Iowa State Parks & Recreation Areas - Regulations and Reservation Information

IOWA

STATE PARKS &

RECREATION

AREAS

REGULATIONS &

RESERVATION INFORMATION

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

2024

Ledges State Park

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS SYNOPSIS CAREFULLY

This synopsis is not intended to quote complete laws, but rather to present

a summary of the various regulations that apply in Iowa’s state parks and

recreation areas. These guidelines are included as regulations in the Code of

Iowa and the Administrative Code and violations may result in immediate

removal from the area and/or appropriate legal action. If you have questions,

contact any state park office.

Fees and rules quoted in this publication may change between printings. Please

refer to the DNR website for a current copy of Iowa State Parks and Recreation

Areas Regulations and Reservation Information.

PARK BROCHURES

Information on the facilities available at individual state parks and recreation

areas is listed in Iowa State Parks and Forests, which contains an overview

of the facilities found at parks throughout the state, and a chart listing the

facilities available at each park and recreation area. The chart lists the total

acreage, number of campsites, dump stations, rental cabins and lodges, trails,

swimming facilities, fishing availability, lake acreage, boat ramps, hunting and

snowmobiling available at each park or recreation area.

Maps and more detailed information on each park is available online

iowadnr.gov/stateparks or by contacting the Iowa Department of Natural

Resources (DNR), 6200 Park Ave, Suite 200, Des Moines, Iowa 50321, the park of

interest, or by calling the DNR at 515-725-8200 and following the instructions to

request the publications.

VISIT

iowadnr.gov/stateparks

MAKE A RESERVATION ONLINE AT

iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com

OR CALL

1-877-IAPARKS

(427-2757)

For those who cannot read the size of the print in this

publication, a larger sized version of the text is available by

calling the DNR at 515-725-8200 or writing the DNR at

6200 Park Ave Ste 200, Des Moines IA 50321

CONTENTS

Definitions ......................................................................................................................4

Accessibility ...................................................................................................................5

Recreation Areas ..........................................................................................................6

Hours ................................................................................................................................6

After-Hours Fishing .....................................................................................................6

Noise ................................................................................................................................8

Removal or Defacement of Plant Life and Cultural Features .......................8

Paintball Guns ...............................................................................................................9

Geocaching ....................................................................................................................9

Accessible Camping & Picnic Facilities ................................................................9

Disposal of Trash or Garbage ..................................................................................9

Swimming/Beach Use ................................................................................................9

Trails .............................................................................................................................. 10

Rock Climbing or Rappelling ............................................................................... 10

Firearms, Fireworks, Hunting ................................................................................ 11

Fires ............................................................................................................................... 11

Metal Detectors ......................................................................................................... 11

Roads and Parking Areas ....................................................................................... 12

Alcohol Consumption ............................................................................................. 12

Smoking ....................................................................................................................... 12

Animals or Pets .......................................................................................................... 13

Reservation General Information ....................................................................... 13

Camping General Information ............................................................................. 16

Camping Reservation Information ..................................................................... 17

Registration Procedure for First-come First-served Campsites

and Walk-in Camping on Unrented Reservable Campsites .................... 17

Chaperoned Organized Youth Group Campsites ......................................... 17

Lake Keomah Group Camp ................................................................................... 18

Cabin and Yurt Rentals ........................................................................................... 18

Cabin/Yurt Reservation Information ................................................................. 19

Lodges .......................................................................................................................... 20

Open Shelters ............................................................................................................ 20

Keg Beer Permits ....................................................................................................... 21

Supervised Swimming ........................................................................................... 21

Park Telephone Directory ...................................................................................... 22

DEFINITIONS

1. “Basic unit” or “basic camping unit” means the portable shelter used by one

to six persons. Examples of a “camping unit” include tent, travel trailer,

pop-up camper, motor home, etc.

2. “Beach” means that portion of state parks or recreation areas designated

for swimming including the sand, a 200-foot buffer of land surrounding

the sand, or a designated area that is fenced in, and the water area

contiguous to the beach as marked by swim buoys and/or swim lines.

3. “Camping” means the erecting of a tent or shelter of natural or artificial

material; or placing a sleeping bag or other bedding material on the

ground; or parking a motor vehicle, motor home or trailer for the

apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.

4. “Centralized reservation system” means a system that processes

reservations using more than one method to accept reservations. Each

method simultaneously communicates to a centralized database at a

reservation contractor location to ensure that no campsite or rental

facility is booked more than once.

5. “Chaperoned, organized youth group” means a group of persons 17 years

of age and under, which is sponsored by and accompanied by adult

representatives of a formal organization including, but not limited to, the

Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of America, churches or Young Men’s

and Young Women’s Christian Association. Chaperoned, organized youth

group does not include families of members of a formal organization.

6. “Fishing” means the taking of or attempting to take fish, utilizing hook, line

and bait as defined in Iowa Code section 481A.72, or use of permitted

devices for taking rough fish as determined by Iowa Code section

461A.42 and 481A.76.

7. “Free Climbing” means climbing with the use of hands and feet only and

without the use of ropes, pins and other devices normally associated with

rappelling and rock climbing.

8. “Immediate family” means spouses, parents or legal guardians, domestic

partners, dependent children and grandparents.

9. “Keg Party” means a gathering of two or more persons at which beer is

dispensed from a keg or other container larger than one gallon.

10. “Lodge” means a building that is enclosed on all four sides that may have

kitchen facilities such as stove, refrigerator, etc., which is available for

rent on a daily basis. This item does not include buildings open on two or

more sides containing fireplaces only.

