Brushy Creek Beach Campground

Are you an Iowan seeking a refreshing outdoor adventure, a place where you can unwind by the water, explore scenic trails, and enjoy the tranquility of nature? Look no further than Brushy Creek Beach Campground in Lehigh, Iowa. Nestled within the expansive Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, this campground offers a well-maintained and accessible escape for both RVers and traditional tent campers. It's an ideal destination for locals throughout the Hawkeye State eager to connect with Iowa's beautiful landscapes and enjoy a memorable camping experience.

Iowa’s state parks and recreation areas are renowned for their natural beauty and dedication to providing exceptional outdoor opportunities. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, encompassing over 6,500 acres, stands as one of the largest and most popular. Within this vast expanse, Brushy Creek Beach Campground offers a specific camping experience that blends convenience with natural appeal. While some areas of the park are known for their dense tree cover, the Beach Campground, as its name suggests, provides easy access to the lake's sandy shore, making it a unique draw for water enthusiasts.

The "campground" at Brushy Creek Beach Campground signifies a dedication to accommodating diverse camping preferences. Whether you arrive in a spacious RV requiring full hookups or prefer the simplicity of tent camping, you’ll find well-suited sites. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities and the overall well-maintained nature of the park, a testament to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' commitment to quality. While the younger trees at this particular campground might mean less immediate shade, the ample space and access to the lake more than make up for it, offering a different kind of outdoor enjoyment that many Iowans cherish.

Brushy Creek Beach Campground is located within the larger Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, with its address listed as Co Rd D46, Lehigh, IA 50557, USA. This placement in Webster County, central Iowa, makes it a highly accessible destination for residents from across the state. Lehigh itself is a small community, adding to the serene and rural charm of the area, yet it remains within reasonable driving distance of larger Iowa cities.

From Des Moines, Iowa's capital, the drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, heading north via major highways. Similarly, from Cedar Rapids or Davenport, the journey west or northwest on Iowa's well-maintained road network is straightforward. The county road access leading to the campground ensures a smooth approach for all types of vehicles, including larger RVs. While road directions within the campground were noted as potentially "a bit confusing" by one visitor, the overall accessibility to this expansive recreation area is excellent, making it a practical choice for Iowans seeking a convenient getaway without extensive travel.

• RV Sites: Offers various RV sites, including those with full hookups (water, electric, sewer) and electric-only sites.
• Tent Camping Areas: Designated spaces available for traditional tent camping.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Clean and well-maintained communal bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers for guest comfort.
• Dump Station: An easily accessible dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
• Dumpsters: Conveniently located dumpsters for trash disposal.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Individual fire rings or grills are usually provided at each site for campfires and cooking.
• Reservations System: Campsites can be reserved online through the Iowa State Parks reservation system, particularly recommended for weekends and peak season.
• Pet-Friendly: Generally allows pets (on leash), making it possible to bring furry family members along for the adventure.

• Direct Beach Access: A key highlight is its proximity to a large sandy beach (approximately 600 yards walk from campsites), allowing for swimming and relaxation by the water on Brushy Creek Lake.
• Well-Maintained Campground: Consistently praised by visitors for being very well maintained and clean, from individual sites to communal facilities.
• Good Sized Sites: Campsites are noted to be "good size" and spacious, offering room for comfort and privacy.
• Full Hookups Available: The availability of full hookups (water, electric, sewer) for some sites is a significant convenience for RVers.
• Mix of Site Types: Offers both full hookup and electric-only sites, as well as some pull-through sites, accommodating various camping preferences.
• Part of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area: Benefits from being within a vast 6,500-acre state park, providing access to a wide range of activities.
• Extensive Trail System: Offers access to over 45 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and in winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
• Lake Activities: Brushy Creek Lake is ideal for fishing (bluegill, crappie, bass, catfish, walleye, muskellunge), boating (no-wake lake with motor size restriction), and an accessible fishing pier.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe local wildlife in a diverse habitat of prairie, grassland, timber, and riparian areas.
• Seasonal Popularity: While peaceful on weekdays, it tends to fill up on weekends, indicating its popularity among Iowans.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Brushy Creek Beach Campground, you can typically find information through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) official website or their state park reservation system.

Address: Co Rd D46, Lehigh, IA 50557, USA

For reservations, it's recommended to use the Iowa State Parks online reservation system via ReserveAmerica. While a direct phone number for the campground office isn't always readily available, you can usually contact the main Brushy Creek State Recreation Area office for specific inquiries during business hours. The state park's general contact number for questions might be found on the Iowa DNR website.

For Iowans seeking a well-rounded and accessible outdoor experience, Brushy Creek Beach Campground in Lehigh stands out as an exceptional choice. Its location within the extensive Brushy Creek State Recreation Area means that local residents have convenient access to a vast natural playground without needing to travel far. This ease of access is a significant benefit, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or more extended, stress-free vacations right here in our own beautiful state.

What makes this campground particularly appealing to locals is its combination of practical amenities and recreational opportunities. The availability of full hookups for RVs, alongside clean restrooms and showers, ensures a comfortable stay for all types of campers. The fact that it’s consistently "very well maintained" by the Iowa DNR speaks to the quality and care that goes into managing our state parks, something Iowans truly appreciate. While the Beach Campground might have younger trees offering less shade initially, the direct access to Brushy Creek Lake and its sandy swimming beach provides a unique draw, especially during Iowa's warm summers.

Beyond the campground itself, being part of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area opens up a world of activities tailored for the Iowa outdoor enthusiast. The 690-acre lake is a fantastic resource for fishing, boating (with no motor size restrictions on this "no-wake" lake), and simply enjoying the water. The expansive trail system, spanning over 45 miles, caters to hikers, mountain bikers, and especially equestrians, allowing Iowans to explore diverse habitats and enjoy varied forms of exercise and nature observation. From birdwatching to enjoying peaceful walks, the natural surroundings offer a true escape.

Choosing Brushy Creek Beach Campground means investing in a quality outdoor experience that celebrates Iowa's natural heritage. It's a place where families can create lasting memories, friends can gather, and individuals can find solace in nature. It represents the best of Iowa's state park system: well-managed, amenity-rich, and perfectly suited for locals seeking adventure and relaxation in their own backyard.

Brushy Creek Beach Campground

Co Rd D46, Lehigh, IA 50557, USA