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DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

  • 6/25/2024 11:33:00 AM
  • View Count 3094
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.
Peak camping season begins May 1

Peak camping season begins May 1

  • 4/30/2024 11:44:00 AM
  • View Count 2144
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.
Iowa Outdoors Expo goes virtual

Iowa Outdoors Expo goes virtual

  • 8/25/2020 1:36:00 PM
  • View Count 2637
The Iowa Outdoor Expo has gone virtual this year, and extended the opportunity to learn about the outdoors for the entire month of September.
8 steps to building a better campfire

8 steps to building a better campfire

  • 7/15/2020 11:12:00 AM
  • View Count 9668
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

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 4266
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

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

  • 5/20/2020 11:47:00 AM
  • View Count 15201
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.
Peak camping season extended at seven campgrounds

Peak camping season extended at seven campgrounds

  • 7/23/2019 12:38:00 PM
  • View Count 3091
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. 
Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

  • 4/16/2019 2:52:00 PM
  • View Count 3165
DES MOINES ⎯ As Iowans eagerly anticipate warmer temperatures, state park staff are preparing for the start of the 2019 camping season. The first weekend of May marks the official launch of the summer camping season with Iowa State Parks’ annual Camping Kickoff celebration.
4 things to know before packing a cooler

4 things to know before packing a cooler

  • 8/27/2018 1:50:00 PM
  • View Count 7922
Packing a cooler may seem pretty simple – just throw in ice, right? But it’s a science and an art, one that will help any camping trip go smoother and safer. With a little preparation, packing a cooler is quite simple.
7 things to know before you go tent camping

7 things to know before you go tent camping

  • 8/28/2017 12:51:00 PM
  • View Count 13633
The ability to successfully go tent camping in Iowa is a rite of passage for many. Roughing it without air conditioning or electronics doesn’t need to be hard, though. This list will prepare tent campers young and old, experienced or novice, with the knowledge to have a pleasant and well-prepared for adventure.
North Raccoon Wildlife Area is building a recreation reputation

North Raccoon Wildlife Area is building a recreation reputation

  • 8/1/2017 11:44:00 AM
  • View Count 4503
The North Raccoon Wildlife Area just might be the biggest playground in Greene County. But rather than teeter-totters and swings, this playground offers excellent deer hunting, turkey, dove and rabbit hunting, river access and sandbar camping, bird watching, hiking and more.
Memorial Day weekend is nearly here

Memorial Day weekend is nearly here

  • 5/18/2017 8:36:00 AM
  • View Count 3988
Iowa campers, picnickers and outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend and the official start of summer. If weather continues as it has been, Iowa’s state parks will be busting at the seams. 
State parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

State parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

  • 5/2/2017 12:17:00 PM
  • View Count 4649
It looks like the cold rainy weather is breaking just in time for the weekend when state park campgrounds will celebrate Camping Kickoff, Saturday, May 6.
Let the camping season begin

Let the camping season begin

  • 4/11/2017 12:28:00 PM
  • View Count 5731
Warming temperatures and other signs of spring have state park staff busy preparing for the start of the 2017 camping season.
Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

  • 2/21/2017 3:11:00 PM
  • View Count 7179
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.
Be bold and try winter camping

Be bold and try winter camping

  • 1/11/2017 8:47:00 AM
  • View Count 17666
Let’s face it—winter camping has some initial challenges, but the rewards are silence, serenity and having big places to yourself. Create active daytimes with hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, then be prepared for winter’s long nights with good lighting gear to illuminate camp. Breaking into winter camping isn’t hard, but you’ll rely on good gear and solid skills. Here’s a  few basics.
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 5378
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.
6 tips for cool-weather camping

6 tips for cool-weather camping

  • 9/23/2016 1:06:00 PM
  • View Count 15753
Campers don’t have to pack up the tent and park the camper just because the calendar flips to September (or wait for it to hit June, either!). These off-peak seasons can be some of the best times to go, with cooler temperatures and in the fall, gorgeous fall colors at the campground. As the temperature dips, here are some tips to stay cozy at the campground.
5 DIY camping hacks and projects for a smoother trip

5 DIY camping hacks and projects for a smoother trip

  • 9/16/2016 1:16:00 PM
  • View Count 6889
Get that fire started faster - because no one likes waiting for s'mores. Use these tips to make sure your next camping trip goes smoothly (even if something goes wrong).
Sometimes Procrastination Pays Off

Sometimes Procrastination Pays Off

  • 8/23/2016 1:43:00 PM
  • View Count 12170
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.
Campfire Cooking: Dutch Baby Pancakes

Campfire Cooking: Dutch Baby Pancakes

  • 8/17/2016 3:29:00 PM
  • View Count 15408
This sweet, hearty breakfast will please young and old alike. And just by chance, if you have a tiny slice left over at the end of the day, a scoop of ice cream alongside, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate makes a mighty fine dessert. 
12 Comfy and Cozy Camping Hacks

12 Comfy and Cozy Camping Hacks

  • 8/17/2016 3:00:00 PM
  • View Count 17686
Camping is a great way to reconnect with the outdoors, but the enjoyment you get is partially dependent on your planning. Use the following tips to keep your trip hassle-free—it might make you more inclined to go again!
Camping Season is Underway

Camping Season is Underway

  • 5/24/2016 1:27:00 PM
  • View Count 6601
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.
11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

  • 12/30/2015 8:26:00 AM
  • View Count 88723
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 hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds galore), fishing and more.
Nine State Parks Extend Overnight Opportunities

Nine State Parks Extend Overnight Opportunities

  • 11/3/2015 7:54:00 AM
  • View Count 5206
Although Iowa’s beautiful fall has lingered longer than usual this year, camping season will come to a close very soon for most people, if it hasn’t already. But don’t let the changing seasons limit your enjoyment of Iowa’s state parks, or the chance to stay overnight, reminds State Park Bureau Chief Todd Coffelt.
8 Camping Hacks to Save Your Weekend

8 Camping Hacks to Save Your Weekend

  • 9/11/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 26826
No matter how many times you’ve camped, there’s always a new trick or two to try on your next trip. Try these simple hacks yourself to be extra prepared for your next outdoor adventure.
Cool Gadgets to Make Your Camping Trip Easier

Cool Gadgets to Make Your Camping Trip Easier

  • 8/5/2015 11:03:00 AM
  • View Count 19034
While camping in Iowa goes all the way from roughing it to glamping, there’s no denying there are gadgets and gear that are must-haves – and then there are some that are just fun!
4 Before-You–Go Tips for Kayak Camping (and 7 Destinations)

4 Before-You–Go Tips for Kayak Camping (and 7 Destinations)

  • 7/29/2015 8:30:00 AM
  • View Count 37110
Kayaking is a great way to explore the state and get some exercise, but if you intend to stay the night at a paddle-in only campsite, you have to pack thoughtfully. Check out the advice below, approved by DNR paddling expert and instructor Todd Robertson, to help you start camping comfortably with your kayak. And remember, always check water levels before you go.
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