11. “Metal detector” means a portable electronic device used only for

detecting metal above or below the surface of the ground.

12. “Modern area” means a camping area that has showers and flush toilets.

13. “Nonmodern” means a camping area in which no showers are provided,

containing only pit-type latrines or flush-type toilets. Water may or may

not be available to campers in a nonmodern camping area.

14. “Open shelter” means a building that is open on two or more sides and

that may or may not include a fireplace.

15. “Possession” means exercising dominion or control with or without

ownership over property.

16. “Refuse” means trash, garbage, rubbish, wastepaper, bottles, cans, debris,

oil, solvents, liquid or solid waste, or other discarded material.

17. “Reservation transaction fees” means fees to process a reservation, change

a reservation or cancel a reservation.

18. “Reservation window” means a rolling period of time in which a person

may reserve a campsite or rental facility.

19. “Scuba diving” means swimming with the aid of self-contained underwater

breathing apparatus or the use of a snorkel.

20. “Swim” or “swimming” means to propel oneself in water by natural means

such as movement of limbs, including but not limited to wading and the

use of inner tubes or beach toy-type swimming aids.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Department of Natural Resources strives to provide outdoor recreation

opportunities for all visitors, including persons with disabilities. Facilities

accessible to the mobility impaired may be found in many areas, with efforts

underway to provide additional access opportunities. Interested persons

should visit the site and/or contact park staff prior to scheduling outings

to determine if facilities are adequate to meet an individual’s or group’s

accessibility needs.

Persons with physical disabilities may use certain motorized vehicles to access

specific areas in state parks and recreation areas, according to restrictions

set out in IAC Chapter 61.7(8)b, so they might enjoy such recreational

opportunities as are available to others.

RECREATION AREAS

The following are designated as recreation areas. Hunting, in accordance with

applicable laws, is allowed on these areas and they are usually open for public

access 24 hours a day. Beach and camping regulations, as well as campground

visiting hours, still apply in these areas and you will find information on these

topics in this brochure.

 Badger Creek, Madison County

 Brushy Creek, Webster County

 Clair Wilson Park, Emerson Bay and Lighthouse, Lower Gar Access,

Marble Beach, Templar Park, Dickinson County

 Fairport, Muscatine County (no hunting)

 Mines of Spain, Dubuque County (limited hunting, contact park staff)

 Pilot Knob Recreation Area, Winnebago County

 Pleasant Creek, Linn County

 Volga River, Fayette County

 Wilson Island, Pottawattamie County

HOURS

Parks open at 4:00 a.m. daily and close at 10:30 p.m. Lodge and open shelter

users must vacate the area prior to 10:30 p.m. All persons except registered

campers, group campers, cabin renters, or yurt renters must leave the park

by 10:30 p.m. Visitors in campgrounds, group camps or cabin, yurt and beach

areas of parks, forests and recreation areas must leave by 10:30 p.m.

AFTER-HOURS FISHING

The following specific areas are open to fishing between the hours of 10:30 p.m.

and 4:00 a.m. in addition to normal park hours. All fishing must be done from the

bank in the areas designated for each lake. Vessels are not permitted on the lakes

after 10:30 p.m. Parking is allowed in specially marked lots only.

Black Hawk State Park, Sac County — The area between the road and lake running

from the marina at Drillings Point on the northeast end of the lake approximately

three-fourths of a mile southwest, to a point where the park boundary decreases

to include only the roadway.

Clair Wilson Park, Dickinson County — The entire area including the parking lot,

shoreline and fishing trestle facility.

Clear Lake State Park Ritz Unit, Cerro Gordo County — The boat ramp, courtesy

dock, fishing dock and parking lots.

Elinor Bedell State Park, Dickinson County — The entire length of the shoreline

within the park boundaries.

Elk Rock State Park, Marion County — The area of the dam embankment that is

parallel to County Road J20 and lies between the two parking lots located on each

end of the embankment.

Geode State Park, Des Moines County portion — The area of the dam

embankment between the two parking lots and parallel to the county road

and the lake.

Green Valley State Park, Union County — The shoreline adjacent to Green

Valley Road commencing at the intersection of Green Valley Road and 130th

Street and continuing south along the shoreline to the parking lot on the east

side of the dam, and then west along the dam embankment to the shoreline

adjacent to the parking lot on the west side of the spillway.

Hattie Elston Access, Dickinson County — The entire area including the

parking lot shoreline and boat ramp facilities.

Honey Creek State Park, Appanoose County — The boat ramp area located

north of the park office, access to which is the first road to the left upon

entering the park.

Lake Keomah State Park, Mahaska County — The embankment of the dam

between the crest of the dam and the lake; the shoreline between the road

and the lake from the south boat ramp, west and north to the junction with

the road leading to the group camp shelter.

Lake Macbride State Park, Johnson County — The shoreline of the south

arm of the lake adjacent to the county road commencing at the intersection

of Cottage Reserve Road at the north end of the north-south causeway

proceeding across the causeway thence southeasterly along a foot trail to the

east-west causeway, across the causeway to the parking area on the east end

of that causeway.

Lake Manawa State Park, Pottawattamie County — The west shoreline

including both sides of the main park road, commencing at the north park

entrance and continuing south 1.5 miles to the parking lot immediately north

of the picnic area located on the west side of the southwest arm of the lake.

Lower Pine Lake, Pine Lake State Park, Hardin County — West shoreline along

County Road S56 from the beach south to the boat ramp access.

Mini-Wakan State Park, Dickinson County — The entire area.

