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

 


Check-In / Out Availability Check-in is after 03:00 PM and check-out is before 11:00 AM.

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

  • Camping Winter
  • Carry in/carry out refuse
  • Fire ring
  • Firewood available
  • Pets prohibited
  • Picnic Table
  • Refuse cans
  • Table with chairs

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

Fees

$60 per night


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. 

 


Address

50 Range Ln

Central City, IA 52214


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.


Availability


Where You'll Be


Linn County

The Linn County Conservation Board established in 1958, manages over 30 county areas: parks, trails, natural areas and preserves. The mission: to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources and to improve community through access to parks, trails, open spaces and recreational and educational opportunities that are managed sustainably for the future. 

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