State: Iowa
Address 1: 4530 McClintock Road
City: Palo
Zip: 52324
Phone: 319-436-7716
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 69
Electric: 43
Camp URL: http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/pleasant_creek.html
Full Hook: Yes
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.
The Pleasant Creek campground features 69 campsites, 43 electrical hook-ups and 2 modern shower and rest room facilities. 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.
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.
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.
A privately operated concession at the boat house offers motorboat, canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental. Bait is also available for sale at the boat house concession.
Pleasant Creek is a relaxing place to spend a day at the beach. The swimming area is located on the north shore.
Pleasant Creek Lake is one of the most popular boating spots in eastern Iowa. 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.”
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.