Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

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Quick Facts

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Iowa

(319) 436-7716

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Pleasant Creek has outdoor fun to suit any taste. The idea for a state recreation area at Pleasant Creek originated in the early 1960s when the Iowa Conservation Commission (now the Iowa Department of Natural Resources) began investigating the possibility of a large lake to serve the outdoor recreation needs of a multi-county region of northeast Iowa. Today, a 410-acre lake and more than 1,500 acres of land are available to visitors conveniently close to the cities of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Palo and Waterloo/Cedar Falls. The lake offers a variety of fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. Trails offer visitors scenic views of wooded hills, marshy areas and meadows.

Relax on the beach, take your grandchildren fishing or picnic with the kids. Explore wooded hills, marshy areas and meadows or take a turn about the lake on a paddleboat. Stay a day or two to enjoy the full range of activities at Pleasant Creek State Park. The area is open year-round and provides a maximum of outdoor recreation activities.

Map of Pleasant Creek (IA)

Latitude, Longitude: 42.120946, -91.826798

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Activities

  • Boating

    Four launching sites are conveniently located around the lake. These sites have a total of seven ramps for fishing, leisure boating and sailboating access. Any size boat motor may be operated at "no wake speeds."

  • Camping

    The Pleasant Creek campground features 69 campsites, 43 electrical hook-ups and 2 modern shower facilities, rest room facilities, and dump station. From the campground, campers have a pleasing view of much of the recreation area. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    Four camper cabins are available seasonally. The rustic pine log cabins offer visitors a sense of pioneer lifestyle. The cabins have electricity, microwave ovens, small refrigerators, basic furnishings, and covered porches. Visitors must provide their own bedding, towels, cooking utensils and other camping items. Cabins are located near the campgrounds so cabin users will have use of the shower and toilet facilities. The cabins can be reserved online through the park reservation system.

  • Fishing

    The lake is one of the highest quality fishing lakes in the region and is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and muskellunge. Shoreline fishing has been enhanced by the construction of jetties.

  • Hiking

    There are 10 miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, bicycling, cross-country skiing and equestrian riding, with connecting access to many area facilities and scenic overlooks. Contact the park office for trail closings due to wet conditions.

  • Horseback Riding

    There are 10 miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, bicycling, cross-country skiing and equestrian riding, with connecting access to many area facilities and scenic overlooks. Contact the park office for trail closings due to wet conditions.

  • Hunting

    Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is open to public hunting and trapping. Popular species of game include rabbits, pheasants and quail. Pleasant Creek is also a popular site for organized dog field trials. Call park office for more information

  • Off Highway Vehicles

    There are 10 miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, bicycling, cross-country skiing and equestrian riding, with connecting access to many area facilities and scenic overlooks. Contact the park office for trail closings due to wet conditions.

  • Picnicking

    Pleasant Creek is a great place for a family picnic. Picnic areas are located on the northeast and southeast shores. Several open shelters and the day-use lodge may reserved online through the park reservation system.

  • RVing

    The Pleasant Creek campground features 69 campsites, 43 electrical hook-ups, and a dump station.

  • Water Sports

    Swimming, fishing, and boating are allowed in designated areas.

  • Winter Sports

    There are 10 miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, bicycling, cross-country skiing and equestrian riding, with connecting access to many area facilities and scenic overlooks. Contact the park office for trail closings due to wet conditions.

Seasonality/Weather

Iowa summers are known for heat and humidity, with daytime temperatures often near 90°F and sometimes exceeding 100°F. Spring ushers in the beginning of the severe weather season--thunderstorms and tornadoes are common during the spring and summer months. Average winters in the state have been known to drop well below freezing, even falling below 0°F.

Directions

Driving

Pleasant Creek lies approximately 15 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids and 40 miles southeast of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area. Palo is located 5 miles south.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(319) 436-7716

Campground reservations

(877) 427-2757

Links