Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 camping season. Campground 3 sites 61-69 are closed through November 15, 2026 due to renovations. The campground closes November 16 through March 31 annually. All sites are reservable through the Iowa State Parks reservation system.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 9:40AM CDT until September 23 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The Flood Watch continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Wapsipinicon River near Anamosa Shaw Rd affecting Linn, Cedar and Jones Counties. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Wapsipinicon River near Anamosa Shaw Rd. * WHEN...From Monday evening to Wednesday afternoon. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:15 AM CDT Sunday the stage was 13.8 feet and steady. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached late Monday evening. - Flood stage is 14.5 feet.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 9:24AM CDT until September 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall overnight continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Bureau, Carroll, Henry IL, Jo Daviess, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside and Iowa, including the following areas, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Washington. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Heavy rains have ended over the area, but many area creeks are running high and in some cases, are flooding this morning. This areal flooding will continue this morning, with additional rainfall amounts under one quarter inch.
Flood Warning issued September 20 at 7:55AM CDT until September 20 at 1:45PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Benton County in east central Iowa... Northern Cedar County in east central Iowa... Northern Iowa County in east central Iowa... Northern Johnson County in east central Iowa... Jones County in east central Iowa... Linn County in east central Iowa... * WHEN...Until 145 PM CDT. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. Expect many areas of slow moving or standing water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 755 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to Runoff from recent heavy rain will lead to flooding of low- lying spots, urban areas, small streams and creeks and poor- drainage areas. The threat for heavy rain has ended, but runoff will delay fall of water levels and improvement in conditions. . Flooding is already occurring in the warned area. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Cedar Rapids, Anamosa, Vinton, Marengo, Mechanicsville, Stanwood, Marion, Hiawatha, Mount Vernon, Robins, Belle Plaine, Center Point, Lisbon, Fairfax, Solon, Ely, Atkins, Walford, Springville and Palo. - This includes Interstate 380 between mile markers 8 and 36.
About
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area encompasses 1,927 acres surrounding a 410-acre reservoir in Linn County, Iowa. The campground features 79 total sites spread across multiple loops: 63 standard electric sites with 20/30/50 amp service, 6 non-electric primitive sites, and 3 full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. Pull-through sites range from 50 to 100 feet in length. Two modern shower and restroom buildings serve the camping areas, and a dump station is available. The lake supports a diverse fishery including muskellunge, channel catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, and panfish. Four boat ramp areas with seven total ramps provide access for anglers and recreational boaters. A swimming beach with volleyball courts offers warm-weather recreation. The trail system includes 8.5 miles of multi-use paths for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Four rustic camping cabins provide an alternative to tent or RV camping, each equipped with electricity, microwave, refrigerator, and a covered porch. Three large picnic shelters accommodate group gatherings. The recreation area operates seasonally from April through mid-November, with peak season rates in effect May 1 through October 15.
Directions
Located at 4530 McClintock Lane, Palo, IA 52324. From Cedar Rapids, take US-151 north approximately 10 miles to Palo, then follow signs to the recreation area.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $23 - $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 100ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Pleasant_Creek@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (319) 436-7716 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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