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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: campReturn

Busy Labor Day weekend expected on Iowa waters and at state parks

• 8/27/2024 11:50:00 AM
• View Count 4945

DES MOINES – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans to their state parks and waterways.

DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

• 6/25/2024 11:33:00 AM
• View Count 2996

DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers.

Help protect Iowa’s forests - Leave firewood at home

• 5/21/2024 3:34:00 PM
• View Count 2445

Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

Peak camping season begins May 1

• 4/30/2024 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 2058

Iowa state parks and forest staff are busy preparing for the summer camping season, turning on water, sprucing up campgrounds and freshening up bathroom, cabin, lodge and shelter facilities.

Urban Forestry awards recognize local dedication to trees and outreach

• 3/26/2024 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 2677

DES MOINES – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective communities.

Spend your summer in a state park as a campground host!

• 3/22/2024 10:46:00 AM
• View Count 2151

Several Iowa state parks are still looking for campground hosts for the 2024 season.

Public invited to meeting discussing campground renovations at Brushy Creek

• 3/19/2024 3:10:00 PM
• View Count 2449

LEHIGH, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host an open house on April 9, to discuss upcoming campground improvements at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, near Lehigh.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 1/30/2024 11:40:00 AM
• View Count 12497

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Pikes Peak State Park campground to open July 27

• 7/25/2023 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 3210

MCGREGOR – The Iowa DNR is re-opening the newly renovated Pikes Peak State Park campground on July 27. Campers will enjoy upgraded camping amenities, along with the ability to make same-day reservations at all campsites.

DNR Creating Plans to Improve Amenities at Gull Point State Park

• 7/21/2023 4:40:00 PM
• View Count 4085

MILFORD -- The Iowa DNR is in the early planning stages of a renovation plan at Gull Point State Park to re-pave park roads, upgrade the campground, install a new flush bathroom and improve accessibility.

DNR investigating drowning on Mississippi River

• 7/18/2023 11:41:00 AM
• View Count 3076

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating an apparent drowning on July 14 on the Mississippi River near Buffalo Shores.

Lake Ahquabi State Park campground to open July 20

• 7/18/2023 11:35:00 AM
• View Count 4563

INDIANOLA – The Iowa DNR is re-opening the newly renovated Lake Ahquabi State Park campground on July 20. Campers will enjoy upgraded camping amenities, along with the ability to make same-day reservations at all campsites.

Help protect Iowa’s forests - leave firewood at home

• 5/23/2023 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 2638

Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

Urban Forestry awards recognize local dedication to trees and outreach

• 4/11/2023 2:29:00 PM
• View Count 3164

DES MOINES – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective communities. 

April 21-23 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop now accepting registrations

• 2/28/2023 1:31:00 PM
• View Count 3312

Registration is now open for the April 21-23 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, near Solon.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 1/24/2023 11:56:00 AM
• View Count 13223

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Campground hosts needed for 2023 recreation season

• 11/22/2022 11:40:00 AM
• View Count 9092

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Lake Manawa State Park opens new campground

• 6/28/2022 3:18:00 PM
• View Count 4880

COUNCIL BLUFFS – The new campground at Lake Manawa State Park has opened.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 3/22/2022 12:48:00 PM
• View Count 3683

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season. 

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 12/7/2021 1:49:00 PM
• View Count 5294

Campground hosts general duties include greeting visitors, assisting campers checking in and with reservations, cleaning bathrooms, light maintenance and administrative duties, acting as a liaison between campers and DNR staff and answering questions and disseminating information to campers.

Urban Forestry awards recognize local dedication to trees and outreach

• 4/13/2021 1:14:00 PM
• View Count 2607

DES MOINES, Iowa – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective communities. Awards were presented virtually on April 8, on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

Campground hosts still needed for 2021 recreation season at five state parks

• 4/6/2021 12:40:00 PM
• View Count 6137

The Iowa DNR is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season at five state parks and forests.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 1/26/2021 12:07:00 PM
• View Count 6432

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Busy Labor Day weekend expected on Iowa waters and at state parks

• 9/2/2020 12:37:00 PM
• View Count 4214

DES MOINES, Iowa – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans out to their state parks and waterways.

Iowa Outdoors Expo goes virtual

• 8/25/2020 1:36:00 PM
• View Count 2580

The Iowa Outdoor Expo has gone virtual this year, and extended the opportunity to learn about the outdoors for the entire month of September.

