Brushy Creek State Recreation Area’s North Campground in Lehigh, Iowa, will sit empty for the entire 2025 camping season while crews rebuild the popular loop from the utilities up, according to an Iowa DNR release.
The shutdown applies only to the North Campground. Beach and South campgrounds can still be reserved through Aug. 3, 2025, and day-use visitors will continue to hike, fish and horseback-ride throughout the 6,000-acre park.
Walk-in, self-registration camping will remain available at the two open loops until heavy equipment rolls in. After Aug. 3—and once construction begins—all Brushy Creek campsites will disappear from the online reservation grid until renovation work is finished.
Improvements include 50-amp electrical service at every site, new water and sewer hookups, wider pull-through spots, rebuilt roads and pads, expanded parking, and fresh grills and picnic tables. The project also converts the park to a real-time, fully online reservation system that eliminates the old mix of phone, web and first-come options.
Operators eyeing similar upgrades may note several best-practice ideas that shorten payback time: oversize conduit now so future EV chargers slide in without re-trenching; angle new pull-through sites about 60 to 65 degrees to fit today’s 45-foot rigs; replace loose gravel with permeable pavers that drain well and meet ADA guidelines; and bundle utilities, roadwork and site furniture into a single bid to trim mobilization costs. Dynamic, season-based pricing can also be layered into the new booking engine to lift revenue without adding sites.
Construction crews expect to wrap up heavy work by the end of winter 2025, but the campground will stay closed until new grass is established—some time in 2026, with the exact reopening date to be announced later.
The North Campground will be closed for the 2025 season to allow the renovation work to proceed. Trails, the equestrian campground, lake access, fishing piers and hunting areas remain open, keeping day-use traffic and ancillary revenue flowing.
The timeline for reopening will depend on the establishment of new grass and restoration of the grounds. This approach is intended to ensure the campground is in optimal condition when it welcomes guests back.
Operators facing similar shutdowns often turn to proven tactics for protecting cash flow and guest loyalty: communicate early and often through pinned social posts and automated emails; issue “construction credits” or priority booking privileges for the first season back; give staff a single script that covers key dates, refunds and nearby alternatives; and roll out branded “Back in 2026” merchandise, which doubles as marketing and a trickle of retail income.
Key dates for campers are straightforward: North Campground is closed Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025; Beach and South loops are reservable until Aug. 3; and walk-in stays end the moment work begins. After that, travelers should refresh the Iowa DNR Alerts and Closures webpage for updates.
Anyone with a 2025 reservation beyond Aug. 3 will receive direct guidance from the agency. For specific questions, the Brushy Creek park office can be reached at 515-543-8298.
For campground owners, RV park developers and suppliers, Brushy Creek offers a real-time case study in future-proofing infrastructure while managing a year-long closure. From 50-amp conversions and EV-ready conduit to proactive guest communication, the project highlights the mix of capital planning and customer care required to keep modern campers—and their rigs—coming back.