Alerts and Closures

OFF-SEASON FACILITIES: Modern restrooms are open at East boat ramp, West boat ramp, Hampton Shelter, and Cadet Shelter.  Portable toilets are available at the beah area.  Other modern restrooms throughout the park will be open by May 1.  The fish cleaning station is on and open for use. Vault toilets are available for off season use at the Beach boat ramp, Disc Golf Course, and Williams Drive Boat Ramp. Docks are in the water and available for use at all boat ramps on Big Creek. Questions about seasonal closures may be directed to the park office at big_creek@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-984-6473. (Updated 4-15-24)

PLAYGROUND CLOSURE: The playground at Big Creek State Park will be closed for maintenance April 27 - 28, 2024.  Questions may be directed to the park office at big_creek@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-984-6473. 

Neal Smith Trail Closure: A short section of the Neal Smith Trail through Big Creek State Park is currently closed due to a construction project. Trail users must detour off-trail to avoid the construction site.  The trail is expected to re-open by June 2024. Questions may be directed to the park office at 515-984-6473 or big_creek@dnr.iowa.gov. (Posted 12/1/2023)

As of April 16, 2024 the soft trails at Brushy Creek are temporarily closed to equestrian and bike use due to wet conditions.  The 14 mile gravel all-weather Lake and Pond trails remain open for use. This bulletin will be removed when trails have dried sufficiently.

The 2024 season is May 22-October 13. Tours are offered Wed-Sunday at the top of each hour from 10am-3pm. Reservations are recommended, walk-in guests are accepted as space allows, make a reservation by calling 319.934.3752 or emailing the park at cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov. 

Tours have concluded for the season at Cedar Rock. Schedule a tour of the Walter Estate Wed-Sunday May 22-October 13, 2024.

2024 Campground/Closure Renovation: The campground will be closed from March 25, 2024 through April 30, 2024.  Reservations/walk-ins will not be accepted during that time.  DNR anticipates campsites 1 - 115 to reopen for reservations from May 1 - July 31, 2024.  Campsites 1 - 115 will be released for reservations sometime before May 1 since DNR does not have an expected release date. When the campsites are available for reservations all campsites 1 - 115 will be 100%/same day reservable.  Starting approximately on August 1, 2024 the entire campground will be closed for the campground renovation.  Campsites 116 - 176 will be closed for the entire 2024 recreation season. The middle of the campground will be getting new water lines and additional water hydrants. Due to campsite layout modifications, the campground will be renumbered as some campsites will be eliminated. If you wish to be notified when the campground reopens, fill out the following form:: Clear Lake Campground Google Form. (Updated April 5, 2024)

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 notification Google form. (Posted 9/7/2023)

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

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)

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Docks have been installed in the River.  (Posted 3/29/2024)

The campground at Fairport Recreation Area is open throughout the winter months, however, water is shut off and the modern restroom/shower building and RV dump station are closed for the season. These facilities will re-open around May 1st, 2024. Electricity will remain on and the pit latrine, located on the west end of the campground, will remain available for winter use. (Posted 12//2023)

ATTENTION: Fort Atkinson State Preserve is closed to the public through late-summer 2024 for a reconstruction project. The annual Fort Atkinson Rendezvous will be held the last weekend in September.   For questions or concerns, please call Volga River State Recreation Area at 563-425-4161.

Campground Facilities Spring 2024

Shower House #1 in the upper portion of the campground will be partially opened Monday April 15th, 2024. There is also a pit latrine located in the middle of the campground. The water hydrants are on at the campsites and dump station open for the season. All  remaining campground facilites will open May 1st, 2024

 Modern Restroom & Shower facilities in the campground are normally opened around mid- April, weather depending. The hydrants in the campground are normally turned on around April 1st. The campground leaves the electric on at pedestals during the winter, there is one hydrant left on year round for filling at the campground entrance. There is a year round pit toilet located near the center of the campground. Winter rates apply until May 1st. For questions please call the park office at (319)392-4601

Water is shut off and modern restrooms are closed for the season. 

Lodge Closure: The lodge is not accepting reservations for the 2025 recreation season. (Posted March 20, 2024)

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Lake Ahquabi is open.  The beach will remain closed as the lake has not reached full crest yet but is continuing to fill up.  

All restrooms and showers in the campground have been turned on for the season.  Shelter #5 bathroom and the beach hydrant will remain off due to a water leak.

Due to a water leak the water is shut off to the south side of the park. There is currently no water supplying the hydrant by the beach or the restroom near shelter #5. We have pit latrines available at both boat ramps, the picnic area, and at the dam. There is an ADA accessible portable toilet located at the top of the hill by the beach. This does not affect the campground. Posted 1/18/2024

As of Friday, April 12th 2024, the modern restroom facilities are open for the season.  They will be available until October 28th 2024.  (POSTED 4/12/2024)

Lake Keomah is scheduled for a major reconstruction project.  This will improve water quality, provide better amenities for park users and increase structure for fishing.  In order for this project to begin the lake will be drained.  As a result, a drawdown will start after July 4, 2024.  Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.

Created March 11, 2024

All buildings including Shower Building will be closed October 15th 2023 unitl the Spring of 2024.

