Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Open — Open for walk-up camping only through early July 2026 due to ongoing renovations. The North, Beach, and South campgrounds are not accepting reservations; expected reopening for reservations is July 15, 2026. Modern restroom and shower buildings are closed for the season. Electricity and water hydrants remain operational during the off-season.

About

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area encompasses over 6,500 acres of diverse Iowa landscapes including native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian areas, and a 690-acre lake. The recreation area offers one of the most extensive trail systems in Iowa with approximately 35 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, plus a 12-mile gravel trail circling the lake. The 690-acre Brushy Creek Lake is the deepest artificial permanent pool lake in Iowa, featuring 21 miles of shoreline, four boat ramps, eight fishing jetties, and an accessible fishing pier. The no-wake lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and muskellunge. A large sandy swimming beach is located on the west side of the lake. The park is also a popular hunting destination for pheasant, quail, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Three modern campgrounds provide 261 sites total. The North and South equestrian campgrounds feature modern shower and restroom buildings, electric and non-electric sites, horse wash areas, substantial hitch rails at every site, and riding arenas. The South equestrian campground also offers full hookup sites. The Beach (non-equestrian) campground provides electric and full hookup sites. All sites include picnic tables and grills. Two shooting ranges are also located within the recreation area.

Directions

From Highway 20, go south on County Road P73. For West Entrance, go east on Lake View Drive. For South Entrance, continue on P73 and go east on County Road D46. From the south, take D46 north to Brushy Creek Road.

Nearby Campgrounds