Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
Guide

The park is also a great choice for RVers who are interested in birdwatching. You’ll find many species that are native to the area, as well as dozens that migrate throughout the year. You can spot the American goldfinch, Iowa’s state bird, in addition to species such as the northern bobwhite, short eared owl, and northern shoveler.

Iowa has many great birdwatching groups, many of which produce excellent educational materials. Check their websites before visiting the park and you may be able to find field guides or checklists for the bird species found in the park.

The park is a great destination for RV campers interested in hiking. There are 45 miles of trails that lead around the shore of the lake and through the shaded woods.

There is also a 12-mile gravel trail that leads around the lake. The trail makes for easy going, so it’s great for hikers of all ages and skill levels. You can also connect to the park’s other trails should you want a longer or more challenging hike. The park provides information and maps on all of the trails at the campground kiosk.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has a well developed network of equestrian trails, making it a great choice for RV campers who want to bring their horse along. There are 45 miles of trails in the park that can be used for horseback riding. There is also an equestrian campground that has over 100 campsites, with a hitch rail at each site. There is also a riding arena, as well as a horse washing station.

Parts of Brushy Creek Recreation Area are also open to hunting. You’ll find a wide variety of game, ranging from deer and pheasant to wild turkey and rabbit. The woods surrounding the water and the open fields make every hunt varied and challenging, giving cover for animals and great sightlines for hunters.

The park strictly enforces all state hunting regulations, so make sure you are in accordance with seasons and game limits. You should check with park officials before hunting to make sure that you are in the proper areas, as some parts of the park are restricted. Use extra caution, as the park is a popular recreation spot for campers and day visitors.

If you plan on visiting the park during the winter, make sure to pack a pair of skis in your rig. The park’s hiking trails can also be used by skiers after snow storms, making for an excellent cross-country skiing course.

The park does not rent ski gear, so make sure you come prepared. The trails are also shared with snowshoers, so take caution when rounding corners. The trails may not always be groomed, especially after heavy storms, so beginner skiers may find it to be tough going.

If you've packed your fishing gear in your campervan or trailer, you are in luck. The lake is populated by a range of different fish species, such as walleye, crappie, muskellunge, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. You can also enjoy fishing on the Des Moines River. The river is packed with smallmouth and panfish, and you’ll get bites year round.

The fishing tends to be best starting in mid-spring and running through early fall, although you will get bites year round. The lake is no wake, and the park does not rent boats. The four boat launches are fairly large, so getting your boat out onto the lake is simple. There are also eight fishing piers if you want to fish from the shore.