North Twin Lake State Park, Calhoun County — The shoreline of the day-use

area containing the swimming beach on the east lakeshore.

Pikes Point State Park, Dickinson County — The shoreline areas of the state

park on the east side of West Okoboji Lake.

Prairie Rose State Park, Shelby County — The west side of the embankment

of the causeway across the southeast arm of the lake including the shoreline

west of the parking area located off County Road M47 and just north of the

entrance leading toward the park office.

Rock Creek State Park, Jasper County — Both sides of the County Road F27

causeway across the main north portion of the lake.

Upper Pine Lake, Pine Lake State Park, Hardin County — Southwest shoreline

extending from the boat launch ramp to the dam.

Union Grove State Park, Tama County — The dam embankment from the

spillway to the west end of the parking lot adjacent to the dam; the area of

park that parallels BB Avenue, from the causeway on the north end of the lake

southerly to a point approximately .10 of a mile southwest of the boat ramp.

Viking Lake State Park, Montgomery County — The embankment of the dam

from the parking area located southeast of the dam area northwesterly across

the dam structure to its intersection with the natural shoreline of the lake.

NOISE

Creating or sustaining any unreasonable noise in any portion of all state

parks and recreation areas as well as state forest campgrounds is prohibited

at all times. Noise that can be heard at a distance of 120 feet, or three

campsites, shall be considered unreasonable between the hours of 10:30

p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

This includes the operation or use of motorized equipment or machinery

such as an electric generating plant, motor vehicle, motorized toy, or audio

device such as a radio, television set, tape deck, public address system,

musical instrument or other device causing unreasonable noise.

Quarreling, fighting or use of language that unreasonably interferes with

the lawful use and enjoyment of the area by others is prohibited.

REMOVAL OR DEFACEMENT OF PLANT LIFE AND

CULTURAL FEATURES

All Iowa state parks and recreation areas are open for removal of certain types

of plant life unless signs posted within the area state otherwise. Mushrooms,

asparagus, nuts, fruits and berries are the only types of plant material that can

be removed and harvested in state parks and recreation areas. Other types

of plant life cannot be removed. Ginseng cannot be harvested in Iowa state

parks or state preserves. Removal or defacement of other types of natural

features such as bird nests and rock formations is prohibited, as is removal

or defacement of cultural features such as Native American artifacts and

mounds. The use of chainsaws is prohibited in all areas.

PAINTBALL GUNS

The use of paintball guns in all state parks, recreation areas and state

preserves is prohibited.

GEOCACHING

Geocaching is allowed in state parks and recreation areas through a permit

system. Persons wishing to place a cache must contact park staff prior to

establishing the cache to obtain the placement permit.

ACCESSIBLE CAMPING AND PICNIC FACILITIES

Facilities that were designed to be accessible to the mobility-impaired display

wheelchair symbol signs. Campsites and picnic tables displaying these signs

are intended to be used only by visitors with mobility impairments. Shelters

displaying these signs are available to all.

DISPOSAL OF TRASH AND GARBAGE

Iowa state park and recreation area picnic and other day-use areas normally

do not feature waste receptacles. Visitors must carry out their trash and are

encouraged to bring bags for such purposes.

Waste receptacles are normally provided only at campgrounds, lodges, group

camps, cabins and beach concessions.

Household, commercial or industrial refuse brought from private property

cannot be dumped in government refuse containers.

SWIMMING/BEACH USE

Swimming must be done in the designated beach area within the boundaries

marked by ropes, buoys or signs.

Swimmers may swim outside of the designated beach area under the

following conditions:

 Swimming must take place between sunrise and sunset.

 Swimmers must be accompanied by a person operating a vessel and must

stay within 20 feet of the vessel at all times during the swim.

 The vessel accompanying the swimmer must display a flag, which is at least

12-inches square, is bright orange and is visible all around the horizon.

 The person swimming must register with the park staff in charge of the area

and sign a registration immediately prior to the swim.

Unless otherwise posted as prohibited or limited to the designated beach

area, persons may swim within 10 feet of a vessel anchored not less than

100 yards from the shoreline or the marked boundary of a designated

beach area. All vessels, except those being uprighted or repaired, must be

attended at all times by at least one person remaining on board. Scuba

diving may occur outside of the designated beach area, provided the

divers flag is displayed as specified in rule 571-41.10 (462A).

Inner tubes, air mattresses and other beach toy-type items may be used

only in the beach areas.

Possession or use of glass or other breakable containers, fragments of which

could cause injuries, is prohibited within the designated beach areas.

At Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, located in Webster County, and

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, located in Linn County, swimming is

prohibited from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.

Animals are prohibited within the designated beach area.

TRAILS

Horseback riding and bicycle riding are restricted to state park and

recreation area roadways and designated and signed trails. Maps of the

state park and recreation area trails can be obtained from the park office.

Persons using the hiking trails are encouraged to stay on designated trails

for personal safety and to minimize impacts upon park natural resources.

ROCK CLIMBING OR RAPPELLING

Free climbing, and climbing or rappelling activity, which uses bolts,

pitons, or similar permanent anchoring equipment or ropes, harnesses, or

slings is prohibited in state parks and recreation areas, except by persons

or groups registered with the person in charge of the area. Individuals

participating with groups must each sign a registration form before

climbing or rappelling.

Climbing or rappelling is not permitted at: Ledges State Park, Boone

County; Dolliver State Park, Webster County; Wildcat Den State Park,

Muscatine County; Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Dubuque County;

Maquoketa Caves State Park, Jackson County; Elk Rock State Park, Marion

County, and Stone State Park, Woodbury and Plymouth counties.

