State Park Alerts & Closures

ROAD CLOSED: The road at Ambrose A Call has been closed for the 2025-2026 winter season. Please do not block the gate. (Posted November 24, 2025.)

Water Off: The water is off for the season at Ambrose A Call State Park. (Posted October 16, 2025)

Water Off: Modern facilities throughout the park are shut down for the season.  This includes the shower buildings, dump station and modern restrooms throughout the park.  The cabins are open year-round. (Posted 10-22-25)

Water Off: Water facilities will be closed October 21st 2025, bathroom and shower facilities will be closed for the season as well. Pit latrines will remain open. (Posted 10/15/25)

Boat Docks: All park docks (100th St, Marina, East, Williams Drive and West) have been pulled for the winter season. This bulletin will be removed when the docks are replaced in Spring 2026. (Posted 12/2/25)

Fish Cleaning Station Closure:The west boat ramp fish cleaning station has been closed for the season. This bulletin will be removed when it is open again for use. (Posted 11/13/25)

Water Off: All modern restroom facilities in the park have been closed for the season. There are pit latrines open for use located at the Disc Golf Course, Universal Fishing Pier, Marina Boat Ramp, and Williams Drive Boat Ramp. This bulletin will be removed when the bathrooms have been re-opened in Spring 2026. (Posted 10/20/25)

Shower Building Closure: Shower building is closed for the season.  All outside hydrants and dump station will remain on weather permitting. (Posted 10/9/25)

Campground Status: The North, Middle (Beach), and South campgrounds are not accepting reservations for 2026 due to ongoing renovations. The current expected reopening date is July 15, 2026. We anticipate that one or more of the campgrounds may reopen earlier than July 15, 2026. When the project is completed and a final reopening date is set for all three campgrounds, the DNR will send a notification email. If you wish to be notified of the reopening, please fill out the following form: Brushy Creek Campgrounds Notification Google Form. (Posted December 19, 2025)

Modern Facility Closure: Modern restroom and shower buildings are closed for the season. (Posted October 16, 2025.)

Shower Building Closure: Both Modern Shower Buildings will be closed due to renovations. Construction is planned to be done by May 16, 2026. There will be port-a-potties available as well as the Vault toilet located near sites 11 and 10 available for use. This alert will be removed when the shower buildings are operational. (Posted November 20, 2025)

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)

Water Off: Modern Shower Building, Restrooms and Dump Station are closed for the season. The pit latrine and hydrant by the family cabins are open. (Posted 10/20/2025)

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Water Off: Modern restrooms, hydrants and shower buildings are closed for the season. The buildings and water will be reopened in mid-April 2026. (Posted 10/1/2025).

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Docks: Both docks have been removed for the season. They will be put back into the river in the Spring of 2026 (Posted 12/1/2025)

Water Off: Water has been shut off, bathroom facilities have been closed, and the dump station is closed for the season. Water will be turned back on sometime around the beginning of May 2026. The pit toilet will remain open. (Posted 10/15/2025)

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Road Closure: The roads to the following areas are closed for the winter: shelter #1, campground, and the beach area. For access by foot please park at the nearest adjacent parking lot to access the area. Please do not block the gates. (Posted 1/2/2026)

Water Off: Water is off for the season at the Campground & Beach. The modern restroom, shower house and hydrants are closed. Water will be turned on mid-April 2026. (Posted 10/27/25)

Water Off: Restrooms closed for the season and water is off. (Posted 10/10/25)

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Restroom Closure: The North and South campground shower houses and modern restroom facilities at the main boat ramp are closed for the season. All vault toilets in the park will remain open. Modern restrooms will reopen in mid-April 2026. This bulletin will be removed when the facilities are open. (Posted 10/15/2025)

Restroom Closure: The shower building has been shut down for the winter and will re-open in April. Frost free hydrants and electricity are still available in the winter months. A vault toilet located in the campground will be open all winter and a modern heated restroom is available located at the Park Office just down the road. (Posted 11/01/2025)

Water Off: All restrooms and showers in the campground have been turned off for the season. The dump station and nonelectric campground hydrants are also off for the season. Pit latrins are available at the boat ramps, picnic area and dam. Shelter #5 bathroom and the beach hydrant will remain off due to a water leak. Modern facilities will open again in mid-April 2026. (Posted 10/20/2025)

Water Off: Shower buildings are closed for the season. They will reopen mid-April 2026. (Posted 10/16/25)

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

Water Off: The modern restrooms at the primitive campground are closed for winter, as well as the fish grinding station. The shower building/restrooms in the modern campground are closed. (Posted 10-15-25)

Attention: Minimal snow removal will occur this winter to preserve recent road work. For additional information, call the park office at 712-523-2700. (Posted 11/21/25)

Water Off: The restrooms, shower facilities and dump station are closed for the season. (Posted 10/24/25)

Campground Boat Ramp Closure: The campground boat ramp access will be closed from January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026. The main boat ramp located west of the lodge will remain open for ice fishing. (Posted 12/10/2025)

Water Off: Modern restrooms at the beach and campground shower house are closed. (Posted 10/7/2025)

Road Closed: The Canyon Drive is closed to vehicle traffic and will remain closed for the rest of the winter season. This closure is due to forecasted hard freezing temperatures and the possibility of freezing precipitation; which will create hazardous travel conditions along the Canyon Drive low water crossings. Visitors can still hike into the Canyon area when it is closed to vehicles and the most convenient locations to do so include the Oak Woods picnic area and the Flood Pole parking lot. (Posted November 25, 2025)

Campground Closure: Due to safety concerns created from dead or dying cottonwood trees, the campground will close on September 8th until further notice. The DNR will be working to remove hazardous trees while the campground is closed. (Posted 9/8/25)

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)

Water Off: All modern facilities in the park, including the shower building have closed for the season they will reopen May 2026. Frost free hydrants remain on in the campground. Pit toilet is available at the youth group parking lot. (Posted October 27, 2025)

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)

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Water Off: Modern facilities are closed for the season. A pit vault toilet is available near the boat ramp area. This includes shower building, all restrooms, yurts, fish cleaning station and dump station. (Posted 10/16/2025)

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Water Off: Modern shower and restroom facilities are closed for the season. Pit vault toilets remain available for year round use. The dump station hydrant and other hydrants will remain on. Facilities will re-open in April of 2026. (Posted 11/3/2025)

Water Off: All water systema are off for the season. (Posted 11/4/2025)

Seasonal Closures: The river road and the campground road are closed for the winter season. Visitors may use the parking lots and walk through the park. All water systems are off for the season. (Posted 11/4/2025)

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Road Closed: The through road at Pilot Knob State Park has been closed for the 2025-2026 winter season. (Posted: November 25, 2025)

Water Off: The water is off for the season. All modern restrooms and shower facilities are closed. (Posted October 16, 2025)

 Water Off/Restroom Closures: Modern Restrooms, shower facilities, water hydrants and dump station are closed throughout Pine Lake State Park. Vault Toilets are available at the Circle Point Shelter and Upper Boat Ramp. (Posted 10/15/2025) 

Campground(s) Status: The Pleasant Creek Campground(s) is closed through November 15, 2026, due to renovations. We anticipate 2 campgrounds reopening when the dump station project is completed sometime in May. If you wish to be notified when the project is completed or the closure is modified, fill out the following form: Pleasant Creek Campground(s) Notification Form. (Posted December 12, 2025)

Water Off: All water facilities are shut down for the season.  They will be turned on mid to late April 2026 as weather permits. (Posted 10/21/25)

Water Off: Modern shower, restroom facilities, water hydrants and the dump station are currently closed. Pit vault toilets remain available for year-round use. Facilities and the water will be open and turned on by late April. (Posted 11/6/2025)

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

Water Off: Modern Restroom Facilities and Shower House are closed for the season. The Pit latrines will remain open, facilities will reopen in Spring of 2026. (Posted 10/22/2025)

Water Off: Modern restrooms and shower facilities have been closed for the season at Rock Creek State Park Campground. Pit latrines remain open around the park during off season months. (Posted 10/20/2025)  

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.  

