Iowa Wildlife Camps at State Parks are a conservation education and outdoor recreation day-camp program based in various Iowa state parks. Drop-off and pick-up for each camp is in the park. Transportation is not provided to and from the park for campers.

Summer Camp Registration opens on
Monday, January 29, 2024 at 6 a.m. 

State Park Camp Offerings

All State Parks camps are for campers going into 3rd-7th grades.  

3rd-7th Grade Sessions

Springbrook – Woods and Water in Western Iowa

Campers will spend a week exploring the rolling hills of Springbrook State Park learning about the mature timber stands, wetlands, and cultural history of the park.   

Activities may include kayaking, foraging, fishing, beach engineering, and songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location: Beach Shelter at Springbrook State Park

Maquoketa Caves – The World Beneath our Feet

Campers will spend a week diving into one of Iowa’s largest cave systems, learning about the unique geologic features that define the park as well as the wildlife that inhabits the region.  

Activities may include caving, atlatl throwing, kayaking, and songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory.  

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location: Visitor Center at Maquoketa Caves State Park 

Walnut Woods – Iowa's Largest Stand of Black Walnut Trees

Campers will spend a week gaining valuable outdoor skills and learning about the natural world in an environment not too far from home. Paddling, fishing, and purple martin nest-house inspection will be highlights to talk about for seasons to come.  

Activities may include kayaking, foraging, fishing, atlatl throwing, and songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location: Main Lodge in Walnut Woods State Park 

Big Creek – The Land of Lakes and Prairies

Campers will spend a week exploring one of Iowa’s most popular fishing destinations. Learning valuable outdoor skills, fishery management practices and conservation ethics will awaken an awareness of our state’s natural resources.  

Activities may include kayaking, foraging, fishing, beach engineering, and songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location: Beach Shelter (Shelter Number TBD) 

Ledges – A Gorgeous Sandstone Gorge

Campers will spend a week exploring steep slopes covered in mature oak trees, creeks lined with sandstone ledges, and the mysteries of Lost Lake while learning about the human and natural history of the park, as well as its animal inhabitants.  

Activities may include hiking, foraging, creek stomping, and songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory.  

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location: Oak Woods Shelter in Ledges State Park  

Lake Darling – Continuing Iowa’s Conservation Legacy

Campers will spend a week exploring the lake and woodlands of Lake Darling. Named after J.N. “Ding” Darling, a champion of conservation, campers will learn about Iowa’s natural heritage and the importance of wild places on the landscape. Fishing, kayaking, and art projects will provide hands-on experiences to connect campers to the natural world.  

Activities may include paddle sports, foraging, fishing, beach engineering, and songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory.  

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location: Main Lodge in Lake Darling State Park  

Trip Programs - 9th & 10th Grades

Peregrine Camp – An Iowa Journey

Discover the outdoor recreation possibilities in Iowa at the Peregrine Camp. This camp offers an overnight trip program that emphasizes developing skills for various outdoor recreation activities. Campers will embark on a 5-day camping trip where they will spend each day with experienced professionals learning new skills.   

Trip 1 - July 15-19, 2024 – Yellow River State Forest, Trout Fishing   

Trip 2 - July 22-26, 2024 – Preparation Canyon State Park, Backpacking   

For more information about the schedule, gear provided by Iowa Wildlife Camps, activity level and more, click here for Peregrine Camp Information 

    Pre-Trip Meeting  
    Campers and families are invited to a pre-trip meeting. At the pre-trip meeting we will discuss details about the trip itinerary, packing, meals, and get the chance to meet the instructors going on the trip. If campers are borrowing gear from Iowa Wildlife Camps, all gear will be available to try on and reserve at the pre-trip meeting. Campers will receive reserved gear at the beginning of their trip. See the gear list below to know what items are available for borrowing and what will be provided.  A packing list will be shared at time of registration.  