FIREARMS, FIREWORKS, HUNTING

The use of firearms, fireworks, explosives or weapons of any kind is prohibited

in all state parks and preserves except as authorized by a permit issued by the

Iowa DNR. A bow and arrow with attached bow fishing reel and minimum

90-pound test line may be used to take rough fish in accordance with applicable

laws. State parks are wildlife refuges. Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

FIRES

Fires are permitted only in designated areas, or where fireplaces or fire rings are

provided. Fires must be extinguished when the campsite or picnic area is vacated.

METAL DETECTORS

Metal detector use is prohibited in state parks and recreation areas except in the

following areas:

1. Designated beach areas. From May 22 to September 7 inclusive each year,

metal detectors may be used on designated beach areas from 4:00 a.m.

to 11:00 a.m. each day. From September 8 to May 21 inclusive each year,

metal detectors may be used on designated beach areas from 4:00 a.m. to

10:30 p.m. each day.

2. Drained lakes. When an artificial lake has been drained or the water level

lowered for any reason, metal detector use may be allowed from 4:00

a.m. to 10:30 p.m. only after the lakebed has been thoroughly surveyed

for archaeological resources and a survey report has been completed and

approved by the State Historic Preservation Office. Please check with local

park staff to ensure this has been done.

Tools used for digging are limited to the following:

1. Probes not over 12-inches long, one-inch wide and one-quarter-inch thick.

2. A sand scoop or sieve not over 10 inches in diameter.

When digging is done to locate an item, the excavation shall be limited to three

inches square when using probes, and 10 inches in diameter when using sand

scoops or sieves. The disturbed area is to be restored as nearly as possible to its

original condition. A litter apron or bag is to be worn or carried during metal

detector use and litter dug up is to be disposed in approved trash containers.

All items found are subject to the provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 556F.

Owners of lost items may use a metal detector in areas where their use is

normally prohibited only upon special arrangement with the park ranger

or with the park manager in charge of the area. A written approval must be

granted before metal detector use may begin.

ROADS AND PARKING AREAS

All driving is confined to designated roadways and restricted to properly

registered motor vehicles. Bicycles, both manually operated and electrically

powered, are allowed on state highways but are subject to the same operational

standards as motor vehicles. The use of electric or battery-operated children’s

motorized toys, such as motor scooters or power wheels, do not meet the

definition of an authorized motor vehicle or device. Thus, they are not approved

for operation on Iowa’s highways, which include state park roads. Children’s

scooters and power wheel toys may be operated on a family’s individual

campsite(s), others’ campsites with permission, as well as in picnic and playground

areas so long as the toys are not causing damage to the area or jeopardizing either

the user’s or other’s safety. Electric personal assistive mobility devices may be

operated in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 321.235A of the Iowa Code.

Parking is allowed only in parking lots. Vehicles may not be left unattended on

any park drive, roadway or highway except in the case of an emergency.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

The following beverages can be consumed in state parks, rec areas and forests:

 Beer (with an alcohol content 6.25 percent or less by volume).

 High alcoholic-content beer with an alcohol content of not more than

15 percent by volume. Not more than 1.5 percent of the volume may

consist of alcohol derived from added flavors and other nonbeverage

ingredients containing alcohol. Added flavors and other nonbeverage

ingredients may not include added caffeine or other added stimulants.

 Wine with an alcohol content of 21.25 percent or less by volume.

 Canned cocktails, which are premixed and packaged in a metal can, with

an alcohol content of 15 percent or less by volume.

Drinking of these beverages is not permitted on roads or in parking areas.

Alcohol is not permitted on the beaches at Lake Macbride State Park and

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

Keg beer is not permitted in campgrounds, on beaches or in parking areas.

Persons wishing to hold a “kegger” or keg party in any other portion of a state

park are required to obtain a keg beer permit in advance. The permit requires

a minimum deposit of $100 and a responsibility agreement signed by a

designated agent. Contact the area park office for more details.

Hard liquor (such as whiskey, vodka, etc.), wine with an alcohol content of

more than 21.25 percent by volume, or other alcoholic liquors are not to be

consumed in parks and recreation areas.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited in public buildings. This includes toilet and shower

buildings and other facilities in state parks and recreation areas.

ANIMALS OR PETS

The use of horses, mules and other equine animals is limited to roadways or to

trails designated for such use. No horse or other animal shall be hitched or tied

to any tree or shrub, or in such a manner as to result in injury to state property.

Animals may be hitched to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and

saddling. Animals must be stabled inside a trailer, at a hitch rail or in stalls or

corrals, if provided. Portable stalls, pens or electric fences are not permitted.

Privately owned animals shall be kept on a leash with a maximum length of

six feet, or be kept confined. Animals are not allowed to run at large. Pets shall

not be left unattended in campgrounds.

Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated cabins/yurts.

All other cabins/yurts are pet-free. A limit of two dogs is allowed at each

designated dog-friendly cabin/yurt.

RESERVATION

GENERAL

INFORMATION

All cabins, day-use lodges, and most open shelter rentals are available to make

reservations on the centralized reservation system. In most parks, three-

quarters of campsites are available for camping reservations on the centralized

reservation system. Advance camping reservations are not accepted at Fort

Defiance and Preparation Canyon State Parks.

Making Reservations

Internet reservations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at

iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Credit card and debit cards backed by

Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted.

Telephone reservations are available 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST, Monday

through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST on Saturday and Sunday. The

phone center is closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

The toll-free number is (877) 427-2757. Credit/debit card, money order or paper

check is accepted for telephone reservations. Payments made by money order

or paper check must be received within 10 days from the date the reservation

was made.

