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Click here for Polk Co. general camping info

8700 NE 126 Avenue
Ph: 515-967-2596
Maxwell, IA, 50161

Can’t find what camping site you’re looking for? New to camping with us?

Varieties of camping experiences await you. Each park has its unique camping experience but all campgrounds offer a picnic table and fire rings at each site with modern shower houses nearby.

Electric sites range from basic electric with water and dump station nearby to full hook ups.

Nonelectric sites range from primitive backpack sites nestled in the woods, to single tent sites, and to open grassy areas overlooking the Des Moines River where families and small groups can camp together.

Firewood is available for purchase at all parks.

How do I know if a campsite is available?

There are campsites that allow advance reservations and those that are first-come, first-served only.

Making reservations prior to arrival:

·        Go to www.mycountyparks.com website

·        Enter dates

·        Select campsite and follow booking process

·        Don’t find what you are looking for? Search without dates and click on campsite availability calendar

Making Reservations at a Reservable Campsite:

·        Scan QR code posted on the site marker. If no QR code present, this site does not accept online reservations and is a first-come, first-served site only.

·        Follow booking process.

What about sites that cannot be reserved online (first-come, first-served sites)?

·        To camp on a first-come, first-served site:

Drive through the area, find an empty site that is not reservable (sites are identified on the site post).

o   Set up camping unit then go self-register at the camping kiosk or fee booth near the shower house. You must have a camping unit on the site (tent, camper, RV) prior to payment. Payment must be within one hour of set up. Cash or checks only.

o   Campsite availability is not available online or by calling the park office.

Campgrounds are available at the following parks

·        Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

·        Jester Park

·        Thomas Mitchell Park

·        Yellow Banks Park

Reservable campsites:

·        Thomas Mitchell Park (all sites)

·        Jester Park Campgrounds 1 (all sites), 4 (select sites)

·        Yellow Banks Full Hook-up Sites (all sites),

·        Yellow Banks Campgrounds 1(select sites), 2 (select sites)

·        Youth Group and Family Group Sites (all sites)

Non-reservable Campsites (first-come, first-served)

·        Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt (all campsites except youth area)

·        Jester Park Campgrounds 2, 3,4 (select sites), Walk-in Primitive Sites

·        Yellow Banks Campgrounds 1 (select sites), 2 (select sites), all tent sites 

Location

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Park address: 8700 NE 126 Avenue Maxwell, IA 50161


Maps of the area can be found on our website at http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/things-to-do/camping/.

Amenities

Season (April 15 through October 15)

·        Water and modern restroom/shower facilities are open.

Off Season (April 1 – 14; October 16 – November 30)

·        Shower house and modern restrooms may be closed.

Off Season (December 1 - March 31)

·        Gravel roads in camp areas closed to vehicular traffic. Shower house and modern restrooms closed.

·        Only hike-in tent camping is available at this time. Campers must self-register at the campground kiosk within one hour of setting up camp.

Youth area is open for reservations all year long.

 

·        Electric sites: 20 & 30 amp service, 50 amp service at some sites

·        Water: located in the SW corner of the main campground and on the east side of the shop/office building.

·        Pad surfacing: Gravel

·        Camp pad length: 60 ft.

·        Site type: Back-in only

·        Extra vehicle allowed at site: Yes, if kept on the gravel pad

·        Shower house: Located on the south side of the main campground

·        Trash dumpster: ALL trash must be carried out and placed in dumpster.

·        Dump station: at entrance

·        Fire ring: Yes

·        Firewood: available for purchase from camp host or park ranger upon request.

 

 

Dump station
Electricity
Fire ring
Firewood available
Pet Friendly
Picnic Table
Refuse cans
Restroom
Shower facilities

Fees

Camping rate: $25 per night electric site 

·       Weekly Rate: For stays of 7 consecutive days on first come first serve sites, pay 6 nights and receive 7th night free.

·       Discount camping booklets are available. To receive vouchers for 7 nights of camping (non-consecutive) for the price of 6 nights call or visit the administration office at 515-323-5300 during regular business hours. These discounts do not apply to online reservations.

 

Hours of Operation & Seasons

Summer Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Winter Hours: Sunrise to sunset  

Upon entering park after hours, vehicle may be stopped by ranger requesting their campsite number and name of the party registered to the site.

April 1 through November 30

·        Reservations are required for reservable sites. Many additional sites remain first-come, first-served during this time.

·        Water and modern restroom/shower facilities are guaranteed to be open 4/15-10/15. These facilities may open earlier and stay open later depending on weather conditions.  

Closures

December 1 - March 31

Gravel roads in camp areas closed to vehicular traffic. Shower house and modern restrooms closed.

 

Permits

We require that you post your camping receipt on site marker provided.

 

Park rules and regulations can be found by following the link below.