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ATV rider looking at posted maps within an OHV park


Off-Highway Vehicles in Iowa

Many Iowans enjoy riding Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) for recreation. Iowa has several designated OHV riding areas, many of which are managed by local clubs, associations or municipal/county governments. The DNR provides law enforcement assistance for these areas. Riders should familiarize themselves with the laws and follow safety guidelines for off-highway vehicle use in Iowa to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.


Rules and Regulations

Off Highway Vehicle Reference Guide

 

Resident machines must display a valid, current Iowa DNR registration decal and the registration certificate must be on the operator or machine to operate on public land or a designated riding area.

 

Nonresident machines must display a valid Iowa DNR nonresident user permit on the machine. If the home state requires registration, this must also be displayed on the machine to operate on public land or a designated riding area.

 

Operation on roadways:

 

 

Rules for Designated riding Areas

 

 

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Use on State Park Roadways

 

Alerts and Closures

Designated riding areas are open year round. Alerts are only posted when limited use or closure is required.

Search for Park: Sort Reverse
Rathbun OHV Park - Appanoose County
  • Park Status: PARK OPEN BUT USE IS LIMITED
  • Reason:Some trails are closed due to tree hazards
  • Details:
  • Posted: 12/24/2024 6:26:54 AM
 
River Valley OHV Park - Pottawattamie County
  • Park Status: PARK CLOSED
  • Reason:Major construction project
  • Details: Construction on the levee will impact public access and parking in 2024-2025. This closure alert will be updated with any changes in park status.
  • Posted: 6/10/2024 10:35:44 AM
 

Online ATV Course

 

Iowa ATV Safety Course - Get Started Now

 

 

Operators of all-terrain vehichles (ATV) in the state of Iowa (resident as well as nonresident) who are ages 12 through 17 are required to have taken, and passed, an ATV education course and have an education certificate in their possession when riding on public land, public ice, and designated riding areas, if these areas are signed open to ATV use.

 

Iowa's Designated Riding Areas




Visit our Recreational Dealer Registration page to learn more about becoming an OHV dealer and to find the appropriate application.

Economic Impact of OHV Recreation in Iowa

The Iowa DNR executed a contract with the University of Tennessee to complete a survey of registered off highway vehicle (OHV) owners in Iowa. The survey was administered through mail and email between August and October of 2022. The purpose of the survey was to gather information on patterns of OHV use in Iowa.


Bluff Creek OHV Park

Bluff Creek OHV Park

Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.

 

  Google Map - Bluff Creek OHV Park

 

1625 325th St. Eddyville, Iowa
Managed by Iowa Partners of NOHVCC
Dale Witzenberg, 641-670-0240
Open to ATV and Off-road Motorcycle (ORM) Use

 

Located in Mahaska County southwest of Oskaloosa, this 350-acre park is an abandoned coal mine that has been developed into a riding area. There are approximately 20 miles of trails, steep hill climbs, deep pits, and four motocross tracks. One track is dedicated to novice and beginner riders. One track is extremely challenging and is often called the "gravity cavity".

The park is open year round, but is closed when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.

Thirteen primitive camping sites are available, with flush toilets, shower stalls, and water spigots.

 The park is not currently signed open to ORV, or side-by-side, use.

Amenities Within park:
Camping - Nonelectric, Fishing, Parking, Picnic Shelter, Restrooms, Showers

River Valley OHV Park

Council Bluffs, Iowa
Managed by the DNR

THE PARK REMAINS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

 

 

Tama County OHV Park

Tama OHV Park

Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.

 

226 S State St, Tama, Iowa
Managed by Club S.P.O.R.T.
http://www.clubsporttama.com/

Open to ATV, ORM, and ORV Use

 

This 300-acre park is located in Tama County which features tight, wooded trails with some hills, a 15-mile perimeter trail, a kids' track, and a motocross track. Camping features 10 electric campsites and 13 primitive campsites.

Park is open year round, except when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.

Gypsum City OHV Park

Gypsum OHV Park

Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.

Gypsum City Information

  Gypsum City Trails Map [PDF]   Gypsum City Campground Reservations

 

2390 Mill Road, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Managed by Webster County Conservation Board
515-576-4258
Open to ATV, ORM, and ORV Use

The Gypsum City OHV Park is located on the southeast corner of Fort Dodge. The park is approximately 800 acres in size and includes 60 miles of trails for use by ATVs, side-by-sides, and off-road motorcycles. The park also includes a 1.5 mile motocross track, a .4 mile kids' track, and a beginner circle track. Trails within the park range from open prairie for novice riders to heavily timbered areas for more advanced riders and include water crossings and mudding areas. Trailhead signs within the park will indicate what machines are allowed on certain trails.

