Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a premier outdoor recreation venue of Linn County. This recreation area is home to a 410 acre lake, 1,517 acres of public hunting grounds, a swimming beach, campgrounds, and twelve miles of multi-use trails. As a unique resource, showcasing large tracts of restored prairie.
Pleasant Creek Recreation Area creates a wide variety of enjoyable outdoor experiences for all visitors.
As a "no-wake" lake, Pleasant Creek is popular for windsurfers, kayaks, canoes, SCUBA diving and pontoon boats. Near perfect water clarity during spring, and most of the summer, allows great visibility for divers. Kayak and diving lessons are offered throughout the summer by local certified instructors.

Trails
There are 8.5 miles of trails for hiking, running, snowmobiling, mountain or fat tire biking, cross-country skiing and equestrian riding, with connecting access to many area facilities and scenic overlooks.

Lake Activities
Pleasant Creek Lake offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities for both the novice and the experienced angler. From panfish to large game fish there are species for all anglers to enjoy. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, perch, white bass and muskellunge are all commonly caught. Shoreline fishing has been enhanced by the construction of jetties.
Pleasant Creek is a relaxing place to spend a day at the beach. Swimming, volleyball, showers and restrooms are all available at Pleasant Creek's spacious beach which 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 sail boating access. Any size boat motor may be operated at "no-wake" speeds.

Hunting
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is open to public hunting and trapping. Popular species of game include rabbits, pheasants and quail. Pleasant Creek also has an area dedicated to field dog trials. These grounds are groomed to aid the trials, yet maintain Pleasant Creek's natural habitat. Here one may take part in or observe club-hosted shoot-to-retrieve and horseback field trials. Picnicking/Shelters
Pleasant Creek is a great place for a family picnic. Picnic areas are located on the northeast and southeast shores. Three large open picnic shelters, located alongside the lake, are available for reservations.

Camping
Camping is a favorite pastime at Pleasant Creek, and the three campgrounds fill most needs throughout the season. The campgrounds include electric and non-electric sites and two modern shower and restroom facilities. From the campground, campers have a pleasing view of much of the recreation area. The campgrounds are designated as non-equestrian campgrounds.

Cabins
Four rustic camper cabins are available seasonally. The rustic pine log cabins offer visitors a sense of pioneer lifestyle. The cabins have electricity, microwaves, dorm-size refrigerators, basic furnishings and covered porches. Cabins are located near the campgrounds so cabin users will have use of the shower and toilet facilities. The cabins may be reserved online.