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)

Lodge Closure: The Lodge at Beeds Lake State Park will be unavailable for reservations from May15th-June 30th 2027. We will be using this time to renovate the windows and doors. We apologize for the inconvenience. (Posted: 8/18/2026)

Trail Closure: As of September 14, 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 south half of the campground has the following sites closed until further notice: 123 - 127, 131 - 132, 135 - 137, 140, 143 - 148, and 150. When these campsites reopen, the IA DNR will send an email. If you wish to be notified, fill out the following form: Clear Lake Campground Google Form. (Updated June 26, 2026)

Trail Closure: The multi-use trails are closed for equestrian and biking use due to wet trail conditions. The trails remain open for pedestrian foot traffic. For further information please call the park office at 641-842-6008. This alert will be removed when the trails are opened back up. (Posted 9/15/26). 

WATER SHUT OFF:  Starting October 15th, 2026, Park Staff will start the winterization process of closing modern restroom facilities and turning off all water to the Park, which includes hydrants.  Electricity in the Campground will remain on until November 1st, when the Campground closed for the season.  The Vault Toilet remains open year round,  (Posted 9/14/2026)

The Modern Restrooms at the Beach Shelter will be closed for the season on October 5th, 2026

Campsite Closure: Camspites 11-13 and 27-29 are closed September 20, 2026-May 31, 2027 due to repaving on site 12 and 28. (Posted August 14, 2026)

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)

Campground Closed: The Lake Anita Campground will be closed for utility work. Work begins on October 15, 2026 and is expected to be completed by April 15, 2027. (Updated September 16, 2026)

Campsite Closure: Camspites 41-55 are closed September 20, 2026-May 31, 2027 due to repaving on site 41, 43, 44, and 47-55. (Posted August 14, 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

Canyon drive is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to high water. Access is still available by parking at Oak Woods picnic area or Flood Pole parking lot and hiking in. 9/15/26

Water Off: All modern restrooms and shower facilities at Ledges State Park will close for the winter season on October 15, 2026. One portable restroom will be available in front of each campground restroom building from October 15th through November 30th. Water hydrants will be left ON after October 15th until hard freezing temperatures are experienced. Electricity will remain on to those sites with hook-ups through November 30th. The RV Dump Station will remain open beyond October 15th, but there will be no rinsing water, and RV dump inlets at the full hook-up campsites will be open too. The campground will completely close from December 1, 2026, and reopen on March 1, 2027. (Posted 9/10/2026)

OAK WOODS SHELTER - The Oak Woods Shelter is currently closed to reservations while renovation work is completed. 

CARL FRITZ HENNING SHELTER - The Carl Fritz Henning Shelter is also currently closed to reservations while renovation work is completed.

Both shelters are expected to be reopened for reservation around mid-September 2026.

Closure: Lewis and Clark State Park continues experiencing low water levels in Blue Lake - Due to the ongoing drought-like conditions, the dock is not installed at the boat ramps. The beach shelter/bath house will also remain closed due to the low water levels rendering the swimming beach unusable. (Posted 7/13/26)

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)

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

The equestrian trails are closed due to wet and unsafe conditions. This bulletin will be removed once conditions improve. 9/17/2026 SC

Pit Toilet Closed: The pit toilet facility at Cedar Cliff Trailhead is closed indefinitely. This facility is scheduled to be replaced. In the mean time, please utilize the facilities at Lodge Trail and Overlook Trail. (Posted July 6, 2026)

Water Off: Modern Facilities and Will Close On October 16th, All Water off October 26th, 2026.

Pikes Peak State Park will close all modern facilities to include restrooms and shower buildings on October 16th for winterization. Water hydrant's will remain on in the campground and dump-station until October 26th 2025. All water and facilities will be off and closed for the season on October 26th 2026. (Posted 7-23-2026) 

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 and 63 are closed through November 15, 2026, due to renovations. (Updated July 15, 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 equestrian trails at Stephens State Forest are currently closed due to wet conditions. This alert will be removed when trails are re-opened. (Posted 09/14/2026)

Restroom Closure: Due to the storm that came through on June 11, the forest received severe tree damage and the restroom in the Whitebreast Equestrian West Loop campground has been damaged and is not usable.  The restrooms in the Whitebreast Equestrian Main and Overflow Loops are still open.  (Posted June 11, 2026)

Trail Update: Equestrian All Weather Trails are Open.If you have any questions, please call the park office at 563-425-4161. (Posted 9/15/2026)

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 September 14th 2026 trails will be closed due to wet conditions. This bulletin will be removed once the trails are re-opened. 

WATER SHUT OFF:  Starting October 15th, 2026, Park Staff will start the winterization process of closing modern restroom facilities and turning off all water to the Park, which includes hydrants. The Vault Toilet remains open year round,  (Posted 9/14/2026)

BUCKSKINNERS RENDEZVOUS:  The Buckskinners Rendezvous will be taking place in the Upper Picnic Area from September 18th to September 20th.  This is a large event that showcases a fur trader's camp from the late 1800s.  Please keep in mind the increased traffic that comes with this event and plan your visit accordingly.  For more information, please contact Todd Stammer at 563-260-2365.  (Posted 8/23/2026)

Lower Picnic Area Water: The water for the Lower Picnic Area will remain off until necessary repairs can be made to the systems.  Water in the Campground and Mill Area is still on and ready for use. (Posted 5/8/2026)

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)