(Des Moines, IA) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources have announced several new changes to the State’s parks system effective in 2026, designed to improve visitor experiences.  Among them:

1. Beginning in 2026, most campsites in the Iowa state park system will be reservable through the DNR’s Online Reservation System. The switch will complete a process that started in 2021, and means:

• Reservations can be made online or by phone using a credit card.
• Availability is known immediately and can be made the same day.
• If a cancellation occurs, the site is available for reservation within minutes.
• An increase in convenience and reduction in uncertainty for campers who previously may have traveled to a campground not knowing if sites were open.
• More site availability in every campground .
• Customers can change a reservation until 10 pm on the day of arrival – some limitations apply. Additionally, campers can change a reservation to a different park allowing for more flexibility.
• Ability for staff to spend more time caring for the park, programming and natural resource upkeep, instead of handling cash or check-ins at the campground.

A kiosk in each campground will provide online reservation information for those who come to the park looking for a site. Campers will no longer need to complete paper registration forms or pay with cash; all reservations will be through the Online Reservation System or by calling (877) 427-2757.

2.First Day Hikes: Kick off the New Year by joining a First Day Hike in an Iowa State Park. More than 40 parks are hosting either a guided group hike or suggesting a self-guided hike. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks. Find a complete list on the First Day Hike page.

3. Iowa state parks have been renovating several campgrounds and facilities to modernize and improve visitor experiences. Be sure to check out the Park Alerts and Closures page when planning your trip in case the construction projects impact a park you plan to visit in 2026. In our area:

• Lewis and Clark  State Park – the entire park is currently closed to visitors for hazardous tree removal, with completion in the summer of 2026.
• Waubonsie State Park – the campground will re-open May 15, 2026 after completion of a waterline project. The cabins will be closed through 2026 for waterline upgrades to those facilities.

3. New rates for 2026:

In 2026, campsite rates will increase slightly by $1 to $3, depending on site type and campground location. Additionally, rates will increase by $4 or $5, depending on the campground, during the three major summer holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Off-season rates are not changing (October 16 – April 30). Rates will be updated on the reservation site in early 2026.

State park donation opportunities:

Park visitors can donate online in a variety of ways to support Iowa state parks. All donations go toward operational needs of state parks and forests. Campers, cabin renters and day-use facility renters can donate when making a reservation by rounding up, and anyone visiting the DNR Online Reservation Site can donate by clicking on Make a Donation. Supporters also can donate through the general DNR Donation page.