-Posted October 5th 2023

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)

Modern facilities are now available at the North Campground, including electrical pedestals, shower/restroom building, hydrants and sewer hook-ups.  Updated 4-12-24

Modern restrooms are available at the primitive Campground. Water hydrants are also available in both campgrounds. Updated 4-12-24

The Shower Building and Modern Restrooms are closed for the winter season. Primitive Restrooms are available at the Main Boat Ramp and South Primitive Campground. Water will remain on the campsites until late November. Hydrants were turned back on March 1, 2024 Updated 3-25-24

The North and South boat ramp docks for the 2024 season will be delayed due to boat ramp repairs. In the meantime the West boat ramp is open and the dock has been installed.

Any questions contact the office at (712)366-0220

Posted 3/18/24

Lake Manawa Water levels: Lake Manawa, located within Lake Manawa State Park, continues to experience abnormally low water levels that may impact recreation opportunities. 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". 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.

The shower house located in the campground at has been shut down and winterized for the season. Posted 10/16/2023.

The lodge and the beach restrooms are closed and winterized for the season. Posted 10/16/2023.

SPRING SEASON FACILITY UPDATE:  The Canyon Drive is currently OPEN to vehicle traffic. The campground is open to overnight camping and all campsites are reservable in advance. Modern restrooms and shower facilities in the Ledges campground are currently OPEN. The RV dump station is also open and the rinsing hydrant has been turned on. The water hydrants in the campground are on, but the hydrants in the rest of the park may be off. Modern restrooms throughout the rest of the park will remain closed until Monday, April 15th as park staff prepare to open them. (This alert was updated on 04/10/2024)

Starting March 18, 2024; the Des Moines River boat ramp at Ledges State Park will be closed to public access for a paving project. The project is expected to last approximately 1 month. This alert was updated on 4/10/2024.

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 in 2024. This alert was updated on April 10, 2024.

Banquet Room Closure: Reservations for the Banquet Room will be unavailable beginning in 2023 for repairs and updates. The Banquet Room will be closed for reservations until further notice. If you would like to be notified when the Banquet Room reopens, fill out the following form: Lewis and Clark Google Form. (Updated February 13, 2024)

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.

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Sanitary Sewer Improvements: This project is expected to take place approximately from April 1 to May 1.  During this time there will be no modern facilities (showers/restrooms) and the dump station will be closed.  The park and campground will remain open during this project. There will be 2 portable toilets available in the campground.  Usually modern facilities, water, and the dump station are not available until April 15, weather dependent. (Posted March 15, 2024)

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Campground is OPEN w/o water.  Electric sites are $18/night.  Please reserve sites at reserveamerica.com  

Water facilities are now CLOSED for the Season this includes shower bldg, all restrooms, yurts, fish cleaning station and dump station.  Camping rates are  $12.00/elec and $6.00/non elec.  The docks at the two boat ramps will remain until the last week of October.  

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Campground and Cabin Closure: From April 1 - June 2, 2024 the campground is not accepting reservations and from April 15 - May 27, 2024 the cabins are not accepting reservations due to a road project.  The closure will be modified or removed once the project is completed.  (Posted February 5, 2024)

Water facilities are shut down for the winter season.  Facilities wil be turned back on late April 2024. (Posted 10/16/23)

Campground Closure: The campground will remain closed for 2024. 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. The Beach is currently open and available for use, as well as all Hiking Trails. (Updated March 1, 2024)

Beach Bathroom Closure 10/16/2023: The Modern Restroomat the beach is closed for the season. The vault restroom will remain open. This bulletin will be removed when the restrhas been re-opened in the Spring of 2024.

Construction will be on going throughout the park. Please be mindful of trucks and equipment driving through the park and working. Posted (October 31st, 2023)

All facilites at Springbrook State Park have water and are open for the 2024 rec season. The water hydrants are also open for public use.  (POSTED 04/16/2024)

Winter Facilities Update:  Modern facilities are closed for the winter season.  The shower building and Ricketts Glen bathroom are closed to the public.  Water hydrants have been shut off for the season.  Pit toilets will be open throughout the park.  (Posted 10/19/23)

Boat Ramp Closure: The boat ramp at the lagoon is closed until further notice. (Posted March 11, 2024)

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

Seasonal Closure: Modern restrooms and shower buildings are closed and the water shut off in all parks and recreation areas. 

NON-ELECTRIIC CAMPSITES: Non electric campsites are unavailable at Union Grove State Park. They were removed in the fall of 2023. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the park office (641)-473-2556 or union_grove@dnr.iowa.gov. (03/13/2024)  

Walnut Woods restrooms and dump station are open for the 2024 recreation season. Water has been turned on.

WINTER CLOSURES: Effective October 23, 2023: The modern restrooms, water, and drinking fountains are closed. Campsites with electricity will remain on. (posted 10/23/2023)

The Pine Creek Grist Mill is closed until Spring of 2024. (Posted 10/23/2023)

The campground and trails at Wildcat Den State Park remain open throughout the winter months, however, water hydrants and the modern restroom are closed for the season. These services will resume around May 1st, 2024. Pit latrines, located in the campground and Upper Picnic Area, will remain open year-round.  The Pine Creek Grist Mill and Melpine Schoolhouse are closed for the season.  If you have any questions, please call the park office at 563-263-4337  (UPDATED 10/16/2023)

As of April 15, 2024 the campground is now open.  New for this year, reservations are required to camp.  Water is not yet available, but will be by May 1.  Posted 4/15/24