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)

Target Range Temporary closure:  The Brushy Creek target range will be closed June 1-5th (Monday-Friday) to pour a concrete slab and install new shooting benches.  Thank you for understanding.

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)

Shower Building Closure: Both Modern Shower Buildings will be closed due to renovations. Construction is planned to be finished by May 22, 2026. Port-a-potties will be available, as well as the vault toilet located near sites 11 and 10. This alert will be removed when the shower buildings are operational. (Updated May 12, 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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

Prescribed burn planned for this afternoon (5/27/2026) on the south side of the park entrance (the wildlife unit). Because there is a lot of green grass in the unit, you will likely see and smell smoke in the campground. Our crews will be actively working to mitigate the smoke as much as possible, and the burn actually makes for a great show to watch from the safety of your campsite!

To ensure everyone's safety, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Stay out of the burn unit: The paved road is our strict boundary line. Do not cross the road or enter the wildlife unit for any reason while operations are underway.

• Keep windows closed: If you are sensitive to smoke, we recommend keeping your RV or vehicle windows rolled up this afternoon.

• Drive with caution: Expect brief smoke on the entrance road and watch for fire crews working near the pavement.

Thank you for your cooperation, and enjoy the show!

Posted 5/27/26

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) 

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)

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 5/22/2026) 

Road construction will begin the first week of June. During this time access to certain areas of the park may be unaviliable. Access to the golf course will be maintained at all times. This project is estimated to be completed August 15th. 

The campground will be closed Monday - Thursday beginning July 15th due to road construction. It will reopen during the week mid August. 

Shelter Closure: The Playground and Dutch Creek Shelters will be unavailable for reservations until installation of a new septic system. The anticipated completion date is early September 2026. During this time, both shelters will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Portable restrooms will be provided at the playground shelter for temporary use. (Posted 4/7/2026)

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)