Lang
4/25/20
The DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14th 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.
Local parks affected include Lake MacBride State Park near Solon, Palisades-Kepler State Park near Mount Vernon, and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area near Palo.
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 14th. Watch for updates at iowadnr.gov.
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, the DNR will waive the cancellation fee for visits (cabins, campsites, lodges, shelters) with arrival dates through May 31st. A transaction fee of $4.00 ($6.00 for reservations originally made by phone) will still apply.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.