How much does camping cost at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Brushy Creek State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Brushy Creek State Recreation Area?

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is open Peak season dates are not explicitly provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area?

Yes, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area: Seasonal restrictions and guidelines on campfires are not detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Brushy Creek State Recreation Area have?

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has 6500 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area?

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

4.33

36 reviews

2802 Brushy Creek Rd., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States

Top 16% in IASummer

Tent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Iowa RV Camping Iowa Hiking Camping Iowa +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,086 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6500 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,086 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6500 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee structure ranges from $25 to $35 for campsites. Additional costs may apply for specific amenities.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

5155438298

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Campground Map

2802 Brushy Creek Rd., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

2802 Brushy Creek Rd., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States

Nearby places

Lehigh (5 miles west), Duncombe (5 miles north), Fort Dodge (15 miles northwest), Webster City (15 miles northeast).

Nearby supplies

Retail for firewood and ice is available greater than 1 mile away. Other essentials like bait and tackle are less than 1 mile away. Fuel and vehicles are available greater than 1 mile away, and town centers are more than 10 miles away.

Driving directionsVisitors from the North: From Hwy 20, go south on P73. For the West Entrance, go east on Lake View Dr.; for South Entrance, continue on P73 and go east on D46. Visitors from the South: Get on D46. The South Campground and South Day Use Area are located off of this road. For all other facilities, go north on Brushy Creek Rd., which curves and becomes Lakeview Dr. Trap Shooting Range can be reached by taking 250th from County Rd P73, then turn right onto Taylor Ave.

The park is accessible through paved roads, with detailed directions provided for both northern and southern approaches. There are no explicit mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Weather at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Current alert: Trail closures are frequent during wet conditions. Seasonal restroom closures are mentioned in reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Summer delivers the best conditions for lake activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-90s°F and warm evenings for campfires. Early June or late August see fewer crowds while maintaining good weather. Winter brings snow for cross-country skiing and quiet trails. Spring wakes the prairie with wildflowers and birdsong. Autumn turns the timber groves bright before the cold settles in. Most services and boat ramps run full-time in summer but may close seasonally. Check ahead for restroom availability in shoulder seasons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in IA

Best season for lake activities, beach, boating and warm evenings for campfires.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates year-round, but certain facilities like restrooms may be seasonally closed.

About Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area spreads across 6,500 acres in central Iowa near Lehigh, centered on a 690-acre lake. The state's deepest artificial reservoir. The campground offers spacious, well-spaced sites with full hookups (electric, water, sewer) and rates from $25-$35 per night. First-come, first-served sites mean summer weekends fill quickly.

Brushy Creek caters to a variety of campers, including equestrian, RV, and tent campers. The campground also offers full hookup sites and well-spaced campsites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions for lake activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-90s°F and warm evenings for campfires. Early June or late August see fewer crowds while maintaining good weather. Winter brings snow for cross-country skiing and quiet trails. Spring wakes the prairie with wildflowers and birdsong. Autumn turns the timber groves bright before the cold settles in. Most services and boat ramps run full-time in summer but may close seasonally. Check ahead for restroom availability in shoulder seasons.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Brushy Creek creates a dynamic landscape that keeps hikers engaged and mountain bikers coming back for more. These natural undulations provide scenic overlooks across the lake and surrounding habitats, offering photographers endless opportunities to capture Iowa's understated beauty.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground is situated in a 6,500-acre area with rolling hills, dense woodlands, native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian habitats, and a 690-acre lake, the deepest artificial permanent pool lake in Iowa.[1][2][5]

Geological RegionCarved by ancient glaciers and shaped by centuries of prairie winds and waters, Brushy Creek's 6,500 acres showcase the best of Iowa's natural heritage. This vast recreation area weaves together native prairie expanses, mature timber groves, winding riparian corridors, and grasslands around the centerpiece 690-acre lake—Iowa's deepest permanent artificial pool. The result is a geological and ecological masterpiece that tells the story of Iowa's landscape evolution while providing unmatched recreational opportunities.