Checks should be mailed to:

Iowa State Park Reservations

PO Box 310302

Minneapolis, MN 50331-0302

Customers should write their reservation number in the memo section of the

check to facilitate faster payment processing.

Reservation Transaction Fees

A nonrefundable reservation fee will be charged for each campsite, cabin,

lodge or open shelter reserved, regardless of the length of stay. (Example:

if a camper reserves three campsites, a reservation fee will be charged for

each of the three campsites.) Payment of all camping or rental fees plus the

reservation fee is due at the time the reservation is made.

 Internet reservation fee–$4.50

 Telephone reservation fee–$6

 Reservations can be changed for $5 online and $6.50 through phone center,

per reservation item.

 Reservations can be cancelled online for a $6 cancel fee, per reservation

item. (This service depends upon the date the reservation will be cancelled.)

 Reservations can be cancelled through the phone center for a $7

cancellation fee, per reservation item.

Depending upon the date of cancellation, forfeiture of camping/rental fees

may also apply.

When to Reserve

Campsites:

Reservations can be made three months in advance (count back three months

from the arrival date to determine opening window). For arrivals beginning

on May 29, 30 and 31, the opening window shall be March 1. For arrivals

beginning on July 31, the opening window shall be May 1.

If paying by credit/debit card, the last day to make a reservation is two days prior

to arrival, except at parks that accept same day reservations. If paying by check or

money order, the last day to make a reservation is 21 days prior to arrival.

Cabins, Lodges, and Shelters:

Reservations can be made 12 months in advance. Count back 12 months from

the arrival date to know how early you can reserve.

 Peak Season Rentals (May 1 to October 15) – If paying by credit/debit card,

the last day to make a reservation is 4 days prior to arrival. If paying by check

or money order, the last day to make a reservation is 21 days prior to arrival.

 Off-Season Rentals (October 16 to April 30) – If paying by credit/debit card,

the last day to make a reservation is 7 days prior to arrival. If paying by check

or money order, the last day to make a reservation is 21 days prior to arrival.

Changing a Reservation

Reservation changes can include change of arrival/departure date (with

limitations), entire trip dates (must be within reservation window), switching

from one cabin/campsite to another, etc.

Please be aware that for a single camping reservation stay or lodge rental, the

arrival date cannot be changed to a later date without losing the reservation.

However, you may change your reservation arrival to an earlier date.

A change fee ($5 online; $6.50 through phone center) will be charged to

make a change to each reservation item. The fee is not covered by the original

reservation transaction fee paid.

The last day to change any reservation if paying by check or money order is 21

days prior to arrival. The last day to change a camping reservation if paying by

credit/debit card is 4 days prior to arrival. The last day to change a cabin, lodge,

or shelter rental if paying by credit/debit card is 15 days prior to arrival.

Cancellation Policy

A cancellation fee per campsite or rental facility will be charged for all

cancellations ($6 online; $7 through phone center). The fee will be deducted

from the camping/rental fees paid. The fee is not covered by the original

reservation fee. Reservation fees are nonrefundable.

Cancellations taking place after the arrival date will result in no refund unless

extenuating circumstances have been approved by the Iowa Department of

Natural Resources (DNR).

Anytime the cancellation fee and forfeiture amounts exceed the total amount

of camping/rental fees paid, you will not receive any refund and the Iowa DNR

will not collect any additional money.

Camping:

Cancellations received up to 2 days before the camping arrival date will receive

a refund of camping fees paid. The cancellation fee will apply which will be

deducted from the camping fees paid.

Cancellations received 1 day before the camping arrival date will result in a

cancellation fee charge and forfeiture of 1 night’s camping fee. All remaining

camping fees will be refunded.

Cancellations received the day of the scheduled camping arrival will result in a

cancellation fee charge and forfeiture of 2 nights’ camping fees. All remaining

camping fees will be returned.

Cabins/Lodges/Shelters:

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to the reservation arrival date will result in a

refund of the rental fees and tax paid less the cancellation fee.

Cancellations which occur 15-29 days prior to the reservation arrival date

will result in a refund of rental fees and tax paid less the cancellation fee and

forfeiture of one day’s/night’s rental fee and tax.

Cancellations that occur less than 15 days prior to the reservation arrival date,

up to the arrival date, will result in a refund of rental fees and tax paid less the

cancellation fee and forfeiture of two days’/nights’ rental fee and tax.

CAMPING GENERAL INFORMATION

Camping is permitted in designated campgrounds only. All campers must

will occupy the camping unit for the full term of the registration. Campers may

stay in a state park, recreation area or state forest for more than 14 consecutive

nights. Campers at Lake Manawa and Walnut Woods State Park may not camp

more than 14 nights in any 30-day period. Campsites are considered occupied

and registration complete when a registration slip has been placed in the

campsite post and payment completed.

Campers are furnished with an area to camp, drinking water (where available)

and sanitary facilities. The use of one picnic table per camping unit is permitted.

Camping units can use only the electric hook-up designated for their site.

Extension cords cannot run from one site to another. Each camping unit is

allowed to park one vehicle not being used for camping purposes at their site.

Some parks allow a second vehicle to be parked at a campsite and is posted at

the campground. All other non-camping vehicles must immediately be placed

outside the campground in specially designated parking lots.

One basic camping unit is allowed per site except that a small tent or hammock

may be placed on the site with the basic unit. The area occupied by the small

tent shall be no more than eight feet by ten feet and the tent shall hold no more

than four people.