    Pre-Trip Meeting Dates: 

    Yellow River State Forest Trip – Wednesday, July 10, 2024 – 5-6pm at the Athletics Hall of Fame (2425 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA ) 

    Preparation Canyon State Park Trip – Thursday, July 11, 2024 – 5-6pm at the Athletics Hall of Fame (2425 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA ) 

    Drop off & Pick Up Time & Location Options:   

    Athletics Hall of Fame - 2425 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA 

    • Drop-off:  7:45 am - 8:25 am (Monday) 
    • Pick-up:  4:00 pm - 4:15 pm (Friday)  

    Macbride Nature Recreation Area - Falcon Shelter 2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE Solon, IA  

    • Drop-off:  8:00 am - 8:50 am (Monday)  
    • Pick-up:  3:30 pm - 4:15 pm (Friday)  

    Trip Description  
    Days will include hiking 5-7 miles per day. We will be primarily in a “backcountry” setting, away from toilets and running water. Campers are expected to carry all necessary items into a hike-in campsite. This includes all personal belongings as well as portions of group items to be divided up upon arrival at camp (tent parts, food, etc.). Campers will assist in setting up camp, cooking, and other tasks as part of this program.  

    Campers will engage in different outdoor recreation activities based on which trip they attend:   

    • At Yellow River State Forest (July 15-19), campers will hike 2 miles into a campsite where they will set up camp for the week. Campers will spend their days trout fishing, studying stream ecology, and exploring miles of trails at YRSF and at Effigy Mounds National Monument.   

    • At Preparation Canyon (July 22-26), campers will spend the week hiking and learning about the unique features and ecology of the Loess Hills. Campers will be camping at various hike-in only sites throughout the park, completing a roughly 10-mile loop by week’s end. Campers will learn basic backpacking skills.  

    Gear 

    Gear & supplies provided by Iowa Wildlife Camps:  

    • Internal Frame Backpack (40-60l) with pack cover  
    • Tent with rain fly  
    • Camp stoves & cooking supplies  
    • Food for all meals during the trip  
    • Fishing pole (provided for Yellow River State Forest trip)

    Gear & supplies NOT provided by Iowa Wildlife Camps:  

    • Hiking Boots  
    • Sleeping Bag  
    • Sleep Pad 

    Camp Pricing

    State Park Camp Tiered Pricing

    Tiered pricing allows families to select a fee, from provided options, that most aligns with their families’ budget. We ask that families use the honor system and choose the tier that they are able to afford. 

     Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3
    Springbrook, Walnut Woods, Big Creek, Ledges$305$255$205
    Lake Darling State Park^^^$255$205$155
    Maquoketa Caves State Park+++$255$205$155
    Peregrine Trip Program at Yellow River State Forest***$275$250$225
    Peregrine Trip Program at Preparation Canyon State Park$550$500$450
    ^^^The cost of the Iowa Wildlife Camp at Lake Darling has been reduced thanks to the generous support from Friends of Lake Darling State Park.
    +++The cost of the Iowa Wildlife Camp at Maquoketa Caves has been reduced thanks to the generous support from Friends of Maquoketa Caves State Park. ***The cost of the Peregrine Trip Program at Yellow River State Forest has been reduced thanks to the generous support from Friends of Yellow River State Forest.

     

    Learn more about tiered pricing below.

    Tiered pricing allows families to select a fee, from provided options, that most aligns with their families’ budget. We ask that families use the honor system and choose the tier that they are able to afford. 

    All campers will receive the same high quality camp experience regardless of which tier is chosen. Each family’s cost for camp remains confidential.

    Tier 1 - This price covers the direct cost of our program for your camper. It also contributes to costs that enhance your camper’s experience such as maintaining the spaces they will visit, providing funds needed to maintain and grow our program, and making camp more accessible to all families. 

    Tier 2 - This price most accurately reflects the direct cost of our program for your camper.

    Tier 3 - This is our subsidized rate for families that find the full cost a bit out of their budget.

    At registration, families have the option of paying camp registration fees in full or selecting a payment plan. 

    If the payment plan is chosen, the camp registration fees will be split evenly across two installments. 50% will be due at time of registration. The remaining 50% will be due by April 15, 2024. You may make additional payments at any time before April 15 by returning to your registration account and selecting "Make a Payment". The April 15 payment will be automatically deducted using the payment method used at registration.

