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| Home > Iowa > Bluff Creek |
Bluff Creek ATV Park
Thursday, May 16, 2024
| Other Names | Bussy, Bluff Creek OHV Park, Bussie, Gravity Cavity, Mahaska County |
| Last Known Status | Variable Schedule (Depends on daily conditions. Check website for current conditions.) |
This abandoned strip mine has about 20 miles of woods trails, steep hill climbs, deep gravel and mud pits plus four motocross tracks. One track is set aside for beginners but there is one very challenging track known as "Gravity Cavity".
The park is open daily, year-round but will close on short notice during and after bad weather, so always call first before heading out. Riding hours are from dawn to dusk and camping is permitted. The campground has 13 primitive sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, BBQ grill and lantern holder. Two water spigots, restrooms with flush toilets and shower stalls are also available.
There is no fee required to ride or camp, but all vehicles must display a current Iowa DNR Sticker. Trails are regularly maintained and marked with some cool bridge crossings, thanks to the hard work from the Bluff Creek Riders Association and the Iowa OHV Association.
***ANNOUNCEMENTS***
Park Updates
The Bluff Creek ATV Park open/closure status is determined based on soil moisture, therefore the status will change throughout the year (day to day) depending on weather conditions. For current updates check the website before heading out.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Iowa DNR Sticker |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (62 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Prohibited | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required for all riders |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | No | riding permitted from dawn to dusk |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | keep on the trail |
| Rule Enforcement | ||
| Comment | three-wheelers prohibited | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 350 acres (1 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 20 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 700 to 800 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Mostly | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand |  Little | |
| Mud | Mostly | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks | Little | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings | Some | |
| Small Jumps | Some | |
| Large Jumps | Some | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | Many | |
| Intersections | Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Some | |
| Hazards |  Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails, MX Track |
| Land | Privately Owned / Commercial |
| Features | Public, Watered, Groomed |
| Max Engine Size | No Maximum |
| Min Engine Size | No Minimum |
| Features | Public |
| Max Engine Size | No Maximum |
| Min Engine Size | No Minimum |
| Features | Public |
| Max Engine Size | No Maximum |
| Min Engine Size | No Minimum |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Casey's General Store (641) 969-5301 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Casey's General Store (641) 969-5301 |
 Water | On Site | |
 RV Hookup | 30+ Miles (NW) | Elk Rock Lake State Park Campground (641) 842-6008 |
 RV Disposal | 30+ Miles (NW) | Elk Rock Lake State Park Campground (641) 842-6008 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Casey's General Store (641) 969-5301 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Eddyville, IA | ||
| Address | 1625 325th Street, Eddyville, IA 52553 | ||
| From: Oskaloosa, IA
1) Take US-63 South about 6 miles 2) Turn right (west) onto 310th Street, continue 5 miles 3) Turn left (south) onto Galeston Ave, continue 1.2 miles 4) Turn right (west) onto 325th Ave, continue about 1 mile 5) Park entrance is on the right (north). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Dale Witzenberg Iowa Partners of NOHVCC (641) 670-0240 www.iowadnr.gov |
| Contact Info | Iowa DNR (515) 281-5918 www.iowadnr.gov |
| Comment | Iowa OHV permit info |
Bluff Creek OHV Area Photo
The park has a campground with 13 sites, some with a waterfront view. Each site comes with a fire ring, picnic table and BBQ grill.
Bluff Creek OHV Area Photo
A view of one of the four motocross tracks. You can get some big air here.
Bluff Creek OHV Area Photo
One of the motocross tracks.
Bluff Creek OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 4/1/2012 (Thanks!)
Bluff Creek OHV Area Photo
The motocross tracks are open year round and both dirt bikes and ATVs are permitted.
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS