🌤 Weather at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–69 °F | 57–81 °F | 25–74 °F | 8–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Vinton, 11 mi away, elevation 850 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Iowa’s SCUBA Diving Lake — 410-Acre No-Wake Muskie and Walleye Fishery, Sandy Beach, Pine Log Cabins, 12-Mile Multi-Use Trail, Near Cedar Rapids
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a state recreation area at 4530 McClintock Road, near Palo, Linn County, Iowa. The area features a 410-acre no-wake lake with exceptional SCUBA diving visibility, trophy muskellunge and walleye fishing with seven boat ramps, a large sandy beach with volleyball courts, four rustic pine log camping cabins, approximately 12 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking, and over 1,500 acres of public hunting grounds.
Pleasant Creek is Iowa’s most surprising recreational lake — the no-wake restriction creates glass-calm waters that produce near-perfect visibility for SCUBA diving during spring and early summer. The muskie fishery is one of eastern Iowa’s premier trophy water bodies, and the walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish provide consistent multi-species action.
The no-wake policy means kayakers, canoeists, and windsurfers have the entire 410-acre lake to themselves — no jet skis, no speedboats. The four rustic pine log cabins offer seasonal rental with electricity, microwave, and refrigerator.
Fishing
| Species | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Muskellunge | Trophy | Premier eastern Iowa muskie water |
| Walleye | Excellent | Year-round target species |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | Shore and boat fishing |
| Channel Catfish | Good | Night fishing popular |
| Bluegill/Crappie | Good | Family-friendly panfish |
| White Bass | Seasonal | Spring runs |
Things to Do
- SCUBA diving — exceptional spring/summer visibility
- Muskie + walleye fishing — 7 ramps, accessible piers
- Sandy beach — volleyball, showers, restrooms
- Camping — electric/non-electric + 4 pine log cabins
- Trails — ~12 mi hiking, MTB, equestrian, XC ski
- Kayaking/canoeing — no-wake lake, glass-calm
- Hunting — 1,500+ acres, pheasant, rabbit, quail
Camping & Cabins
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Electric Sites | Modern shower/restroom buildings |
| Non-Electric Sites | Primitive camping areas |
| Cabins (4) | Rustic pine log — electricity, microwave, fridge, basic furniture |
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4530 McClintock Rd, Shellsburg, IA 52332 |
| Lake | 410 acres — no-wake |
| Boat Ramps | 4 launch sites / 7 ramps |
| Beach | Sandy, north shore — volleyball |
| Trails | ~12 mi multi-use |
| Hunting | 1,500+ acres public |
| Managed By | Iowa DNR |
| Coordinates | 42.1233° N, 91.8194° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Pleasant Creek SRA — 1,927 acres on Pleasant Creek Lake (410 acres). The park’s lake, prairie restoration, and timber support bald eagles, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Palo — adjacent. Cedar Rapids — 15 miles south.
Can you SCUBA dive at Pleasant Creek Iowa?
Yes — Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area near Palo, Iowa, is one of the state’s most popular SCUBA diving destinations. The 410-acre no-wake lake offers near-perfect water clarity during spring and early summer. The lake also holds trophy muskellunge, walleye, largemouth bass, and catfish. Seven boat ramps serve the lake. Sandy beach, ~12 miles of trails, and four rustic pine log cabins are available.
What fish are in Pleasant Creek Lake Iowa?
Pleasant Creek Lake holds muskellunge (trophy class), walleye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and white bass. The 410-acre no-wake lake has fishing jetties and an accessible pier. Four launch sites with seven ramps provide boat access. Located near Palo in Linn County, close to Cedar Rapids.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Palisades-Kepler State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Lake Macbride State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Iowa state parks online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
⛺ Camping at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 72 sites — Three non-equestrian campgrounds. 63 Standard Electric sites, 20/30/50 amp; pull-through sites in Campground 1 range 50-100 ft, back-in sites in Campground 2 accommodate 45-50 ft. 6 Standard Non-Electric sites. 3 Standard Full Hook-Up sites (electric/water/sewer, including site H27). Two modern shower and restroom buildings serve the campgrounds. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 4 rustic pine log camping cabins with microwave, small refrigerator, basic furnishings and electricity, $60/night ($360/week) all seasons. |
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Camping cabins and shelters require at least 4 days' notice, up to 12 months in advance; standard/full hook-up sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance. |
| Special sites | 3 shelters available for rent. Dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Campground accepts reservations April-October and is closed November-March. |
Camping questions about Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Yes. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area has 72 campsites. Three non-equestrian campgrounds. 63 Standard Electric sites, 20/30/50 amp; pull-through sites in Campground 1 range 50-100 ft, back-in sites in Campground 2 accommodate 45-50 ft. 6 Standard Non-Electric sites. 3 Standard Full Hook-Up sites (electric/water/sewer, including site H27). Two modern shower and restroom buildings serve the campgrounds.
How do you reserve a campsite at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Camping cabins and shelters require at least 4 days' notice, up to 12 months in advance; standard/full hook-up sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance.
Are there cabins at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
4 rustic pine log camping cabins with microwave, small refrigerator, basic furnishings and electricity, $60/night ($360/week) all seasons.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
