Lake Wapello 641-722-3371 6 Mi. W. Drakesville-IA. 273 1150 M 42 40 S H V,I LJ,P 289A C,R state parks and recreation areas throughout roadways for 34 Ledges 515-432-1852 6 Mi. S. Boone-IA. 164 1200 M,H 40 54 H I R IN STATE PARKS the years. Their time and efforts are vital to nearby state 35 Lewis and Clark 712-423-2829 3 Mi. W. Onawa-IA. 175 176 M,Y 82 HV L J 250N parks and 36 Lower Gar Access 712-337-3211 1/2 Mi. S.E. Arnolds Park-U.S. 71 7 H,B L P 273N Iowa state parks. All of us share McIntosh Woods 641-829-3847 3/4 Mi. E. Ventura-U.S. 18 62 M 45 4 X H I L J 3684N recreation 37 the responsibility to conserve, 38 Maquoketa Caves 563-652-5833 7 Mi. N.W. Maquoketa-IA. 428 323 M,H,Y 17 12 M H protect and enhance our natu- areas. 39 Marble Beach 712-337-3211 2 Mi. N.W. Orleans-IA. 276 64 M 103 121 L P 4169N ral resources. Iowa’s future lies 40 Mines of Spain & 563-556-0620 S. Edge of Dubuque 1387Undeveloped area rich in natural and historic significance. R in our hands. E.B. Lyons Nature Center From U.S. 52 N H,C I 41 Mini-Wakan 712-337-3211 N. Shore Spirit Lake 20 L P 4169N If you have questions or would 42 Nine Eagles 641-442-2855 6 Mi. S.E. Davis City-Co. Rd 1119 M 40 22 H,E V L 67A like to volunteer, contact the 43 Okamanpedan 712-362-2078 3 Mi. N.E. Dolliver-Co. Rd. 19 L,R 981N volunteer coordinator at 515/ 44 Palisades-Kepler 319-895-6039 3-1/2 Mi. W. Mt. Vernon-U.S. 30 840 M,Y 26 18 S HR 45 Pikes Peak 563-873-2341 3 Mi. S.E. McGregor-IA. 340 970 M,Y 60 20 H,M C
281-0878 or 46 Pikes Point 712-337-3211 2-1/2 Mi. S.W. Spirit Lake-IA. 9 15 L P 3847N
[email protected] 47 Pilot Knob 641-581-4835 4 Mi. E. Forest City-IA. 9 528 M,Y 48 12 H,E,B,C,M L 15A Pine Lake 641-858-5832 1/2 Mi. N.E. Eldora Co. Rd. 556 585 M,Y 75 53 Y H,B I L,R J 69-50A C t 48 If there is a specific park you This symbol indicates a 49 Pleasant Creek 319-436-7716 4 Mi. N. 1/2 Mi. W. Palo 1927 M,E,Y 43 26 S C,H,E I L J,P 410A C wish to volunteer at please 50 Prairie Rose 712-773-2701 6 Mi. S.E. Harlan 661 M 61 36 H L J 218A state park location on Iowa contact the park manager 51 Preparation Canyon 712-423-2829 5 Mi. S.W. Moorhead-IA. 183 344 H 8 H DOT road maps. directly. 52 Red Haw 641-774-5632 1 Mi. E. Chariton-U.S. 34 649 M 60 20 H L J 72A 53 Rice Lake 641-581-4835 2-1/2 Mi. S.E. Lake Mills-Co. Rd. 15 L 900N 54 Rock Creek 641-236-3722 6 Mi. N.E. Kellogg-Co. Rd 1697 M 103 93 M,H,E L J 602A 55 Shimek Forest Camp 319-878-3811 1 Mi. E. Farmington-IA. 2 N,E 56 M,H,E,C L 20A 56 Springbrook 641-747-3591 8 Mi. N.E. Guthrie Center, 920 M,Y 81 39 S,G H,C V,I L,R J 17A C Hwys. 25 & 384 57 Stephens Forest Camp 641-774-5632 2-1/2 Mi. S. Lucas U.S 65 N,E 85 M,H,E I L 10A 58 Stone 712-255-4698 8 Mi. N.W. Sioux City-IA. 12 1069 N 9 21 M,H,E V,I L,R 3A 59 Templar Park Rec. Area 712-337-3211 3 Mi. N.W. Spirit Lake-IA. 276 10 L 4169N 60 Trappers Bay 712-337-3211 Adjoins Lake Park-IA 219 57 L 1041N 61 Twin Lakes 712-657-2638 7-1/2 Mi. N. Rockwell City-IA. 4-124 15 L 569N 62 Union Grove 641-473-2556 4 Mi. S.W. Gladbrook-Co. Rd. 282 N 7 18 H L J 110A 63 Viking Lake 712-829-2235 4 Mi. S.E. Stanton-Co. Rd. 1000 M,Y 94 21 H I L J 137A C,R 64 Volga River Rec. Area 563-425-4161 4 Mi. N. Fayette-IA 150 5500 N,E 50 M,H,E I L,R J,P 135A 65 Walnut Woods 515-285-4502 4 Mi. S.W. Des Moines-IA. 5 250 N,Y 8 16 C,H,E R 66 Wanata 712-337-3211 1/2 Mi. S. Peterson-IA. 10 160 H R 67 Wapsipinicon 319-462-2761 Adjoins Anamosa-E 34 390 M,Y 15 15 H I R 68 Waubonsie 712-382-2786 7 Mi. S.W. Sidney-IA. 239-2 1247 M,E 22 73 M,H,E I Integrity Accountability Innovation 69 Wildcat Den 563-263-4337 10 Mi. E. Muscatine-IA. 22 423 N 27 H I R Commitment to Community 70 Wilson Island Rec. Area 712-642-2069 5 Mi. W. Loveland-IA.362 547 M,Y 61 70 Y H,M R 71 Yellow River Forest Camp 563-873-2341 14 Mi. S.E. Waukon-IA. 76 N,E,H,Y 152 M,H,E R The power of human connections® Items appearing in white indicate facilities accessible to the mobility impaired. Fully accessible campsites may not be available. Contact park for details.