No more than six persons shall occupy a campsite except the following:

 Families that exceed six persons may be allowed on one campsite if all

members are immediate family and cannot logically be split to occupy

two campsites.

 Campsites that are designated as chaperoned, organized youth group

campsites.

Campers on first-come, first-served sites must vacate or re-register by 3:00 p.m.

on their last day. Check-in time for reservable and walk-in campsites is 4:00 p.m.

Check-out time is 3:00 p.m.

Modern campgrounds are camping areas that have showers and flush toilets.

These campgrounds may or may not have electrical campsites and full hookup

campsites. Nonmodern campgrounds are camping areas that do not provide

showers and provide only pit-type latrines or flush-type toilets. Water and

electrical campsites may or may not be available in these areas. For more

information about campsites, please visit the online reservation system at

www.iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com

CAMPING RESERVATION INFORMATION

From November 1 through March 31 each year, campers may not make

reservations for camping stays due to unpredictable weather. Check before you

go to see if a campground is open in the off season. The exceptions are:

Ambrose A Call (April 15–November 15), Clear Lake (April 1–November 30),

Lake Ahquabi (March 1–November 30), Lake Manawa (April 15–October

15), Ledges (March 1–November 30), Lewis and Clark (April 1–October 31),

Maquoketa Caves (March 1–November 30), Pikes Peak (March 1–November 30),

Pleasant Creek (April 1–November 30), and Wilson Island (April 15–October 15).

From May 1 to October 31, campers are required to stay a minimum of two

nights (Friday and Saturday) for a weekend stay. A minimum three-night stay

is required for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, Fourth of July Holiday

(when July 4 is on a Monday) and the Labor Day Holiday weekend. From

November 1 to April 30, there is no minimum stay required.

Camping rates can be found online at: iowadnr.gov/stateparks

Federal passes (Senior Pass and Access Pass), which may provide discounts

for camping at federal parks and recreational lands, are not honored in Iowa

state parks, recreation areas and state forest campgrounds.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR FIRST-COME, FIRST-

SERVED CAMPSITES AND WALK-IN CAMPING ON UNRENTED

RESERVABLE CAMPSITES

All state park, recreation area and forest campgrounds incorporate a self-

registration procedure. Instructions are posted at depositories located at

campground entrances. Campers must register within one-half hour of entering

the campground. Walk-in campers may occupy an unrented reservable

campsite beginning at 10:00 a.m. and may register on a night-to-night basis

only. This is due to the rolling reservation window for reservable campsites.

Walk-in campers should check the arrival roster daily at the kiosk or check-in

station for reservable campsite availability. Exceptions to this are at parks that

accept same day reservations.

CHAPERONED ORGANIZED YOUTH GROUP CAMPSITES

Most parks have a designated “chaperoned organized youth group

campsite(s),” which is available for use by chaperoned organized youth groups

only. Groups may reserve these campsites three months in advance. There is

no two-night minimum stay required for these campsites. Campground rates

can be viewed online at: iowadnr.gov/stateparks

Campsite capacity varies from park to park and site to site. It is recommended

that you contact the park office if you have any questions about campsite

amenities available and any restrictions regarding the number of tents allowed.

LAKE KEOMAH GROUP CAMP

The dining/restroom building and adjacent camping space are available for

reservation by organized groups. A rental fee for the building and applicable

camping fees apply. A reservation deposit of $40 is required. A damage

deposit of $50 is due upon arrival for the rental period. The total remaining

rental fee plus tax is due when the rental period is completed.

The dining/restroom building may be rented for day-use only for a fee of $90

per day plus tax, only if the park’s day-use lodge is not available that day.

In this situation, the entire rental fee plus tax is due when the reservation is

made, and a $50 damage deposit is due upon arrival for the rental period.

Reservations may be made starting the first business day after January 1, with

organized youth groups having priority on reservations.

CABIN AND YURT RENTALS

Cabins and yurts may be reserved 12 months in advance. Cabin and yurt

registration must be in the name of a person aged 18 or older who will occupy the

cabin for the full term of the registration.

Multifamily Cabins - Springbrook State Park

The two-story, 4+ bedroom cabin has a full kitchen, full baths, heating and air

conditioning, and fireplaces. The cabin accommodates 10-12 people.

Deluxe Family Cabins - Backbone and Black Hawk State Parks

These 2-story, 2- or 4-bedroom cabins have full kitchens, full baths and heating

and air conditioning for year-round use. The cabins accommodate nine people.

Modern Family Cabins - Backbone, Lake Darling, Lake Wapello, Nine Eagles,

Palisades-Kepler, Pine Lake, Union Grove and Waubonsie State Parks

These cabins have either one, two or three bedrooms, full kitchens or kitchenettes,

full baths, and heating and air conditioning. Some cabins are available year-round.

Studio Family Cabins - Lacey-Keosauqua, Lake of Three Fires, Pine Lake and

Waubonsie State Parks

These cabins have an open floor plan (no bedrooms), full kitchen or kitchenette,

full bath and heating and air conditioning. The cabins accommodate four people.

Some of the cabins are available year-round.

Basic Family Cabins - Dolliver State Park

These cabins have an open floor plan (no bedrooms), running water and

kitchenette. They are located near a campground (with sanitary facilities) and

accommodate four people.

Family cabin renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, toiletry

items, dishes and some cleaning items such as paper towels, dish soap, etc.

Family cabins are equipped with electricity, water, refrigerator, stove or cook-

top range and microwaves. A fire ring or grill and picnic table are also provided

outside each cabin.