Virtual Outdoor Cooking Series

• 8/19/2020 7:07:00 AM
• View Count 2549

The Iowa Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program is hosting three outdoor cooking classes virtually where participants are encouraged to cook along with the instructors. Classes will be held Sept. 14, Oct. 5 and 19 and there is no fee to participate.

Iowa offers She Goes Outdoors subscription boxes

• 8/4/2020 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 2969

A project between natural resources agencies in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, Becoming an Outdoors Women, and Women in the Outdoors have created an opportunity for ladies to purchase outdoor subscription boxes.

8 steps to building a better campfire

• 7/15/2020 11:12:00 AM
• View Count 9254

Camping isn’t complete without the fire, but getting it started doesn’t have to be a tricky process. Here are some tips to build a successful fire: 

DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

• 7/1/2020 12:26:00 PM
• View Count 4206

DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers. The DNR along with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Polk County Health Department are partnering to share some safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend.

Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks

• 5/20/2020 11:47:00 AM
• View Count 15125

DES MOINES, IA -- Iowa state parks will open modern restrooms, shower buildings and cabins starting Friday, May 22 in time for Memorial Day weekend. This means campgrounds will be open for all campers, including RVs, pop-ups and tent camping. Youth group campsites will remain closed.

Reminder to check DNR website before visiting parks, campgrounds

• 5/11/2020 1:55:00 PM
• View Count 3019

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As campgrounds begin opening up today to walk-in, first come, first served, campers with self-contained restrooms, and visitors continue to take advantage of state parks, the DNR is encouraging everyone to check the DNR website for temporary closures before traveling to any of these areas.

Governor’s new proclamation opens campgrounds May 8

• 5/6/2020 4:56:00 PM
• View Count 58592

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Today, Governor Reynolds issued a new proclamation opening campgrounds in the state of Iowa, effective Friday, May 8, 2020. 

Get Ready for “Camp-In Kickoff,” May 1-3

• 4/28/2020 3:23:00 PM
• View Count 5966

DES MOINES ⎯ Iowa state parks invite you to celebrate Camp-In Kickoff by enjoying the outdoors your way this weekend.

New changes for Iowa state parks due to COVID-19; campgrounds close

• 4/7/2020 2:05:00 PM
• View Count 18675

With the latest closures by Governor Reynolds to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa, we are announcing new changes to park operations, including the closing of campgrounds for recreational use through April 30, 2020.

Governor Reynolds orders campgrounds, cabins, yurts and playgrounds close temporarily

• 4/6/2020 12:23:00 PM
• View Count 10569

DES MOINES, Iowa - In a proactive effort to prevent further spread of Covid-19, this morning Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation closing all public campgrounds, cabins and yurts temporarily, as well as all outdoor playgrounds through April 30. 

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 2/4/2020 12:38:00 PM
• View Count 12178

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

DNR to host open house on future planning at Dolliver Memorial State Park

• 11/13/2019 11:37:00 AM
• View Count 2165

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the group camp at Dolliver Memorial State Park.

DNR to host open house on site of former Camp Aldersgate

• 10/22/2019 3:52:00 PM
• View Count 3085

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the building site at the former Camp Aldersgate.

Iowa DNR to host open house about former Camp Tahigwa

• 10/15/2019 11:47:00 AM
• View Count 3990

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the building site at the former Camp Tahigwa.

Strong storms in northeast Iowa cause flooding, closures at Yellow River State Forest

• 9/19/2019 2:30:00 PM
• View Count 2607

HARPERS FERRY, Iowa – Flash flooding has forced closures at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds and trails. 

Strong storms in northeast Iowa cause flooding, closures at Yellow River State Forest

• 9/16/2019 8:12:00 AM
• View Count 2578

HARPERS FERRY, Iowa – Flash flooding has forced closures at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds and trails.

Peak camping season extended at seven campgrounds

• 7/23/2019 12:38:00 PM
• View Count 3037

DES MOINES — The Iowa DNR is extending its peak camping season to mid-October at seven campgrounds as an effort to improve park management at some of Iowa’s most popular camping destinations. 

Looking for an outdoor activity for your kids this summer?

• 5/2/2019 10:27:00 AM
• View Count 3068

The University of Iowa is hosting wildlife day camps in several state parks this summer, and there's still time to sign up! 

14 state parks to host University of Iowa Wildlife Camps

• 4/30/2019 11:43:00 AM
• View Count 4871

This summer, the University of Iowa is partnering with 14 Iowa state parks to host Wildlife Camps for kids across the state.  

Iowa state parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

• 4/30/2019 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 2402

Iowa state parks invite campers to visit this weekend and help celebrate Camping Kick-Off, May 3 – 5.

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