|
Home >
Travel >
State Parks >
Iowa >
Bushey Creek State Recreation Area |
Bushey Creek State Recreation Area
|
|
Picnicking/Shelters
Brushy Creek is a great place for picnics and large gatherings. Picnic areas are
located around the park. They offer tables and fire grills. Two open shelters
are available for rent by contacting the park manager.
Equestrian Camping
Equestrian users enjoy one of the most modern camp facilities in the Midwest.
The northern equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, 125
campsites (50 electrical), horse wash area, ample shade, a substantial hitch
rail at every site (users are required to tie animals to rails) and a 100' by
200' arena. Water hydrants with potable water are available, as are picnic
tables, grills, and a playground. In the future another shower/toilet building
will be constructed.
The south campground has a modern shower and restroom with 70 electric and 35
non-electric sites and the same amenities as the northern campground. Starting
February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park
reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for
self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Horses are not to be hitched or tied to trees, shrubs or park facilities in a
manner that will cause injury or damage to the plant or facility. Animals may be
hitched to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and saddling. Animals
must be stabled inside a trailer, at a hitch rail or in stalls or corrals if
provided. Portable stall/pens or electric fences are not allowed.
Non-Equestrian Camping
A non-equestrian campground has 47 sites including 37 electric sites, and 10
with full water and sewer hookups. This location makes the campground very
inviting to those using the nearby boatramp and beach. This area is also
available for picnicking. Non equestrian campers are also welcome to use any of
the equestrian campgrounds.
Equestrian Day Use Staging Area
Currently there is a day-use staging area near the existing equestrian
campground in the northern portion of the recreation area and one in the
southern portion, near the equestrian campground. Day users are encouraged to
use these areas at no charge for the day. Facilities include seasonal restrooms.
Additional staging areas are being developed in the southern area.
Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
Fishing is also a popular activity at Brushy Creek. The creek and Des Moines
River have always provided not only scenic beauty but also a challenge to the
angler with smallmouth bass and panfish as favorite catches. Several boat ramps
and fishing jetties are located around the 690 acre lake. A fishing pier is
located on the west side of the lake, north of the beach area. There are fishing
tournaments occurring almost every weekend out on the lake.
Swimming is allowed in the designated beach area only. A large sandy beach is
located on the west side of the lake.
Trails
With approximately 50 miles of multi-use trails, there are trail activities for
everyone including horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing,
and mountain biking. Mountain biking is allowed on all multiple use trails. A
map of these trails is on display at the information kiosks located in the
equestrian campgrounds. When using the multi-use trail system: 1) Always call
ahead (515)543-8298 for current trail conditions 2) Stay on designated trails
only 3) Respect others' trail rights, 4) Report any trail problems to park
staff, and 5) Enjoy!
Hunting
Hunting is one of the most popular activities at Brushy Creek. Every year,
hunters pursue a variety of game species ranging from pheasants, quail, rabbits
and squirrels to white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. A number of designated
parking areas are located throughout Brushy Creek to provide convenient access
for the hunter.
Shooting Range
Two ranges are located at Brushy Creek SRA. One is south of the park office
approximately 1/2 mile north of County Rd. D-46. The other is a trap range
located in the northern section of the park. It can be reached by taking 250th
from Co. Rd. P-73, then turn right on Taylor Ave.
At over 6,000 acres, Brushy Creek is one of Iowa's largest tracts of public
outdoor recreation land. Visitors can get a real sense of being "away from it
all" while, at the same time, enjoying a variety of outdoor recreation
opportunities such as camping, hunting, horseback riding, and winter sports. The
development of a 690 acre lake and associated facilities will provide additional
opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, picnicking. These developments
are under construction and are expected to be completed in the future.
Nearby Towns
Lehigh is located five miles southwest of county road D45. Duncombe is located
five miles north on county road P73. Ft. Dodge is located approximately 15 miles
northwest of Brushy Creek on Hwy 20. Webster City is located approximately 25
miles northeast on Hwy 20.
Contact Information
3175 290th Street
Lehigh, IA 50557
ph. 515/543-8298
fax: 515/843-8395
E-mail address: Brushy_Creek@dnr.state.ia.us |
|
|
|
