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.
Blizzard Warning issued March 15 at 10:32PM CDT until March 16 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS CONTINUE TONIGHT... .Although snow tapers off late this evening into the early overnight, strong wind gusts will continue to result in significant blowing and drifting of snow keeping visibility degraded with white-out conditions at times, especially in rural and open areas. Travel will remain dangerous if not impossible at times. * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 55-60 mph. * WHERE...All of central Iowa. * WHEN...Until 7 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage.
Cold Weather Advisory issued March 15 at 8:21PM CDT until March 16 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills of 20 to 25 below or lower expected. * WHERE...Portions of northern, central, and west central Iowa. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, until 4 AM CDT Monday. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 1 AM to 10 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. With snowfall, white-out conditions are expected at times. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
High Wind Warning issued March 15 at 8:21PM CDT until March 16 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills of 20 to 25 below or lower expected. * WHERE...Portions of northern, central, and west central Iowa. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, until 4 AM CDT Monday. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 1 AM to 10 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. With snowfall, white-out conditions are expected at times. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
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
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 - $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 144ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Brushy_Creek@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (515) 543-8298 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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