IA DNR: State Parks,Springbrook State Park

Due to water line break and future water line replacement, the water is temporarily unavailable in the entire park. Completion date for the water line project is the first weekend in May. Several sites may have high levels of mud due to the construction project. Contact the park at 641-747-3591 for updated information. (updated 4/23/08)

Facilities and Activities

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Two beautiful open picnic shelters, one located on the lakeshore near the beach, may be reserved online through the park reservation system. Picnic areas have tables, grills, water and restroom facilities.

Camping
The large campground has 120 campsites (81 with electrical hook-ups). Modern showers and restrooms, a trailer dump station, fireplaces and tables are available. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cabins
Cabins are closed for future replacement.

Trails
Great hiking trails totally 12 miles lead to the heart of Springbrook. You are almost guaranteed to see deer when taking an evening or morning stroll on the nature trail which winds around the lake. In winter, snowmobiling is allowed on four miles of designated trails.

Bicycling
The Central State Park Bike Route is a 91 mile route which connects Springbrook State Park, Ledges State Park , and Big Creek State Park . It is relatively flat, with a few 'challenging' hills as you make your way across the valleys of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.

Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or motel along the route. Some bed and breakfasts and park concessionaires offer a shuttle service for gear or luggage for a nominal fee. Reservations for gear shuttle must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures available from the DNR.

Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
There is a sandy beach for sunbathing and unsupervised swimming. A stone and log open shelter with restrooms, located at the beach may be reserved online through the park reservation system.

A boat ramp on the lake provides convenient access for anglers seeking crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, bullhead and catfish. Ice fishing is enjoyed in the winter. Three fishing jetties are located along the lake trail. Boats using the lake may only use electric motors. A boat ramp is located on the Middle Raccoon River. A trail also takes anglers to a fishing riffle.

Hunting
Hunting is allowed, in season, on certain portions of the northeast and southwest area of Springbrook as posted. A controlled deer hunt is held periodically in certain areas of the recreation area. Contact the ranger for details.

The rolling hills of beautiful Springbrook State Recreation Area abound with deer, red and gray fox, coyote, raccoon, beaver, muskrat and wild turkey. Almost every kind of bird that visits Iowa can be found here. Trails lead through 920 acres of prairie and woodland, near small ponds, the Middle Raccoon River and the beautiful spring-fed 17-acre, artificial lake. The state acquired the park in 1926 and most of the buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Springbrook truly offers "something for everyone!"

Nearby Towns
Guthrie Center is seven miles from the park and has a golf course, Laundromat and churches. Panora is 12 miles from the park and offers river fishing and a golf course. Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a one-hour drive to the east. Bagley is eight miles north.

Contact Information
2437 160th Road
Guthrie Center, IA 50115
ph. 641/747-3591
fax 641/747-8401

E-mail address: Springbrook@dnr.iowa.gov