State Park Alerts & Closures

Closure: The 16 cabins and the Beach Lodge are not accepting reservations from January 4 - May 31, 2027 due to a wastewater project. (Posted January 8, 2026)

Facility Closure: Due to several plumbing issues affecting both our restrooms and showers, we have made the decision to close the West Showers/Restrooms until further notice. We are unsure at this time when repairs will be completed. Thank you for your patience and understanding. (Posted 5/15/2026)

West Boat Ramp: There is one dock currently installed at the West Boat Ramp. A replacement for the second dock has been ordered, and will be installed as soon as it arrives to the park. This bulletin will be removed when the new, additional dock is put in. (Posted 6/3/2026)

Trail Closure: As of June 17, 2026 the soft trails at Brushy Creek are temporarily closed for equestrian and bike use due to wet conditions. The 14 mile gravel all-weather Lake and Pond trails remain open for use. This bulletin will be removed when trails have dried sufficiently.

Campground Status: The North, Middle (Beach), and South campgrounds are currently not accepting reservations for 2026 due to ongoing renovations. All campgrounds will remain closed and no camping will be allowed until the renovation is complete. The North campground is expected to reopen on July 15, 2026, while the Middle (Beach) and South campgrounds are not expected to open until Labor Day weekend. Once the project is complete and the DNR establishes firm reopening dates for all three campgrounds, we will send a notification email prior and then reservations will open up for the remainder of the season. If you wish to be notified of the reopening, please fill out the following form: Brushy Creek Campgrounds Notification Google Form. (Updated April 17, 2026)

Lodge Renovation: The Clear Lake Lodge will be closed May 1 - September 30, 2026, for repairs/renovation.  DNR can notify you if the project is completed sooner and the closure is removed, allowing for rentals. If you wish to be notified when the lodge reopens, fill out the following form, Clear Lake Lodge Google Form (Posted February 26, 2025)

Campground Status: The south half of the campground is currently closed through June 30, 2026, due to renovations. When the project is completed and a date to reopen is set, the IA DNR will send an email. If you wish to be notified when the south half of the campground reopens, fill out the following form: Clear Lake Campground Google Form. (Updated November 20, 2025)

2026 Updates: George Wyth beach will be open for the summer of 2026 with limited access. There will not be any concessions, rentals or firewood available this year. (Posted 5/14/2026)

Road Closure: 140th St. at the spillway is closed for a bridge replacement.  Estimated completion date is September 2026.  (Updated 5/7/2026)

Lake Renovation: Lake draw down for renovations will begin Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026. (Updated 1/2/2026)

Beach Area: Alcohol is prohibited inside the fenced in designated beach area. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed within the fenced designated beach area. (Updated April 22, 2026)

Non-Resident User Fee Discontinued: Effective January 1, 2026, the non-resident user fee pilot project at Lake Manawa State Park has concluded. Visitors are no longer required to pay a non-resident entry fee.

EQUESTRIAN TRAIL CLOSURE As of 6/22/26 the equestrian trails at the Lake of Three Fires State Park are closed due to wet conditions.

The use of fireworks of any kind is prohibited in all state parks and preserves except as authorized by a permit issued by the Iowa DNR.

OAK WOODS SHELTER - The Oak Woods Shelter is currently closed to reservations for 2026. There is a renovation project scheduled to begin in the spring on the shelter and it should be completed by late summer 2026. When the project is completed, the shelter will reopen for reservations.

CARL FRITZ HENNING SHELTER - Starting in the spring of 2026, a park-wide road preservation project will begin. This project will restrict vehicle access to portions of the park for much of the summer, including the Henning Shelter. Currently the Henning Shelter is open for reservations on Saturdays and Sundays only from May through July. At the completion of the road project, the Henning Shelter will reopen for reservations. (Updated 4/24/2026)

Park Closure: Lewis and Clark State Park will be closed until further notice for hazard tree removal. The public is restricted from entering the park during this process; all amenities, including the Visitor Center, lodge, and campground will remain closed. When the project is completed and a final reopening date is set for the campground, the DNR will send a notification email. If you wish to be notified of the reopening, please fill out the following form:  Lewis and Clark Campground Notification Google Form. (Updated May 19, 2026)

