Red Oak Cabin is a secluded rustic pack-in cabin with approx. 660 sq. feet of living space located in Matsell Bridge Natural Area overlooking the Wapsipinicon river. It is the only cabin Linn Couny available year round.
Access to Red Oak Cabin requires a 3/4 mile hike from the parking lot, located at the shooting range.
Users must carry in their own supplies and gear.
Take a virtual tour of Red Oak Cabin
Location
Address of the parking area is the Matsell Bridge Shooting Range at 50 Range Ln (formerly 3716 Matsell Park Rd), Central City, IA, 52214.
Amenities
Amenities include:
- One room cabin with 660 sq. feet of living space (22’ X 30’ cabin)
- Enclosed rustic cabin – few amenities –
- NO electricity
- NO indoor plumbing
- NO running water Water is available for you to pack-in at the Matsell Bridge maintenance shop (3742 Matsell Park Rd) and it is only available from
April15- October 15.
- Heated with wood burning stove
- Two picnic tables inside the cabin, four outside
- Carry-in/carry-out refuse requirement
- No Wi-Fi or internet service available
- Covered porch on bluff slide that overlooks river
- Pedestal stove/cooking grill outside
- Fire ring for outdoor fire (a large bundle of firewood is provided with the reservation. Additional wood will be available at the cabin. If the extra wood is burned, the firewood charge of $5/rick will be deducted from your facility deposit)
- Pit vault restroom nearby (toilet tissue is provided)
SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR RENTER TO BRING
- Complete bedding for persons staying within cabin,
- Cups, dishes, silverware, etc.
- Dish soap, dish cloth, cloth towels, potholders, all cooking pots, pans, etc.
- All bath linens and toiletries
- Matches or lighters
- Lanterns
- Lawn chairs
Camping Winter
Carry in/carry out refuse
Fire ring
Firewood available
Pets prohibited
Picnic Table
Refuse cans
Table with chairs
Hours of Operation & Seasons
Reservations accepted online at least 4 days and up to 2 years in advance.
Matsell Bridge Natural Area is open from 4 a.m.-10:30 p.m., non-registered campers need to exit the area by 10:30 p.m.
Closures
The Red Oak Cabin is open all year round with the following exclusions: Thanksgiving; Christmas Holidays - December 24 & 25; New Years Holidays - December 31 and January 1.