Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
🏆 Iowa’s Premier Multi-Use Trail Park — 6,500 acres of horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and camping in the heart of Iowa
In central Iowa, where the rolling farmland of Webster County meets the wooded valleys of Brushy Creek, there’s a 6,500-acre outdoor recreation area that most people outside the state have never heard of. That’s a shame, because Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is one of the finest multi-use trail destinations in the Midwest — a vast network of equestrian, mountain biking, and hiking trails winding through restored prairies, oak-hickory woodlands, and the ravines that drain into the 690-acre Brushy Creek Lake.
Opened in stages beginning in the mid-1990s, Brushy Creek was specifically designed as a multi-use recreation area rather than a traditional “preservation first” state park. The result is a landscape engineered for activity: 54 miles of multi-use trails, an equestrian campground with 225 sites, a modern boat ramp on a well-stocked fishing lake, and enough terrain variety to keep mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers engaged for days. If you ride horses and you’re within a day’s drive of Iowa, Brushy Creek should be on your bucket list.
Table of Contents
Trail System
Brushy Creek’s trail system is the park’s crown jewel. With 54 miles of multi-use trails traversing varied terrain — from ridgetop prairies to shaded ravines to creek crossings — the network accommodates horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers on shared corridors. Trails are well-marked with colored blazes and distance markers.
| Trail Section | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Ridge Loop | 6.5 miles | Easy–Moderate | Open prairie views, wildflowers, beginners |
| Ravine Run | 8.2 miles | Moderate | Wooded ravines, creek crossings, scenic variety |
| Timber Trail | 12.0 miles | Moderate–Difficult | Oak-hickory forest, steep climbs, experienced riders |
| Lakeshore Path | 4.0 miles | Easy | Lake views, fishing access, family-friendly hiking |
| North Loop | 10.5 miles | Moderate | Remote terrain, wildlife sightings, solitude |
| Connector Trails | 12.8 miles | Varies | Linking major trail sections |
Equestrian Riding
Brushy Creek is recognized as one of the top equestrian destinations in the Midwest. The park was designed with horseback riders as a primary user group, and it shows — from the generous trail widths and gentle grades to the dedicated equestrian campground with electric hookups and horse-friendly facilities.
🐴 Equestrian Facilities
• Trail access: All 54 miles of multi-use trails are open to horseback riding
• Equestrian campground: 225 sites with electric hookups, hitching posts, and manure disposal stations
• Trailer parking: Generous pull-through sites designed for horse trailers
• Water: Available at campground for both riders and horses
• Terrain: Rolling hills, creek crossings, wooded ravines — varied and engaging
• Season: Trails generally open April through November (closed when saturated to prevent damage)
• Trail closures: Check Iowa DNR website for current conditions — trails may close after heavy rain
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers share the trail system with horseback riders and hikers, and the terrain delivers a rewarding ride: rolling prairie ridgetops with fast descents, technical sections through wooded ravines, and creek crossings that add variety. The trails are singletrack and doubletrack, with some challenging climbs for intermediate and advanced riders.
Biking etiquette: Yield to horseback riders and hikers. Announce yourself when approaching from behind. Do not ride when trails are muddy or saturated — this damages the trail surface and can result in temporary closures.
Fishing & Brushy Creek Lake
Brushy Creek Lake is a 690-acre impoundment stocked and managed by the Iowa DNR for quality fishing. The lake features submerged structure (brush piles, rock reefs) that create excellent habitat for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie.
| Species | Best Season | Technique | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | May–September | Spinnerbaits, soft plastics, topwater | Good numbers, 14+ inch fish common |
| 🐟 Channel Catfish | Summer | Cut bait, stink bait, worms | Well-stocked, excellent for families |
| 🐟 Bluegill | May–August | Worms, crickets, small jigs | Abundant — great for kids |
| 🐟 Crappie | Spring (Apr–May) | Minnows, jigs near brush piles | Target submerged structure |
| 🐟 Walleye | Spring, Fall | Jigs, crankbaits, live minnows | Developing population |
The lake has a modern concrete boat ramp and courtesy dock for launching boats. Electric motors are permitted; check current regulations for horsepower restrictions. Bank fishing is available at several access points along the lakeshore.
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🐴 Equestrian Campground | 225 sites | Electric (30 amp) | Horse trailers, riders, groups |
| ⛺ Non-Equestrian Campground | ~40 sites | Electric available | Families, hikers, bikers, anglers |
| 🏕️ Primitive/Walk-In | Several | None | Backpackers, solitude seekers |
The equestrian campground is one of the largest in Iowa and fills up on popular weekends (May–October). Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the Iowa DNR reservation system. Non-equestrian camping is available at a separate campground area. All campgrounds have vault or modern restrooms and water access.