An informational kiosk is located in the parking lot and at each phase entrance to help riders navigate the park. Some trails in the park have been closed and rerouted to improve riding experience.

Park amenities include an open shelter with picnic tables and grill, men's and women's restrooms, and fishing ponds.

The campground at Gypsum City OHV Park is open for business. To reserve a camp site, go to www.mycountyparks.com. The campground offers both full-hook up and electric sites. Site amenities include water, electricity, sewer, picnic table, and grill. A men’s and women’s shower/restroom is also available. The campground will be open April 15 - October 15 annually.

Trail signs indicate trail numbering, difficulty ratings, and vehicle-use type. As always, we encourage rider responsibility and assessment of abilities when choosing trails to enjoy.

Tremendous effort has been invested in developing this riding area. Please stay on marked trails and follow all posted signs.

Amenities Within park:
Fishing, Parking, Picnic Shelter, Pit Toilets, Camping

Lakeview OHV Park

Lakeview OHV Park

Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.

 

  Google Map - Lakeview OHV Park

 

3877 140th St NE, Solon, Iowa 
Managed by Lakeview Off-Road Riders
Marck Dudrey, 319-936-0045, info@lakeviewohv.com

Open to ATV, ORM, and ORV Use

The Lakeview OHV park has 160 acres of varying terrain. The park features an "A" level motocross practice track, a "B" level motocross practice track, an off-road utility vehicle practice track, a pit bike track, and two kiddie tracks. The tracks are designed to be used by both motorcycles and ATVs. There is also a very extensive trail network consisting of sand trails, mud trails, hard pack trails, some hill climbs, and single-track trails. There are restrooms on site. No camping is permitted. There are multiple state and federal campsites within a five mile radius of the park. The cities of Ely and Solon are each within five miles of the park and both communities offer places for food, fuel, and dining. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City offer overnight accommodations. Park closes at dusk.

The park is open year round, with the exception of when weather and trail conditions do not permit riding.

The Lakeview OHV park offers something for everyone. From the beginning rider to the advanced rider, there is enough variety to keep things interesting for all skill levels. 

Amenities Within park:
Parking, Pit Toilets

Riverview OHV Park

River View OHV Park

Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.

 

  Google Map - Riverview OHV Park

 

2531 Kenyon, Waterloo, Iowa
Managed by Trailblazers Off-road Club
http://www.trailblazersoffroadclub.com/

Open to ATV, ORM, and ORV Use

This is a 180-acre park located in Black Hawk County along the Cedar River, which allows for scenic riverside trails. The park has two motocross tracks, a four-mile perimeter track, and a pee wee track. 

Park is open year round, except when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.

Amenities Within park:
Parking, Picnic Shelter, Pit Toilets

Rathbun OHV Park

Rathbun OHV Park

Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.

 

 

14230 Highway S70, Plano, Iowa
Managed by South Central Dirt Riders
scdrrohva@gmail.com

Open to ATV, ORM, and ORV Use

The 125-acre Rathbun Off-Highway Vehicle Area (ROHVA) is located at 14230 Highway S70 in the northwest corner of Appanoose County. Established in an abandoned rock quarry in 1993, the park provides riders of registered ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes an impeccable riding experience for novice and seasoned riders alike. Trails, consisting of dirt and rock, follow the lay of the land meandering around trees, rocks, hills, and along the lakeshore. Most are wide enough to accommodate off-road utility vehicles. Trails for leisurely cruising or testing the skills of advanced riders await visitors to the park. ROHVA also features a practice track and a tot lot, which is fenced as a separate area for safety and can be monitored by parents.

The park is open year-round except for closure due to weather or trail conditions that do not permit riding, particularly during wet periods and when the frost is coming out of the trails.

Amenities Within park:
Two shelters with picnic tables, two water hydrants, vault toilet, unloading/loading ramp, parking

Amenities close to park:
Lodging (Honey Creek Resort, cabins, hotels), camping, gas/fuel, food, restaurants

Nicholson-Ford OHV Park

Look for the Alerts and Closures section on this page for park status updates.

  Google Map - Nicholson-Ford OHV Park

2002 Marion St, Marshalltown, Iowa
Managed by Iowa River OHV Club

Open to ATV, ORM, and ORV Use

Nicholson-Ford is a 120-acre off-highway vehicle park open to off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road utility vehicles. There are approximately 20 miles of tight, river-bottom, wooded trails for your enjoyment.

  • All new registrations - $18.50
  • Renewals - $18.50
  • Iowa DNR Nonresident User Permits - $18.50
  • Duplicate registrations - $8.50
  • Titles - $13.50
  • Liens - $ 13.50

The ANNUAL renewal period for registrations without penalty is September 1st through December 31st.

