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Peak camping season begins May 1

Peak camping season begins May 1

  • 4/30/2024 11:44:00 AM
  • View Count 2091
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.
Gull Point State Park lodge and shelter to open for 2024

Gull Point State Park lodge and shelter to open for 2024

  • 3/12/2024 11:39:00 AM
  • View Count 2753
OKOBOJI – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is opening the Gull Point State Park lodge and shelter for reservations, starting March 20. The facilities were initially closed for the 2024 season due to a planned renovation project, including upgrades to roads and campsite infrastructure. That project is on hold due to construction delays.
Reminder to check DNR website before visiting parks, campgrounds

Reminder to check DNR website before visiting parks, campgrounds

  • 5/11/2020 1:55:00 PM
  • View Count 3034
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.
Campers ready for Labor Day weekend

Campers ready for Labor Day weekend

  • 8/29/2017 1:15:00 PM
  • View Count 3935
The unofficial end of the summer holiday remains one of the more popular weekends during the peak camping season.  Most of the campsites with electricity in Iowa state parks have been snapped up for weeks ahead of the Labor Day weekend.
Let the camping season begin

Let the camping season begin

  • 4/11/2017 12:28:00 PM
  • View Count 5700
Warming temperatures and other signs of spring have state park staff busy preparing for the start of the 2017 camping season.
Five reasons to rent an Iowa State Parks cabin in the off-season

Five reasons to rent an Iowa State Parks cabin in the off-season

  • 3/10/2017 1:13:00 PM
  • View Count 23315
Have you ever considered staying in a cabin in Iowa state parks? We offer more than 90 cabins in 19 parks across the state. Here are five reasons why you might want to book now and stay in a cabin before Memorial Day:
Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

  • 2/21/2017 3:11:00 PM
  • View Count 7154
The three-month window to reserve a state park campsite for a Friday arrival on Memorial Day weekend opens this Sunday, Feb. 26. More than a few campers will plan their arrival for the weekend before Memorial Day and stay through the holiday, which means their window is open now.
Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

  • 12/7/2016 10:23:00 AM
  • View Count 5313
The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of trails for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife watching. And many of the parks have great ice fishing lakes.
Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

  • 10/18/2016 12:27:00 PM
  • View Count 3930
Are you responsible for planning your holiday get-together or company party? Need a place to host it? You might want to check out several state park lodges open year-round.
Sometimes Procrastination Pays Off

Sometimes Procrastination Pays Off

  • 8/23/2016 1:43:00 PM
  • View Count 12136
Have you been intending to get away with summer, but never quite found the time, or didn’t get a reservation far enough in advance? If you can find time this weekend, eight Iowa state parks have cabins available, including the brand new modern cabins at Lake Darling, and popular CCC cabins at Pine Lake and Backbone.
Camping Season is Underway

Camping Season is Underway

  • 5/24/2016 1:27:00 PM
  • View Count 6563
Many Iowa campers have already taken advantage of this spring’s beautiful camping weather, and many more will join them at the end of the week. Anxious campers are going through their equipment and checking supplies, preparing for the Memorial Day weekend and kickoff to summer. Likewise, state park staff is going through the final stages of prep work for its peak camping season. Iowa’s state parks expect to host more than 900,000 overnight stays and nearly 15 million day visits this year.
Fourth of July Campsite Reservations Open Soon

Fourth of July Campsite Reservations Open Soon

  • 3/22/2016 8:30:00 AM
  • View Count 4676
Campers anxious to reserve spots for the Fourth of July weekend should mark April 1 on their calendars, when reservations for a Friday arrival open.
Memorial Weekend Campsites Soon Available for Reservations

Memorial Weekend Campsites Soon Available for Reservations

  • 2/16/2016 8:10:00 AM
  • View Count 4521
The three month window to reserve a state park campsite for a Friday arrival on Memorial Day weekend opens Saturday, Feb. 27. More than a few campers will plan their arrival for the weekend before Memorial Day and stay through the holiday, which means their window will open Saturday, Feb. 20.
Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

  • 12/5/2014 5:16:00 AM
  • View Count 11474
From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.