CLEAR LAKE – The DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14, 2020 to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. State parks and forests remain open for day-use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups.
Facilities that will remain closed through May 14 include:
Campgrounds, including youth and group camps
Bathrooms, including pit latrines and port-a-potties
Playgrounds
Cabins, shelters and lodges
Visitor centers and museums
All programs and events at state parks are cancelled or postponed through at least May 14, 2020. Watch for updates at iowadnr.gov
Please be aware that as conditions change, so may policies on park visitation and overnight stays.
The DNR will work with guests to cancel reservations affected by this extension. If you have reservations for the month of May after the closure dates and feel cancelling your stay is the safest choice, we will waive the cancellation fee for visits (cabins, campsites, lodges, shelters) with arrival dates through May 31, 2020. A transaction fee of $4.00 ($6.00 for reservations originally made by phone) will still apply. To cancel your May reservation, call (877) 427-2757.
Remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and bring supplies from home including disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and other hygiene products.
2 thoughts on “Iowa state parks extend closures into May”
Better yet. Stay home all summer. No beach. Band concerts. Parades. Large weddings. Sports. Enclosed bars
have no reason to be opened. Drink like they do in dry counties. In their backyards. Stay home. Who are people fooling. People oversees stay in lock down for 7-10 weeks. Iowa’s been down what 2-3 weeks. Given the ratios an alarming amount of deaths for Iowa would be 40+ everyday.
When they open…better have restrictions