Springbrook State Park

4.39

66 reviews

2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center, Iowa, 50115, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Iowa Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa

Quick Facts

1,168 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,168 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Springbrook State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No specific fees mentioned for campsites or shelters.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 66 reviews

357 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlake

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, range of activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Common themes include well-maintained facilities and limited cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center, Iowa, 50115, United States

Springbrook State Park

2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center, Iowa, 50115, United States

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 25 turn east on county road F25. Drive approximately 1.5 miles to park entrance. We are located approximately 9 miles north of Guthrie Center, Iowa. From Hwy 4, turn west on county road F25. Drive approximately 5 miles (and past the Education Center entrance) to the park entrance. We are approximately 6 miles west of Yale, Iowa, 12 miles northeast of Panora, Iowa, and 8 miles north of Guthrie Center.

Access is straightforward via paved county roads. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are mentioned.

Nearby places

Guthrie Center - 8 miles south, Panora - 12 miles east, Bagley - 8 miles north, Des Moines - 1 hour drive east.

Nearby supplies

Grocery store within 10 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Springbrook State Park

Experience the magic of four distinct seasons at Springbrook, where each month brings its own outdoor adventures. Spring awakens the landscape with brilliant wildflowers and fresh green canopies, while autumn transforms the park into a painter's palette of gold, crimson, and amber. Summer days invite swimming and hiking under clear skies, with moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. When winter blankets the hills in snow, the park transforms into a wonderland for snowmobilers, with groomed trails winding through frost-kissed forests.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak summer favored for beach, swimming and boating activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Park popular in fall for vibrant foliage and scenic hiking.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and fresh canopy; hiking and wildlife viewing highlighted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter appreciated for quiet but amenities limited; no winter-sport infrastructure noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Null
Current Alerts: Null

About Springbrook State Park

Nestled in Iowa's scenic countryside, Springbrook State Park welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with a thoughtfully designed modern campground featuring both electric and non-electric sites to suit every camping style. Whether you're seeking a full-service RV experience or a more traditional tent camping adventure, you'll find comfortable restrooms and hot showers waiting after a day of exploration. Families love the dedicated volleyball courts and playground, while groups can gather at the specialized youth camping area. Miles of winding hiking trails beckon adventurers to discover the park's hidden corners, creating memories that last long after the campfire embers fade.

Springbrook State Park provides camping options for tents, RVs, groups, and cabin lodging.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Springbrook State Park, where nearly a century of conservation history comes alive. Established in 1926, the park bears the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands shaped many of the stone structures and facilities still used by visitors today. These 1930s-era buildings stand as monuments to American craftsmanship and the nation's commitment to preserving natural spaces during challenging times, adding layers of historical significance to your outdoor adventure.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons at Springbrook, where each month brings its own outdoor adventures. Spring awakens the landscape with brilliant wildflowers and fresh green canopies, while autumn transforms the park into a painter's palette of gold, crimson, and amber. Summer days invite swimming and hiking under clear skies, with moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. When winter blankets the hills in snow, the park transforms into a wonderland for snowmobilers, with groomed trails winding through frost-kissed forests.

ElevationThe park's gently varied terrain creates an accessible outdoor experience perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and ScenerySpanning 930 acres of Iowa's most captivating landscape, Springbrook State Park enchants visitors with its harmonious blend of rolling hills crowned with mature timber and open prairie meadows. The centerpiece 17-acre lake mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, creating a tranquil setting for fishing, wildlife watching, and quiet contemplation. Ancient oaks and hickories provide cathedral-like canopies along the trails, where deer paths cross hiking routes and birdsong fills the air. This diverse ecosystem supports an impressive array of wildlife, from graceful white-tailed deer to colorful songbirds, making every visit a potential wildlife encounter.

Geological RegionSpringbrook State Park preserves 930 acres of Iowa's characteristic landscape, where ancient geological forces sculpted gentle hills and valleys now clothed in a rich tapestry of timber and prairie. This remarkable terrain showcases the transitional zone where eastern woodlands meet western grasslands, creating a unique ecological crossroads. The park's small lake, cradled within these rolling hills, adds a sparkling jewel to the diverse habitat that supports abundant wildlife and offers visitors a authentic taste of Iowa's natural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

The organized youth group camping area is adjacent to the main campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout is described as nice by user Joshua Peach, with well-maintained grounds.

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilityNull

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityThe park has handicap access and accessible hiking trails. One reviewer mentioned the youth campsite as lacking a water spigot but still accessible.

Site SizeCampsites are described as 'spacious' by some reviewers, though another mentioned that 'sites tend to be close together.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest varying levels of privacy. One reviewer shared, 'Sites tend to be close together,' while another user highlighted the lack of shade near the bridge.

Recommended SitesNull

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Springbrook State Park offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The park's 12 miles of trails and its 17-acre lake provide ample recreational opportunities.

HikingApproximately 12 miles of trails are available, offering everything from challenging hikes to casual strolls. A user mentioned, 'The best trail that goes around the whole lake. It's very level and easy, great for kids or a stroller.'

FishingThe 17-acre lake offers fishing opportunities for crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish. 'Anglers will find ample opportunities,' and one user noted, 'The fish were biting pretty good.'

SwimmingThe lake has a beach with unsupervised swimming. One user described it as 'a nice beach and swimming area.'

BikingThe Central State Park Bike Route, located 6 miles east of the park, connects Springbrook State Park to other nearby parks. This route is relatively flat with some challenging hills.

BoatingThe lake permits electric trolling motors. Facilities include a boat ramp and two docks.

Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife can be seen, including deer. One user shared, 'Deer would stand there and look at you as if you were in their way.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention bugs as an issue, and raccoons are noted to be abundant.

Active AlertsNull

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Springbrook State Park

Reviews

4.4

66 reviews

Recommended

Springbrook State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, range of activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Common themes include well-maintained facilities and limited cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 66 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the park's scenic trails, wildlife, and overall cleanliness. One user noted, 'Such a beautiful place to camp,' while another described the lake as 'gorgeous.'

Based on 66 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users criticized the lack of cell service, closed amenities like the camp store, and occasional maintenance issues with restrooms and showers.

Based on 66 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bleach for cleaning showers and planning for no cell service. One user suggested avoiding campsites near the bridge due to lack of shade.

Based on 66 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the park is popular in fall for its vibrant foliage and in summer for water activities. Winter campers appreciate the quiet but note limited amenities.

Based on 66 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great park with a lot of things to do packed into a small area.' - 'The lack of major cities nearby means that the night sky is very dark, so stargazing by the lake is a must!' - 'Sites tend to be...

Based on 66 reviews