Over 759,000 people collectively spent over 13.5 million days at Iowa state parks in 2025, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as the state prepares for another busy camping season with upgrades and expanded reservation options.
The department said more state parks are now offering real-time availability and online reservations for 100% of their campground sites.
In 2025, Backbone, Geode, Lake Macbride, Palisades-Kepler, and Rock Creek state parks transitioned to fully reservable sites.
According to an article published by KIMT3 News on May 6, several parks will debut new or renovated amenities this year.
Red Haw’s campground renovation and playground are scheduled to be completed by July 1. Viking Lake will open a new campground playground, while Wildcat Den is finalizing shelter and sidewalk improvements.
Lake Manawa’s concession building has undergone a remodel, and McIntosh Woods has replaced its fish cleaning station.
At Fort Atkinson, restoration work continues on historic buildings, while Big Creek has added an accessible fishing pier.
Some parks are also undergoing construction that will affect operations in 2025. At Clear Lake, lodge, shower building, and beach restroom renovations are being designed and will go out for bid this year.
At Lake Kemoah, a lake restoration project is underway, along with lodge window and pedestrian bridge replacement. Renovations to the lodge and shelter continue at Lake Ahquabi, while repairs and renovations are ongoing at the Lewis and Clark visitor center.
At Brushy Creek, campground renovations have led to a full closure for the recreation season. Walk-in camping is being accepted at the South and Beach campgrounds until a construction timeline is established. The North campground will also remain closed throughout the year.
Additional improvements include a new shower building and shelter renovation at Ledges State Park, boat ramp repairs at Pine Lake, and the addition of a kayak launch and accessible parking at Lake Macbride.