Banquet Room Closure: Reservations for the Banquet Room will be unavailable beginning in 2023 for repairs and updates. The Banquet Room will be closed for reservations until further notice. If you would like to be notified when the Banquet Room reopens, fill out the following form: Lewis and Clark Google Form. (Updated February 13, 2024)

Boardwalk Closure: A section of the boardwalk is closed between Hernando's Hideaway and Up-and-down. Please do not enter this area! (posted 6-12-26)

Cave Closure: The caves in the park are closed every year from November 15 until April 1, as they serve as a hibernaculum for overwintering bats. (Posted 8/29/25)

Trail Closure: A section of the trail between Window and Match cave is closed due to boardwalk damage. Please do not enter this area. (Posted 8/30/2024)

Yurt Closure: Due to storm damage both Yurts are closed. (Posted 5/18/2026)

Campground Closure: McIntosh Woods campground will be closed for the 2026 season due to a renovation. The campground will plan to reopen by the 2027 camping season. (Posted 1/7/2026)

Equestrian Trails Closed due to wet conditions. This alert will be removed once conditions improve. 6/21/2026 SC

The September 2026 Lodge Viewing will be on Tuesday, September 15th, instead of Wednesday the 16th.

Road Open: The through road at Pilot Knob State Park is open for the 2026 recreational season. (Posted April 10th, 2026)

Shelter Closure: Upper Boat Ramp Shelter is closed until further notice. A tree fell on the shelter, causing damage. (Posted 02/19/2026)

Multi-Use Trail Closed: The trail is closed due to wet conditions. When conditions improve this posting will be removed. (Posted 6/10/2026)

Campsites Closed: The Pleasant Creek Campground 3 standard electric sites 61-69 are closed through November 15, 2026, due to renovations. (Updated May 4, 2026)

Road Closures: Roads may be partially closed throughout the park as we are doing road repairs. (Posted 11/13/25)

Equestrian Trail Closure: Effective August 8, 2025, the trails will be closed until flood damage from the 2024 flood damage. This  bulletin will be removed once the trails have been re-opened. (Posted 8/14/2025) 

Equestrian Trail Closure: The dirt trails are closed for equestrian use, the Wet Weather Trail is OPEN. This alert will be removed when trail status has changed. (Updated 6/11/2026)

Trail Closure: The Fire Trail is closed due to mulitple hazaradous trees. The trail will remain close until staff is able to safely remove them. (Posted 5/14/2026)

Whitebreast Trail Closure. The equestrian/multi-use trails in Whitebreast Unit have been closed due to wet conditions and the unaccessibility to clear trails for use. This alert will be removed when trails reopen. (Posted 06/18/2026)

Trail Closure: Effective May 30, 2026 all multi-use trails are closed to equestrian & bike traffic due to wet conditions. This bulletin will be removed when trails are opened back up for use. (Posted 05/30/26)

Equestrian Trails Open: The equestrian trails are currently Open. If you have any questions, please call the park office at (563) 425-4161. (Posted 6/14/2026) 

Road Closed: Road construction will begin the first week of June. During this time access to certain areas of the park may be unavailable. Access to the golf course will be maintained at all times. This project is estimated to be completed August 15th. (Posted May 21, 2026)

Campground Closed Mid week: The campground will be closed Monday - Thursday beginning July 15th due to road construction. It will reopen during the week mid August. (Posted May 21, 2026)

Shelter Closure: The Playground and Dutch Creek Shelters are undergoing septic system installation through early September 2026. Reservation availability and restroom access have changed during this time:

• Playground Shelter: Unavailable for reservations; open on a first-come, first-served basis only. Temporary portable restrooms are available.

• Dutch Creek Shelter: Available for reservations Friday–Sunday (first-come, first-served Monday–Thursday). The pit latrine remains open.

(Updated June 3, 2026)

EQUESTIAN TRAILS CLOSED: Effective June 19th: Equestrian Trails will be closed due to storm damaged trees and ongoing erosion repair. This bulletin will be removed once the trails have been reopened. 

Trail Closure: The Cave Trail, from the Lower Picnic Area to the crossing at State Park Rd., will be closed until further notice, and repairs can be made. If you have any questions, please call the Park Office at 563-263-4337. All other Trails are open for use at this time. (Updated 9/16/2025)