ALERT: Vote for Mt. Crescent as Pottawattamie County's Best Attraction by March 31st! Cast My Vote

Tent Camping to Re-Open Friday, May 22nd With Restrictions

Posted on 5/20/2020

Spring is here & we know everyone wants to head outdoors for some camping. We are pleased to announce that we will be opening campgrounds at Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, & Hitchcock Nature Center to tent campers on Friday, May 22nd.

To open our campgrounds safely & follow the provisions laid out by the State of Iowa we have implemented some very important restrictions & adjustments to our camping facilities at all Pottawattamie Conservation Parks.

Click Here to Download the Most Recent Camper Information

  • RVs are permitted in designated spots only, some spaces may be closed to allow for proper distancing

  • Tent camping is only permitted at designated sites beginning Friday, May 22nd

  • Designated pit toilets will be open in or near designated tent camping spaces at each park for camper use only

  • Campers must maintain proper physical distance (minimum 6′ separation)

  • Campsites are to be occupied by registered campers only, no additional guests or visitors are permitted

  • No groups larger than 10, groups shall be immediate family only

Backcountry camping at Hitchcock Nature Center is currently open for campers as well. Reservations will still be required for backcountry camping at Hitchcock Nature Center, & backcountry sites will be the only sites available for tent campers. All other restrictions listed above will apply. Click here to view & reserve backcountry campsites. 

County park visitors and campers are expected to maintain proper physical distancing (at least 6 feet of separation), limit groups to 10 or fewer, & practice proper hygiene. To help stay in line with distancing guidelines we are restrictions campsite occupation, only campers staying at the campsite are permitted at the campsite, no guests or visitors please. Campers at adjoining campsites are asked to maintain their distance & not congregate. Please, stay at your campsite only. 

Additionally, Pottawattamie Conservation is identifying campsites that may not comply with the recommended physical distancing requirements. Certain campsites may be closed to occupation to help keep our campers safe. Please do not move any ranger placed barricades or attempt to occupy a campsite that has been closed for safety reasons. 

Please remember restroom use is limited to campers only. Restrooms have not reopened for day use guests. Please help us maintain safety & hygiene standards by leaving the pit toilets to the tent campers only. 

RV Campers are asked to self-register at the kiosks in each park to reduce contact with park staff.  RV campsites are $15.00 per night & tent camping is $10.00 per tent per night, please bring exact change or pay for your camping with a check, we will not be able to process credit cards or provide change.  Backcountry campers may reserve their campsites online as usual for $7.50 per tent or hammock per night. 

Firewood will be available for sale from the campground host & park ranger for $5.00 per bundle & will be handled by delivery or pickup with proper social distancing. Please check with the host or ranger at your park for more details.

Water, electricity, & the RV dumpstation will be available in each campground. 

There will be no canoe or paddleboat rentals, cabin reservations, or concessions offered at any of the parks. All conservation department buildings including offices, nature centers, & cabins will remain closed. Parks, wildlife areas, and trails are open and will remain so as long as visitors are able to maintain proper physical distancing.

For more information regarding Pottawattamie County Conservation campgrounds, parks, and facilities, call (712) 328-5638 or email mark.shoemaker@pottcounty-ia.gov. Information is also available online at www.pottcoconservation.com or on Pottawattamie County Conservation’s Facebook pages.

Hitchcock Nature Center on Facebook

Arrowhead Park on Facebook

Botna Bend Park on Facebook

Narrows River Park on Facebook

Next Blog
Get to Know: Aric Ping (5/21/2020)
by

Previous Blog
Three Things to do in Your Backyard! (5/18/2020)
by

More News and Blogs

All News & Blogs

Get a full year of free access to all Pottawattamie County parks.

Become a member of the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation