Harrison

Willow Lake Recreation Area


Biking at Willow Lake Recreation Area There are 6 miles of hiking trails that can also be used by bicycles; no motorized vehicles or horses.
Cabins at Willow Lake Recreation Area There are 6 rental cabins at the Willow Lake Recreation Area near Woodbine, Iowa. These deluxe cabins feature a kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedrooms, heat and air conditioning, and are open year round. Outside includes campfire ring, picnic tables, and charcoal grill. All cabins are handicapped accessible. No pets allowed in or around cabins; no smoking.
Camping at Willow Lake Recreation Area Enjoy both RV and tent camping at the Willow Lake campground nestled among the trees and just steps from the water. There are 41 electrical sites (20, 30, and 50 amp) with water hydrants nearby. Full restroom and shower facilities are also located in the campground. Shower house open April 1st through October 31st-weather dependent. The nearby town of Woodbine has a dump station located in the city park for use by campers.
Canoeing & Kayaking at Willow Lake Recreation Area There is a 27-acre fishing lake for electric motors only with boat ramp access. Canoeing and kayaking is a great activity at the Willow Lake Recreation Area.
Education at Willow Lake Recreation Area There are interpretation signs on the trails and Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources. The old nature center is permanently closed due to exhibit removal. The NEW Willow Lake Nature Center is currently under construction and expected to open in the spring of 2023.
Fishing at Willow Lake Recreation Area Willow Lake Recreation Area has a 27-acre lake with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and black crappie. The legal size limit of bass is 15 inches or more; anything under must be released immediately. There is a boat ramp and parking lot; electric motors only. Fishing jetties and a pier also provide access to deeper waters without the need for a boat.
Geocaching at Willow Lake Recreation Area This high tech scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the Willow Lake Recreation Area. Caches have been placed and maintained by volunteers; please contact Harrison County Conservation Board at 712-647-2785 before placing a cache. Check geocaching.com for more information.
Hunting at Willow Lake Recreation Area A large portion of Willow Lake Recreation Area is open to hunting. Food plots planted by Harrison County Conservation enhance the habitat for many kinds of wildlife including deer, pheasants, quail, and waterfowl. The area is predominantly mixed native prairie with scattered woodlands. Small impoundments also provide wetland habitat. Six miles of trails provide access to hunting areas. Hunting is not allowed in developed areas, including the headquarters area, campground, and near cabins. Please use the main park road to access public hunting land.
Other Activities at Willow Lake Recreation Area Morel mushroom hunting is a popular spring activity! There are also plenty of opportunities for bird and wildlife watching as well as nature photography.
Picnicking at Willow Lake Recreation Area Picnic areas offer a beautiful view of Willow Lake with tables and charcoal grills. There is also a small and large shelter house that can be reserved or used on a first come, first serve basis. A playground, beach, and latrines are nearby.
Swimming at Willow Lake Recreation Area The swimming beach is open to the public Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend when swimming rope is out. Please be aware there is no lifeguard; swim at your own risk. Nearby are picnic areas, playground, and latrines. No alcohol or pets are allowed on beach.
Trails & Hiking at Willow Lake Recreation Area This 222 acre parks offers 6 miles of hiking trails through prairie and woodlands. Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources.
Winter Activities at Willow Lake Recreation Area Ice fishing is a very popular winter activity as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the 6 miles of trails.