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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Northwest Region
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
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Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Over look at Brushy Creek © Amber Hartness
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area © amber hartness
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area © amber hartness
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Family Fishing © Bob Wood
Fishing is fun for the whole family on Brushy Creek lake.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Beautiful July Day © Bob Wood
Brushy Creek lake offers beautiful scenery.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Clouds on Water © Bob Wood
Reflections on a warm summer day at Brushy Creek lake.
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BRUSHY CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA
BRUSHY CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA
2802 Brushy Creek Road
Lehigh, Iowa   50557
(lat:42.3835 lon:-93.9708) map location

Phone: 515-543-8298
Reservations: 515-543-8298
Email: park email button icon
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is one of the largest state parks in Iowa, showcasing native prairie, grassland, timber, river and lake habitats across its 6,500 acres. The lake at Brushy Creek is perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. With more than 45 miles of trails, Brushy Creek is a popular destination for horseback riding, including two equestrian campgrounds.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Equestrian Camping:

Equestrian users enjoy one of the most modern camp facilities in the Midwest. The northern equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, 125 campsites (50 electrical), horse wash area, ample shade, a substantial hitch rail at every site (users are required to tie animals to rails) and a 100' by 200' arena. Water hydrants with potable water are available, as are picnic tables, grills, and a playground. In the future another shower/toilet building will be constructed.

The south campground has a modern shower and restroom with 70 electric and 35 non-electric sites and the same amenities as the northern campground. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Horses are not to be hitched or tied to trees, shrubs or park facilities in a manner that will cause injury or damage to the plant or facility. Animals may be hitched to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and saddling. Animals must be stabled inside a trailer, at a hitch rail or in stalls or corrals if provided. Portable stall/pens or electric fences are not allowed.

Non-Equestrian Camping:

A non-equestrian campground has 47 sites including 37 electric sites, and 10 with full water and sewer hookups. This location makes the campground very inviting to those using the nearby boatramp and beach. This area is also available for picnicking. Non equestrian campers are also welcome to use any of the equestrian campgrounds.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the designated beach area only. A large sandy beach is located on the west side of the lake.
Boating
Several boat ramps and fishing jetties are located around the 690 acre lake. A fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake, north of the beach area. There are fishing tournaments occurring almost every weekend out on the lake.


Location
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is located near Fort Dodge

Picnicking
Brushy Creek is a great place for picnics and large gatherings. Picnic areas are located around the park. They offer tables and fire grills. Two open shelters are available for rent by contacting the park manager.
Trails
With approximately 50 miles of multi-use trails, there are trail activities for everyone including horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. Mountain biking is allowed on all multiple use trails. A map of these trails is on display at the information kiosks located in the equestrian campgrounds. When using the multi-use trail system: 1) Always call ahead (515)543-8298 for current trail conditions 2) Stay on designated trails only 3) Respect others' trail rights, 4) Report any trail problems to park staff, and 5) Enjoy!
Area Attractions
Shooting Range:

Two ranges are located at Brushy Creek SRA. One is south of the park office approximately 1/2 mile north of County Rd. D-46. The other is a trap range located in the northern section of the park. It can be reached by taking 250th from Co. Rd. P-73, then turn right on Taylor Ave.

At over 6,000 acres, Brushy Creek is one of Iowa's largest tracts of public outdoor recreation land. Visitors can get a real sense of being "away from it all" while, at the same time, enjoying a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, hunting, horseback riding, and winter sports. The development of a 690 acre lake and associated facilities will provide additional opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, picnicking. These developments are under construction and are expected to be completed in the future.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 30 by Fred Rider
park review stars; one to five Need to keep unrespectful fishermen off the bridges. Some one is going to get hurt,fishing rods look like whips to a horse, tackle boxes in the middle of the bridge,and they do not care. so sad
November 17 Memories of the Past by Ann
park review stars; one to five Lots of memories for me as I lived here for several years, went to the country school located on the corner of 290th street and Brushy Creek Road. I am in the process of writing a family history and story of this area.
August 22 Horse Camp by Urban Cowgirl
park review stars; one to five I was disappointed to see last year that sevaral NON-Horse people were able to reserve sites in the horse camp. There are so few nice horse camps in our area, that is seem this should not be allowed unless there are empty spaces near the camp date. We would not be allowed to swipe up camp sites in their disignated areas. For this reason several of our horse friends could not get in to camp.
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