    The last day to register using a payment plan is March 31, 2024. 

    To apply for financial assistance, please fill out this application

    In order to fill out the form, please log-in to or create a new registration account. Families are eligible to apply for financial assistance for one session per child.

    The following policy outlines refund amounts based on when a camp session is cancelled.

    • If you cancel your camp session within 48 hours of registering a 100% refund will be provided. 
    • If you cancel your camp session 8 weeks or more in advance of the first day of the camp session a 75% refund of camp fees will be provided.
    • If you cancel your camp session 4 weeks or more prior to the camp session's start date a 50% refund of camp fees will be provided.
    • If you cancel your camp session within 4 weeks of the camp session's start date, no refund will be provided.

    If Iowa Wildlife Camps cancels a camp session, you will be given the option for a full refund or when available, to transfer your registration to another available session.. Refunds will not be issued for missed days of camp.

    Call our UI WILD office at 319-467-3287 or email coe-IWC@uiowa.edu with any questions.

    Camp Information and Policies

    Camper Expectations

    Campers are expected to be respectful to themselves, others, and nature. If a camper does not follow these guidelines, staff will communicate it to families. Staff will also notify families if a camper becomes ill or injured at camp. The Director reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose choices or conduct becomes detrimental to the program, others, or themselves. No refunds will be made for dismissed campers.

    Attendance

    In case of emergency or to notify us of an absence, please call our UI WILD office at 319-467-3287. Refunds will not be issued for missed days of camp.

    Camp Activities

    All camp activities are subject to change in the event weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances prevent safe participation in planned activities. Alternative activities will be prepared for these circumstances.

    Inclement Weather

    In the event of severe weather that prevents safe participation in camp activities, state park camps may be cancelled for the day. A pro-rated one-day refund will be issued if inclement weather requires a day of camp to be cancelled.

    Campers at our Iowa Wildlife Camps at State Parks are dropped off and picked up at a designated location within the state park. The specific location will be shared in your registration confirmation email.

    Please note that no busing options are available for our state park camps.

    Drop-off – 7:45 – 8:30 am
    Pick-Up – 3:30 – 4:15 pm

    Registration will open on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 6 a.m.

    Create an account to register for Iowa Wildlife Camps:

    1. Go to our Registration Site

    2. Select New User or Log –In to your existing account.

    3. If you are creating a new account, fill out all the required fields to create your account.

    4. Once you are in your account you can take the following steps:

    • Select Add Person - this is where you should add the campers you will be registering this summer. You can add multiple people (campers) here.
    • Select Alternate Contacts - this is where you should add the contact information for additional emergency contacts.
    • Select Pick-Up Authorizations - this is where you should add the contact information for trusted adults that are approved to drop-off and pick-up your camper.

    5. Explore session by selecting Reservations, then select Explore Sessions.

    6. Sessions can be filtered by Session Name, Grade, and Dates. Select Filters to filter sessions.

    Because we spend most, if not all, of our time in the outdoors you should come prepared for sun, rain and everything nature may bring. We recommend either wearing or bringing:

    • Sunscreen
    • T-shirts verses tank tops to prevent sunburned shoulders
    • Raincoat or poncho
    • Proper shoes are important. This could be a pair of tennis shoes, hiking boots or sandals that stay on feet snugly and are designed for hiking and exploring outside

    Please label all items!

    • Campers should bring their own snack, lunch, and water bottle. Additional water will be provided. We’ve seen a reduction of non-recyclable waste generated at lunchtime. We would love to see this continue. If possible, avoid over-packaged products and bring reusable containers.
    • We will follow a carry-in/carry-out policy.

    Please label all items!

    You may print or digitally save a copy of your dependent care receipt by following these steps:

    • Login to your account.
    • Select the menu bar in the upper left side of your screen.
    • Select My Account.
    • Select Finances.
    • Select Print a Statement.
    • Select the year and print or save the document.

    Our Federal Identification Number is 42-600-4813

    Contact Us

    Ellen Carman
    Director, Iowa Wildlife Camps
    319-467-3287
    ellen-carman@uiowa.edu