Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Help your pup escape their canine worries by taking them to the lovely Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. It spans across an impressive 6,000 acres of land, making it one of Iowa’s largest parks. Here your pooch will find Brushy Creek Lake and a beautiful combination of native prairie, grassland, and riparian habitats. Sounds amazing!

With over 35 miles of mulit-use trails, this is the pawfect place to go hiking with your hound. Trails range from under half a mile all the way up to 14 miles, so you are bound to find one that suits your pup’s athletic abilities. Since they are multi-use, expect to see mountain bikers and equestrians during the summer months. During the winter, cross country skiers and snowmobilers frequent the trails. Help your doggo yield as necessary. When hiking, be prepared with plenty of water for both your and your four legged sidekick. Trail snacks and doggy biscuits wouldn’t hurt either!

Your pup will love this place so much they’ll pawbably want to spend the night. Furtunately, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has three campgrounds, two are equestrian and one is non-equestrian. All in all there are over 200 sites and most of these have electrical hookups. Seasonal restrooms and water are available. If you are lucky enough to be traveling with a horse as well as your pup, you can use the horse wash areas and hitch rails.

Just visiting for the day? Several picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. They are equipped with grills and tables. Pack some sandwiches or hot dogs and enjoy an outdoor meal with your pup. The scenery and company simply can’t be beat! Fishing and boating are also pupular activities. Visitors can cast a line in Brushy Creek Lake or Des Moines River.

Make no mistake, your pooch will go mutts over this puptacular park!