Wildlife & Nature
Brushy Creek’s 6,500 acres of restored prairie, oak-hickory woodland, and riparian habitat support a diverse wildlife community. White-tailed deer are abundant, and the park is home to wild turkeys, red foxes, coyotes, and a variety of raptors including red-tailed hawks and great horned owls. Spring wildflower displays in the prairie areas include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, blazing star, and compass plant.
The lake and surrounding wetlands attract great blue herons, green herons, wood ducks, and migrating waterfowl. Bald eagles are occasionally seen near the lake during winter.
Winter Recreation
Brushy Creek transforms in winter. When snow covers the trails, the park opens for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling (on designated routes). Ice fishing on Brushy Creek Lake is popular when ice conditions are safe — target bluegill and crappie through the ice with small jigs and waxworms.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Lehigh, IA 50557 |
| 📞 Phone | (515) 543-8298 |
| 🕐 Hours | Year-round, 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| 💰 Entry Fee | Free (Iowa state parks do not charge entry fees) |
| 💰 Camping | $11–$16/night (non-electric); $16–$20/night (electric) |
| 🅿️ Parking | Multiple parking areas at trailheads and lake access |
| 📡 Cell Service | Limited — rural area |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr–May) | 50–70°F | Wildflowers, crappie fishing, trail openings |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | Full trail access, bass fishing, camping, all activities |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Oct) | 50–70°F | Fall colors, comfortable riding, reduced crowds |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar) | 15–35°F | Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brushy Creek good for horseback riding?
Excellent — Brushy Creek is widely considered one of the best equestrian trail parks in the Midwest. All 54 miles of multi-use trails are open to horseback riding, and the dedicated equestrian campground has 225 sites with electric hookups, hitching posts, and trailer parking. The terrain offers varied and engaging riding through prairies, woodlands, and creek crossings.
Can you mountain bike at Brushy Creek?
Yes — mountain biking is permitted on all multi-use trails. The 54-mile network includes rolling prairie ridgetops, wooded ravines, and creek crossings that provide a rewarding ride for intermediate to advanced riders. Share the trails courteously with horseback riders and hikers, and do not ride when trails are muddy.
Is there a fee to enter Brushy Creek?
No — Iowa state parks and recreation areas do not charge entrance fees. Camping fees apply ($11–$20/night depending on site type and amenities). The lake, trails, and day-use areas are all free to access.
What fish can you catch in Brushy Creek Lake?
Brushy Creek Lake is a 690-acre DNR-managed lake stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and walleye. The lake has submerged brush piles and rock reefs that create excellent habitat. A modern boat ramp is available. Iowa fishing license required.
Do trails close when it rains?
Yes — trails may close temporarily after heavy rain or when saturated to prevent damage to the trail surface. This is especially important because the trails are shared by horseback riders, whose horses can cause significant rutting on wet trails. Check the Iowa DNR website or call the park office for current trail conditions before making a trip.
Can you camp with your horse at Brushy Creek?
Yes — the equestrian campground is specifically designed for horse camping. It has 225 sites with electric hookups, hitching posts, water for horses, manure disposal stations, and generous pull-through sites for horse trailers. Reservations are highly recommended for weekends from May through October.
Is Brushy Creek open in winter?
Yes — the park is open year-round. In winter, the trails are used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling (on designated routes). Ice fishing on Brushy Creek Lake is popular when ice is safe. Campgrounds are generally closed for the season during winter months — check with the park for specific dates.
🐴 Explore Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
Ride 54 miles of multi-use trails on horseback, mountain bike, or on foot. Fish a well-stocked lake, camp in Iowa’s largest equestrian campground, and discover why Brushy Creek is one of the Midwest’s best-kept outdoor secrets.
🗺️ Official Park Information 🌽 Explore IowaFrequently Asked Questions
Are Iowa state parks free?
Yes, Iowa state parks are completely free to enter. There are no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees apply and reservations can be made through the Iowa DNR.
Can I explore caves at Iowa state parks?
Yes, Maquoketa Caves State Park features over a dozen caves that visitors can explore, including Dancehall Cave with electric lighting. It is one of the most unique state parks in the Midwest.
What are the best state parks in Iowa?
Top parks include Maquoketa Caves (cave exploration), Pikes Peak (bluffs overlooking the Mississippi), Backbone (Iowa’s oldest state park), Ledges (sandstone formations), and Lacey-Keosauqua (scenic river bluffs).
What is the best time to visit Iowa state parks?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions. Fall foliage peaks in mid-October along the Mississippi River bluffs. Summer is hot but great for camping and water activities. Winter is cold but peaceful.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
