Lake Geode Campground Opens Soon

In Iowa it is always necessary to check with each State Park or Forest you wish to visit. A few campgrounds are open all year long. Most are open April 15 — October 31. Openings are very weather dependent. Always pack gear to cover many conditions. It is possible to reserve your favorite spots or choose a new park to visit and enjoy. It doesn’t hurt to call ahead and check the weather and road conditions. Iowa DNR also has a website that posts Alerts and Closures (https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/alerts-closures)

Geode State Park has the following alerts posted:

[Alert] Geode — Water Off

All Modern Restroom & Shower facilities in the campground and in the beach area have been closed for the season. Camping in the campground is still permitted through Dec. 15, 2024. Pit Toilets are located in the campground and in picnic areas for winter use. One water hydrant is left at the campground entrance. Electricity is on the electrical pedestal during the winter. Winter rates are in effect. For questions, please call the park office at (319) 392-4601 (Posted 11/14/2024)

[Alert] Geode — Campground Closed

The Campground at Geode State Park is closed for the season. It will reopen sometime in the Spring of 2025. For questions, please call the park office at (319) 392-4601. Registration is now open for campsites https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/geode-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IA&parkId=610124

At Geode State Park, this is the time of year to start walking your favorite trails. Walk them every few days. The spring flowers are plants are beginning to bloom. Most of them do not last long. Skunk Cabbage, Bloodroot and Pasque flower are other early showoffs.

The Iowa State Park Passport program which allows park visitors to earn points toward prizes and giveaways, is back for 2025. Sign up and download the passport onto a mobile device to participate. One earns points for visiting different state parks. The more parks you visit, the more points you earn/ These points are then redeemed for prizes and giveaways. There are hidden gems in each park. These suggestions are designed to encourage visitors to enjoy features not as well-known at each park.

https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/geode-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IA&parkId=610124

Campground hosts are needed across the state. Friends of Geode posted Feb. 25 mentioning that Geode State Park is looking for a few exceptional people to be volunteer campground hosts! Campground hosts help Geode State Park achieve their mission of promoting use and appreciation of our beautiful park.

• Campground hosts are provided a free campsite while they are actively hosting.

• Volunteer duties vary and likely include light maintenance duties, checking campers in via tablet and acting as a park resource.

• Generally, hosts volunteer 20-30 hours a week.

• This is a volunteer position.

To apply or learn more, contact Geode State Park at 319-392-4601 or email geode@dnr.iowa.gov. If hosting other parks appeals to you, there is a DNR list of parks needing hosts. Visit https//www.iowadnr.gov/about-dnr/volunteer-opportunities#Become-a-Campground-Host-444

Take a few moments and decide which parks you would like to visit in 2025. Don’t forget to investigate the county and city parks that are also available all across this beautiful state.