Scenic ViewsViews include expansive native prairies and grasslands, lake vistas, and timbered surroundings.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned. The campground focuses on equestrian and RV/tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesSeasonal programs such as a geo-caching event and fishing derby for kids are organized. Details are posted at kiosks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits are not detailed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Specific guest limits are not described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious with good separation between neighbors. Campers recommend bringing extended water hoses since some hookups sit farther from parking pads than standard lengths reach. The layout includes separate equestrian areas and day-use zones beyond the main camping loops.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, as noted for shelters and cabanas.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo information is given on walk-up or first-come, first-served availability.

Cancellation PolicyRules and deadlines for canceling a reservation without penalty are not detailed.

AccessibilityThe campground includes universally accessible fishing piers and modern restroom facilities.

Site SizeUser reviews describe the campsites as spacious, with plenty of room for setup.

PrivacyCampsites are noted to offer a good amount of privacy and space, with spots not feeling cramped.

Total Campsites6500 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific sites are recommended based on privacy, shade, or views.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations from campers; spacious and well-maintained sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs.[7]

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Amenities available

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offers a wide range of amenities suitable for equestrian, non-equestrian, and day-use visitors. The campground features modern facilities such as electric and non-electric campsites, full hookup options, modern restrooms, and showers. Specific to equestrian campers, there are hitch rails, horse wash areas, and even an arena. Potable water hydrants and fire grills are available throughout, and playgrounds cater to families with children.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is a hub for diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and more. Activities are well-supported by the facility's infrastructure, such as trails, fishing jetties, and a sandy beach.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wet trail conditions, requiring equestrians to call ahead. Wildlife and proximity to water may pose risks.

Fire PolicySeasonal restrictions and guidelines on campfires are not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Scheduled quiet hours are not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located greater than 10 miles away, including hospitals and medical clinics.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility for waste disposal.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to a 690-acre artificial lake with 21 miles of shoreline.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

36 reviews

Recommended

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, range of activities, and family-friendly environment. The campground is generally quiet and spacious.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers note the campground and park are incredibly clean, well-maintained, with newer and modern bathrooms.[8]

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that water hookups are not directly available at campsites but are located nearby. A specific reviewer mentioned an unpleasant personal experience with park staff.

Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are not provided in the available data.

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Note that the north campground is closed for 2025 for major renovations; check campground kiosks for program event details like geo-caching and fishing derbies.[1]

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that restrooms may be closed in off-peak seasons, with porta-potties provided instead. Wildlife viewing is noted to be particularly abundant during certain times of the year.

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsite was nice and quiet with a friendly atmosphere. I would return and spend some time out here again." - Footprints In The Sand. "Nice level campground, close to the water and a nice...

Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews addressing accessibility features were provided, but the campground includes universally accessible amenities such as fishing piers.

Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome at the campground, as highlighted by user reviews, provided they are leashed.

Based on 36 reviews

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Go if

Equestrians, mountain bikers, and families with lake ambitions all have dedicated infrastructure here: a horse arena, eight fishing jetties, four boat ramps, and a sandy swim beach. Summer scores 4.5/5 and early June or late August dodge the worst crowds while keeping good weathe

Skip if

The north campground is closed through 2025 for renovations, which cuts available sites. Bring an extended water hose since hookups sit farther from parking pads than standard lengths reach, and town supplies are 10-plus miles out so stock up before arrival.

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Dolliver Memorial State Park

2757 Dolliver Park Ave., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States

Dolliver Memorial State Park sits along the Des Moines River Valley near Lehigh, where sandstone bluffs and hidden canyons create some of Iowa's most dramatic terrain. The park offers 614 acres of trails, clean campsites, and ancient Native American mounds. Sites range from tent and RV spots ($15-$50/night) to rental cabins. Expect no cell service anywhere in the park.