Prairie Rose State Park

Open — Open year-round. First-come, first-served camping is available late December through early January. Reservations are required for all campsites and cabins during the main season.

About

Prairie Rose State Park is a 422-acre park nestled in the scenic hills of southwest Iowa, named after the Village of Prairie Rose that once stood nearby. The park centers on a 218-acre lake that serves as the focal point for year-round recreation including fishing, boating, and winter ice fishing. The park features two campground areas with over 90 sites total. The East Campground offers electric and full hookup sites with modern showers and restrooms, while the West Campground provides electric and non-electric sites. Two camping cabins are available, each equipped with heating and air conditioning, microwave, small refrigerator, twin-over-full bunk beds, and outdoor amenities including picnic table, grill, and fire ring. All campsites and cabins require advance reservations through the online system. Recreational opportunities include seven miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, plus an interpretive trail highlighting local plant and wildlife. The lake accommodates boats of any size at no-wake speeds with two modern boat ramps providing access. Anglers can target bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie from eight fishing jetties or two fish cleaning docks. Prairie Rose is one of the few Iowa state parks offering designated overnight fishing areas. Additional amenities include a swimming beach, two reservable picnic shelters with electricity, playgrounds, basketball court, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a dump station.

Directions

From Interstate-80, take exit 46 (Walnut exit). Go north on County Road M-47 for 8 miles to the park entrance.

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