Camping Cabins - Green Valley, Honey Creek, Lake Darling, Prairie Rose,

Stone and Waubonsie State Parks, and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

These cabins have an open floor plan, electricity and are located near

campgrounds. Some cabins have a microwave and dorm-size refrigerator and

heating and air conditioning. They do not have water or sanitary facilities but

renters may use the campground sanitary facilities. Renters must provide their

own bedding, pillows, towels, etc.

Yurts - McIntosh Woods State Park

Yurts are circular tent-like structures on a platform with windows and a front

door. They do not have kitchenettes, running water or sanitary facilities;

however, a restroom/shower is located within 100 feet of yurts.

Yurts and camping cabins are equipped with electricity, futons, bunk beds,

table and chairs, outdoor fire ring or grill and picnic table outdoors. Renters

must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, etc.

Tents in camping cabin/yurt areas

Tents are not allowed in the cabin areas except at Green Valley, Lake Darling

(camping cabins only), Pleasant Creek and Prairie Rose. One small tent, no

larger than 8’ x 10’ in size, may be placed at each cabin site so long as the

persons occupying the second unit are under 18 years of age and dependent

members of the immediate family occupying the cabin.

CABIN/YURT RESERVATION INFORMATION

Multifamily cabins must be rented for a minimum of two nights throughout

the entire rental season. A three-night stay is required for the Memorial Day

holiday, Fourth of July holiday and Labor Day holiday weekends. All deluxe,

modern and studio family cabins must be rented for a minimum one-week

stay from the Friday of the national Memorial Day holiday weekend through

the Thursday evening after the national Labor Day holiday. Cabins may not be

reserved for more than two weeks. Basic family cabins, camping cabins and

yurts are available for a two-night minimum reservation any time of year. Vacant

cabins are rented for less than one week (two-night minimum) on a first-come,

first-serve basis.

A damage deposit equal to the daily rental rate or $50, whichever is greater, is

required upon arrival for a rental period. The damage deposit will be returned

upon verification of the satisfactory care of the cabin and its contents by park staff.

The rental week begins and ends on Friday. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and

check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

Persons reserving cabins/yurts should refer to the confirmation letter received

after the reservation has been made or refer to the alerts available on the

reservation system regarding the check-in procedures and payment of the

damage deposit.

CABIN AND YURT RATES

Cabin rates can be found online at: iowadnr.gov/stateparks

Occupancy Limits Normal Maximum

Four-bedroom Cabins 10-12 people 14

Two-bedroom Cabins 6-9 people 11

One-bedroom Cabins 4 people 4-6

Studio Cabins 2-4 people 4

Camping Cabins and Yurts 4 people 4-6

Two-bedroom Camping Cabins 6-10 people 12

LODGES

Lodges may be reserved 12 months in advance. Renters wishing to decorate

the facility the day before must also rent the lodge for that day. All lodge

registrations must be in the name of a person aged 18 or older who will be

present for the full term of the registration.

A damage deposit equal to the weekend daily rental fee is required upon

arrival for a rental. Some parks may require the damage deposit be mailed

in advance. This information can be found on the reservation website at:

iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. The damage deposit will be returned

upon verification of the satisfactory care of the lodge and its contents by

park staff.

Persons may access the lodge beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Persons may

make prior arrangements with local park staff to enter the lodge before 10:00

a.m. The lodge must be cleaned and vacated by 10:30 p.m.

There are 29 lodges available for rent, which are ideal for gatherings such as

family reunions. Facilities normally include electricity, water, flush toilets and

a kitchen. These facilities are for day-use only. Lodge rental rates are available

online at iowadnr.gov/stateparks

OPEN SHELTERS

Open picnic shelters may be reserved 12 months in advance for group use,

and must be in the name of a person aged 18 or older who will be present

for the full term of the reservation. Shelter rentals rates can be found online

at iowadnr.gov/stateparks

Most open shelters rent for $30 if no electricity is available and $35 if

electricity is available, per day plus tax.

Open shelters with kitchenettes, available at Elinor Bedell, Geode,

Lake Manawa and Viking Lake, each rent for $125 per day plus tax.

Beach house open shelters rent for $50 per day plus tax. These shelters are

located at Lake Ahquabi and Springbrook state parks.

Beach cabanas are available at Big Creek State Park (9) and Brushy Creek

State Recreation Area (4). Each has a maximum capacity of 10 and rents for

$25 per day plus tax.

Large open shelters are available at Big Creek State Park (3), Brushy Creek

State Recreation Area (1) and Lake Manawa State Park (1). Each has a

maximum capacity of 165, and rents for $125 per day plus tax. Each shelter

has an adjacent modern restroom facility.

To view photos of cabins, shelters and other rental facilities, or to make a

reservation, visit iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call

1-877-IAPARKS (427-2757).

KEG BEER PERMITS

Persons or groups desiring to consume beer dispensed from a keg (or other

container holding more than one gallon) in state parks and recreation

areas are required to have a keg beer permit. Permits must be requested

through the park office at least 30 days prior to the event taking place. Keg

beer may not be consumed in state park, state forest and recreation area

campgrounds, beach areas and parking areas.

A damage deposit of $100 per 100 or fewer persons is required. The keg

beer damage deposit may be waived for lodge rentals if the lodge rental

damage deposit is greater than the keg beer damage deposit amount.

SUPERVISED SWIMMING

Parks with supervised swimming areas have a beach facility that includes

a beach house. The concessionaire may charge a fee for swimming, which

varies from park to park.

