Springbrook State Park - Guthrie Center, IA - Iowa State Parks

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Two beautiful open picnic shelters, one located on the lakeshore near the beach, may be reserved online through the park reservation system. Picnic areas have tables, grills, water and restroom facilities.

Camping
The large campground has 119 campsites including electrical hook-ups. Modern showers and restrooms, a trailer dump station, grills and tables are available. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cabin
The Sherburne House, a 10-acre addition to Springbrook, is available for reservations year round. It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living rooms, a full service kitchen and sleeps 10 to 14. This getaway is nestled in a wooded area on the park's west side, with a scenic overlook and great opportunities to view wildlife. It is the perfect place for a reunion or family weekend retreat. Reservations can be made through the park reservation system.

Trails
Great hiking trails totaling 12 miles lead to the heart of Springbrook. You are almost guaranteed to see deer when taking an evening or morning stroll on the nature trail which winds around the lake.

Bicycling
The Central State Park Bike Route is a 91 mile route which connects Springbrook State Park, Ledges State Park , and Big Creek State Park. It is 6 miles east of Springbrook, relatively flat, and has a few 'challenging' hills as you make your way across the valleys of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or motel along the route. Some bed and breakfasts and park concessionaires offer a shuttle service for gear or luggage for a nominal fee. Reservations for gear shuttle must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures available from the DNR.

Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
There is a sandy beach for sunbathing and unsupervised swimming. A stone and log open shelter with restrooms, located at the beach may be reserved online through the park reservation system. A boat ramp on the lake provides convenient access for anglers seeking crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, bullhead and catfish. Ice fishing is enjoyed in the winter. Three fishing jetties are located along the lake trail. Boats using the lake may only use electric motors. A boat ramp is located on the Middle Raccoon River. A trail also takes anglers to a fishing riffle.

Hunting
Hunting is allowed, in season, on certain portions of the northeast and southwest area of Springbrook as posted. A controlled deer hunt is held periodically in certain areas of the recreation area. Contact the ranger for details. The rolling hills of beautiful Springbrook State Park are abound with deer, red and gray fox, coyote, raccoon, beaver, muskrat and wild turkey. Almost every kind of bird that visits Iowa can be found here. Trails lead through 930 acres of prairie and woodland, near small ponds, the Middle Raccoon River and the beautiful spring-fed 17-acre, artificial lake. The state acquired the park in 1926 and most of the buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Springbrook truly offers "something for everyone!"