Supervised Youth Camping is allowed only by advanced reservation in the supervised youth area designated by Story County Conservation at Hickory Grove. The supervised youth area is located east of the beach house on the north side of the lake.
Eligible groups shall consist of minor members of an established organization under the leadership of at least one adult (18 years of age or older) for every eight minors in the group. (FAMILY CAMPING IS NOT ALLOWED)
A reservation fee of $25.00/site/night is required.
A damage deposit of $50.00 is required per reservation. All or a portion of any deposit may be withheld if additional clean-up
or repairs beyond normal maintenance are required. Staff time for clean-up will be charged in
one-hour increments at $30/hour (one-hour minimum). These deposits are not a limit of liability
for damage to county property. Facility renters are responsible for any damage
done to SCC facilities and grounds. The Board may utilize all legal remedies to
recover damages.
The following regulations will be enforced:
Tent camping only is permitted.
Adults must be in attendance during entire encampment period.
Camping is allowed in designated area only, with vehicles and trailers restricted to parking areas.
All activity after 10:30 p.m. shall be restricted to camp area. Youth found outside of the area are subject to a violation of park regulations.
Quiet hours must be observed after 10:30 p.m.
Dishwashing in lakes, rivers, and streams is prohibited.
Fires are allowed in designated receptacles only.
Other park regulations as posted shall apply.
To make reservations, call our main office at (515) 232-2516 between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Signed contract, full payment, and damage deposit are due in the McFarland Park office within two weeks (14 calendar days) of your verbal reservation. Reservations must be made at least five days in advance. Checks should be made payable to Story County Conservation and mailed to 56461 180th St., Ames, IA 50010-9451. If payment is not received within 2 weeks, your reservation request will be voided and the date made available to others. Reservation fees will NOT be refunded should you decide to cancel.
Check-In / Out Availability
Check-in is after N/A and check-out is before N/A.
Location
67382 250th Street
Colo, Iowa 50056
Amenities
Carry in/carry out refuse
Fire ring
Picnic Table
Swimming nearby
The supervised youth camping area is a primitive camping site; tent camping only is allowed.
Flushable restroom facilities are available a short walk from the site at the beach house.
Showering facilities are available in the main campground.
Fires are restricted to the fire ring only.
Firewood is available for purchase from the campground attendant located in site 1 in the main campground.
One grill, and a picnic table are available.
Neither water nor electricity is available (hydrant is available in the main campground).
The campground may be opened prior to April 1 or closed after October 31 pending favorable weather & ground conditions.
Water and modern restrooms/shower facilities may be closed to prevent freezing even though the campground may remain open.
Availability
Where You'll Be
Story County
Story County Conservation serves the citizens of central Iowa by managing parks and natural areas including Hickory Grove Park, near Colo, Dakins Lake, near Zearing, and McFarland Park, near Ames. Located close to Iowa State University in Ames, the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park provides a central location for environmental education opportunities for every age. The over 3,500 acres managed by Story County Conservation include wildlife and public hunting areas, water recreation accesses, and native and restored prairies.
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