STATE PARK OR RECREATION AREA NUMBER

Ambrose A. Call...................................................................641-581-4835

Backbone............................................................................... 563-924-2527

Badger Creek........................................................................ 515-285-4502

Banner Lakes at Summerset........................................... 515-961-7101

Beeds Lake ............................................................................ 641-456-2047

Bellevue ................................................................................. 563-872-4019

Big Creek................................................................................ 515-984-6473

Black Hawk............................................................................ 712-657-8712

Brushy Creek ........................................................................ 515-543-8298

Brush Creek Canyon Preserve ........................................ 563-425-4161

Cedar Rock............................................................................ 319-934-3572

Clear Lake.............................................................................. 641-357-4212

Dolliver Memorial............................................................... 515-359-2539

Elinor Bedell ......................................................................... 712-337-3211

Elk Rock.................................................................................. 641-842-6008

Fairport................................................................................... 563-263-4337

Fort Defiance........................................................................ 712-337-3211

Geode ..................................................................................... 319-392-4601

George Wyth ........................................................................ 319-232-5505

Green Valley.......................................................................... 641-782-5131

Gull Point Complex*.......................................................... 712-337-3211

Honey Creek.........................................................................641-724-3739

Honey Creek Resort........................................................... 877-677-3344

Lacey-Keosauqua ............................................................... 319-293-3502

Lake Ahquabi....................................................................... 515-961-7101

Lake Anita.............................................................................. 712-762-3564

Lake Darling ......................................................................... 319-694-2323

Lake Keomah........................................................................ 641-673-6975

Lake Macbride ..................................................................... 319-624-2200

Lake Manawa ...................................................................... 712-366-0220

Lake of Three Fires.............................................................. 712-523-2700

Lake Wapello ........................................................................ 641-722-3371

Ledges .................................................................................... 515-432-1852

Lewis and Clark ................................................................... 712-423-2829

Maquoketa Caves...............................................................563-652-5833

Marble Beach ....................................................................... 712-337-3211

McIntosh Woods ................................................................. 641-829-3847

Mines of Spain ..................................................................... 563-556-0620

Nine Eagles ........................................................................... 641-442-2855

Okamanpeden..................................................................... 712-337-3211

Palisades-Kepler.................................................................. 319-895-6039

Pikes Peak .............................................................................563-873-2341

Pilot Knob.............................................................................. 641-581-4835

Pine Lake................................................................................641-858-5832

Pleasant Creek..................................................................... 319-436-7716

Preparation Canyon...........................................................712-456-2924

Prairie Rose ...........................................................................712-773-2701

Red Haw................................................................................. 641-774-5632

Rice Lake................................................................................ 641/581-4835

Rock Creek ............................................................................ 641/236-3722

Shimek Forest Campground .......................................... 319/878-3811

Springbrook ......................................................................... 641/747-3591

Stephens Forest Campground....................................... 641/774-5632

Stone....................................................................................... 712-255-4698

Twin Lakes............................................................................. 712-297-7131

Union Grove ......................................................................... 641-473-2556

Viking Lake............................................................................ 712-829-2235

Volga River ............................................................................ 563-425-4161

Walnut Woods ..................................................................... 515-285-4502

Wapsipinicon ....................................................................... 319-462-2761

Waubonsie ............................................................................ 712-382-2786

Wildcat Den ......................................................................... 563-263-4337

Wilson Island…. .................................................................. 712-642-2069

Yellow River Forest Campground ................................. 563-586-2254

*Gull Point includes Clair Wilson, Emerson Bay and Lighthouse, Lower Gar Access,

Marble Beach, Mini-Wakan, Pikes Point, Templar Park, Trappers Bay

STATE PARKS MANAGED BY OTHER ENTITIES

Several state park areas are managed by county conservation boards. Please

contact those offices for more information on recreational opportunities,

regulations and fees.

Bobwhite ................................. Wayne Co ..................................................... ..... 641-872-2004

Browns Lake ........................... Woodbury Co.................................................... 712-258-0838

Cold Springs ........................... Cass Co ................................................................ 712-243-6665

Crystal Lake.............................. Hancock Co........................................................ 641-923-2720

Eagle Lake ............................... Hancock Co........................................................ 641-923-2720

Echo Valley .............................. Fayette Co........................................................... 563-422-5146

Frank A Gotch ........................ Humbolt Co ....................................................... 515-332-4087

Galland School ....................... Lee Co .................................................................. 319-463-7673

Heery Woods........................... Butler Co ............................................................. 319-278-4237

Kearny........................................ City of Emmetsburg........................................ 712-852-4030

Lake Cornelia........................... Wright Co............................................................ 515-532-3185

Lake Odessa Campground

(Snively Access)...................... Louisa Co........................................................ .... 319-523-8381

Margo Frankel Woods ......... Saylorville Township....................................... 515-289-1428

Oak Grove................................. Sioux Co .............................................................. 712-552-1047

Pammel .................................... Madison Co........................................................ 515-462-3536

Pioneer...................................... Mitchell Co......................................................... 641-732-5204

Sharon Bluffs ........................... Appanoose Co .................................................. 641-856-8528

Silver Lake ................................ Worth Co............................................................. 641-324-1524

Spring Lake.............................. Greene Co........................................................... 515-386-5674

Swan Lake............................... Carroll Co.............................................................712-792-4614

Equal Opportunity

Federal and state regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,

sex or disability. State law also prohibits discrimination on the basis of creed, sexual orientation,

gender identity, religion, pregnancy or public accommodation. If you believe that you have

been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or for more

information, write: Director, DNR, 6200 Park Ave Ste 200, Des Moines IA 50321 or the

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, DC 20240.

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