Be sure to register your OHV. All newly owned machines, or machines not yet entered into the recreational vehicle and vessel registration system (RVVRS), must be registered through the County Recorder’s Office in the owner’s county of residence.

To register you will need:

Off-Highway Vehicles which have been entered into RVVRS may be renewed through a County Recorder's Office or the Iowa DNR Online License and Registration site. You will need to provide your DNR customer number, which is printed on your vehicle registration.

Iowa DNR Nonresident User permits can be purchased through the Iowa DNR Online License System. Permits purchased online will be delivered via USPS mail in 5 - 10 business days.


DNR Online License and Registration Sales:

  • Registration renewals for ATVs, ORVs, and ORMs may be renewed through the Iowa DNR Online License System.
  • Registration and decal will be delivered via USPS mail delivery in 5 - 10 business days.

The State of Iowa administers a grant program for the acquisition, operation and development of all-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-road motorcycles (ORM), and off-road utility vehicles (ORV) trails and designated OHV parks in the state. This program is funded from off-highway vehicle registration fees. 

Who May Apply?

  • Political subdivisions
  • Incorporated private organizations

When to Apply
Applications for the 2025 grant cycle must be received by the DNR before 11:59pm (CST) on February 14,2025.

How to Apply 
The 2025 ATV Grant application is available on the DNR SlideRoom portal.


OHV Program Contact:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Off-Highway Vehicle Program

Jessica Flatt
6200 Park Ave Ste 200
Des Moines, IA  50321
jessica.flatt@dnr.iowa.gov
515-975-8569

Whenever an ATV, ORM, or ORV is involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person or property damage amounting to $1,500 or more, the operator of the vehicle or a person acting for the operator shall immediately notify the county sheriff or another law enforcement agency in the state.

If the accident occurred on public land, a designated riding area, a designated riding trail, or ice under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resource Commission, the operator shall file a report of the accident with the Department of Natural Resources within 72 hours. The report shall be on DNR Form 542-8093.

All reports shall be submitted to the Iowa DNR State Parks Bureau, 6200 Park Ave Ste 200, Des Moines, Iowa, 50321, and shall include a full description of the incident. If you have any questions, please call the DNR Des Moines Office at 515-725-8200.

Operator Incident Report Form: 542-8093

ATV riders in the state of Iowa who are ages 12 through 17 are required to have taken and passed an ATV education course and have an education certificate in their possession when riding on public land, public ice, and designated riding areas and trails, if these areas are signed open to ATV use. This also applies to nonresident riders. The focus of the DNR ATV Education Program is to provide an education course that reduces the rate of accidents, injuries, property damage, and fatalities, while at the same time promoting the development of environmental stewards by educating our students about environmental concerns, energy conservation and proper maintenance of ATVs, and promoting the practice of only riding in legal areas and with landowner permission. ATVCourse.com The DNR has collaborated with Fresh Air Educators to make an online certification offering available for the ATV Education Program. State-specific information regarding riding opportunities, laws, and regulations is a component of the course.

This is a managed course which features interactive exercises for students as well as narrated content to assist with different learning styles. The study guide is free to all users, as well as Chapter 1 of the course. In order to progress past Chapter 1, students will be required to register for the course. The course fee is $34.95, which includes the $5 DNR fee for the education certificate. Students must pass a chapter quiz in order to progress to the next chapter and must pass a final exam with 80% accuracy to earn their certificate. There is no riding component for this course.

Topics covered by the course include, but are not limited to, parts of the machine and how they work, riding positions and when to use them, safety gear, personal responsibility, and conservation principles.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to download their ATV Education Certificate and be ready to hit the trails. Students must be 12 or older to earn their ATV education certificate through ATVCourse.com.
 

 

 

When individuals and groups want to use public land and water for events, they must apply for use of that resource through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These events are compiled by the Special Events System and are displayed on a calendar of events and can be searched by type, location, and date.

To find events which may be of interest to you, please go to https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.

The Department may authorize the holding of organized special events at the designated OHV parks as defined in Iowa Code Chapter 321I. The Department shall issue permits which address the conduct of special events and shall designate the equipment and facilities necessary for the safe operation of OHVs and for the safety of operators, participants, and observers in the special events. Endurance races, head-to-head competition, and nonmotorized events will not be permitted. A special event shall not be conducted without written authorization of the Department.

Residents participating in a special event must display a current registration on their vehicles. Nonresidents must display a valid, Iowa nonresident user permit on their vehicles.

At least 30 days before the scheduled date of a special event, an application must be filed with the DNR using the Special Events web-based application found at https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.

For more information, contact DNR Customer Service: 515-725-8200 or webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov.

Iowa DNR Nonresident User Permits - $17.50