🌤 Weather at Prairie Rose State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–74 °F | 60–86 °F | 26–78 °F | 10–36 °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 Harlan, 7 mi away, elevation 1,270 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Prairie Rose State Park — A scenic park in Shelby County, Iowa, centered around a 218-acre no-wake lake — featuring 90+ campsites (electric, full hookup, cabins), a sand swimming beach, excellent fishing (bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie) with a designated overnight fishing area, 7 miles of multi-use trails through restored prairie, and a full complement of family recreation.
Prairie Rose State Park is a western Iowa gem — built around a peaceful 218-acre no-wake lake surrounded by rolling prairie hills. The park stands out among Iowa state parks for its designated overnight fishing area — one of the few in the state — making it a prime destination for serious anglers. The restored prairie grasslands along the trail network offer a glimpse of Iowa’s pre-settlement landscape.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shelby County, western Iowa |
| Lake | 218 acres — no-wake boating |
| Campsites | 90+ sites — East (electric/full) + West (electric/tent) |
| Cabins | 2 camping cabins — heat/AC, bunk beds, fridge |
| Contact | (712) 773-2701 |
| Reservations | Required — Iowa State Park reservation system |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie — jetties + fish cleaning stations |
| Overnight Fishing | Designated area — one of few in Iowa! |
| Swimming | Sand beach — near playground |
| Camping | 90+ sites + 2 cabins — modern showers/restrooms |
| Boating | No-wake — 2 modern boat ramps |
| Hiking | 7 mi multi-use — prairie restoration + interpretive |
| Biking | Multi-use trail network |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Winter — multi-use trails |
| Picnicking | Reservable shelters with electric |
| Sports | Basketball, sand volleyball, horseshoes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Prairie Rose special for fishing?
Prairie Rose is one of the few Iowa state parks with a designated overnight fishing area, allowing anglers to fish around the clock. The 218-acre lake supports bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie, with multiple fishing jetties and fish cleaning stations.
What’s in the cabins?
The two camping cabins include heating/AC, a microwave, small refrigerator, and bunk beds. You’ll need to bring your own bedding, cooking equipment, and food. Reservations are required through the Iowa State Park system.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Anita State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Springbrook State Park is elsewhere in the state.
⛺ Camping at Prairie Rose State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 94 sites — East and West Campgrounds. East Campground: electric and full hook-up sites with modern shower and restroom. West Campground: electric and non-electric sites for tent camping. 69 Standard Electric sites, 20/30/50 amp, $24/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Full Hook-Up sites, $36/night peak. 5 Standard Non-Electric sites, $16/night peak. 11 Tent Only sites, $16/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site. RV lengths accommodated from 39 to 55 feet, back-in only. Dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 camping cabins, each with heating and air conditioning, microwave, small refrigerator, table and chairs, two twin-over-full bunk beds, picnic table, grill and fire ring. $50/night ($300/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/non-electric/tent/youth group sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance. |
| Special sites | 2 shelters available for rent. Dump station on site. |
Camping questions about Prairie Rose State Park
Can you camp at Prairie Rose State Park?
Yes. Prairie Rose State Park has 94 campsites. East and West Campgrounds. East Campground: electric and full hook-up sites with modern shower and restroom. West Campground: electric and non-electric sites for tent camping. 69 Standard Electric sites, 20/30/50 amp, $24/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Full Hook-Up sites, $36/night peak. 5 Standard Non-Electric sites, $16/night peak. 11 Tent Only sites, $16/night peak. 1 Youth Group Only site. RV lengths accommodated from 39 to 55 feet, back-in only. Dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Prairie Rose State Park?
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/non-electric/tent/youth group sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance.
Are there cabins at Prairie Rose State Park?
2 camping cabins, each with heating and air conditioning, microwave, small refrigerator, table and chairs, two twin-over-full bunk beds, picnic table, grill and fire ring. $50/night ($300/week) all seasons.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Prairie Rose State Park
- 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 Prairie Rose State Park?
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 Prairie Rose State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Omaha
from $12
from $150
from $16