Equestrian Trail Clsoure: The dirt trails have been closed for equestrian use, the Wet Weather Trail is open. This alert will be removed when trail status has changed. (Updated 12/15/2025)

Attention: Minimal snow removal will occur on the forest roads this winter. Use caution when traveling in the forest. (Posted 12/15/2025)

Cabin Closure: January 1, 2026 until February 1, 2026, The Sherburne Cabin at Springbrook State Park will be closed for maintenance and renovation of the upstairs kitchen, office, and bathrooms. (Posted 12/01/2025)

Water Off: Modern shower restroom facilities and water hydrants are closed and shut off for the season. Pit vault toilets remain available for year round use. Facilities will re-open in late April of 2026. (Posted 10/06/2025)

Forest Management in Progress: East portion of Whitebreast Unit. Shelterwood harvest being implemented on 99 acres of the state forest until March 31, 2026.

A shelterwood harvest is a forest management method that maintains a forest canopy all the while creating holes to increase sunlight penetration to the forest floor and influence oak regeneration and other native plants.

In order to have healthy forests with varying species diversity, plant composition, and age classes, then we must implement forest management where it is needed.

Stephens State Forest has a management plan that was written in collaboration with other natural resources professionals of all sectors the Iowa DNR. Each year the staff at Stephens work in a different part of the state forest to achieve the management objects that are listed in the management plan. This year, this part of the Whitebreast Unit was designated for management. 

You can access the forest management plan on the Stephens State Forest website.

If you have any questions or comments, please call the Stephens State Forest Headquarters at 641-774-4559. 

Attention Visitors in Whitebreast Unit: There is an active timber harvest and heavy equipment use in the eastern and middle portions of the forest unit. Trails are being used for skidding and removing logs. (Posted 11/10/2025)

Road Closed: The roads through Stone State Park have been closed due to inclement weather and will remain closed until the beginning of the 2026 recreation season. Parking lots are available at the East and West entrances of the park. (Posted 12/4/25)

Water Off: Water throughout the park has been turned off for the season. The shower building, modern restrooms, and hydrants will remain unavailable until the 2026 recreation season. Pit latrines throughout the park are still accessible. (Posted 10/24/25)

Water Off: Water is off for the season. (Posted 10/16/25)

Water Off: Modern restroom, shower facilities, dump station and water hydrants are closed in the Union Grove State Park campground. Vault toilets are available in the campground. (Posted 10/14/2025)

Water Off: Modern restrooms in Campground are closed for the season. (Posted 10/21/2025)

Equestrian Trail Closed: The equestrian trails are currently closed for the season. If you have any questions, please call the park office at (563) 425-4161. (POSTED 12/1/2025) 

Water Off: Campground restrooms are closed, the water and dump station is off for the season. All pit vault latrines will remain open for the winter. (Posted 10/27/2025)

Road Closure: The Upper park road past the campground is now closed due to the winter conditions. The Upside down bridge is also closed limiting vehicle access in certain areas of the park. Hiking in this area is still allowed, but please use caution. The gates will reopen in the spring of 2026. (Posted 12/2/2025)

Water Off: The campground shower building and playground restroom facilities will be closed. This includes hydrants and the drinking fountain. They will reopen by May 1, 2026. (Posted 10/22/2025)

Water Off/Restroom Closure: Modern restrooms and shower house are now closed. Pit latrines and frost free hydrants are still available for use. (Posted 11/13/2025)

Rental Faciltiy Closure:  All of the modern cabins (1, 2 and 3) and the Overlook shelter will not be accepting reservations from April 1, 2025 - August 31, 2026, the camping cabins (4 and 9) will not be accepting reservation October 16, 2025 - August 31, 2026,  camping cabin 5 will not be accepting reservations December 1 - August 31, 2026, and the lodge will, not be accepting reservations from January 1 - August 31, 2026 due to a waterline project.  If you want to be notified if the closure is modified, fill out the following form, Waubonsie Facility Closure Google Form (Updated July 18, 2025)

Winter Road Closure:  The through State Park Rd, from the Upper Picnic Area Shelter to the Lower Picnic Area Road, is closed for the winter.  It will reopen sometime in Spring 2026.  Visitors can still access the Park from the New Era Rd. entrance and the Verde Ave. entrance.  (Posted 11/25/2025)

Water Off:  Water has been shut off, and facilities have been closed for the season.  The two vault toilets will remain open.  Water will be turned back on and facilities will be opened sometime around the beginning of May 2026.  (Posted 10/16/2025)

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)