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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Northeast Region
Brush Creek Canyon State Park
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Eastern Goldfinch
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
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BRUSH CREEK CANYON STATE PARK
BRUSH CREEK CANYON STATE PARK
Camping
Equestrian Camping:

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.

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.
Fishing
Fishing:

Fishing is also a popular activity at Brushy Creek. The creek and Des Moines River have always provided not only scenic beauty but also a challenge to the angler with smallmouth bass and panfish as favorite catches.


Location
Brush Creek Canyon State Park is

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.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species in this Iowa park, including warblers and woodpeckers. The diverse habitats attract different bird types throughout the year. There are also trails for better accessibility to prime viewing spots.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 10 Beautiful but lots of work by Todd from Cedar Rapids.
park review stars; one to five This is a State Preserve and is VERY primitive. NO CAMPING ALLOWED. The last sign when turning off pavement onto one lane gravel is small and hard to find. Road in is steep, one lane, somewhat washed out dirt and gravel leading to a turnaround area. Next to the turnaround is a WPA style restroom building. About 75 yards down a dirt and grass path is a WPA style picnic shelter build against a cliff. The stream is still 100?+ vert. below the shelter. The only path down is a steep and difficult dirt path along pock-marked dolomite limestone formations, called ?slump blocks?. Last 25? vert. to the streambed is much steeper and even more difficult. However your reward is a beautiful, clear, cold water stream with many trout, up to pan sized. Once at the bottom travel in the canyon is by way of wading in the streambed. The (same) trail out requires climbing out the first 25? and is steep and strenuous. Very rewarding if you know what you are getting yourself in to!
May 29
park review stars; one to five
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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
89.6 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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