Jones

Located near the center of Jones County, Central Park houses the administrative offices of the Jones County Conservation Board.  This 297 acre park includes a 25 acre lake (newly renovated) as well as a 7 acre pond.  Both have good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish for those who enjoy fishing. Around five miles of hiking trails transverse the woodlands, restored prairie, and wetland habitat.    

A playground area, swimming beach and sand volleyball court are near the enclosed pavilion which is a popular family reunion location.      

Central Park has 2 cabins as well as modern, semi-modern, electric and primitive camping. Primitive camping is available year round. 

No reservations are made for the campsites - first come first serve basis.   (Visit Campsite Availability to find out what sites are available. This information is listed Thursday - Sunday during the camping season.)

Modern Sites: $30 per night (30 Amp electrical hook-up, sewer, water and wifi)

Semi-Modern Sites: $25 per night (50 Amp electrical hook-up, water and wifi)

Electrical Sites: $22 per night (30 Amp electrical hook-up)

Primitive Sites: $15 per night

Fishing at Central Park

Central Park Lake Fishing Map

Nature Center at Central Park:  The main office of the Jones County Conservation Board is located in the Nature Center.  Several educational displays and hands on activities can be viewed in the Nature Center most weekdays Monday - Friday.  Call the office at ph: 563-487-3541 to ensure availability.  From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Nature Center is open from 1 PM -  5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.  Please visit our Events and Programs page for more information and a current schedule of events at www.jonescountyiowa.org/conservation.

Central Park Campground Map

 Central Park Trail Map

Current Weather Conditions at Central Park

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Location

12515 Central Park Rd., Center Junction, IA 52212

Central Park is located near the center of Jones County  - not far from Amber and Center Junction.

Features

This 297 acre park includes a 25 acre lake (newly renovated) and a 7 acre pond, with good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, for those who enjoy fishing.  Around five miles of hiking trails transverse the woodlands, restored prairie, and wetland habitat.  A playground area, swimming beach, sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits are near the enclosed pavilion which is a popular family reunion location.  Central Park has 2 cabins and modern, semi-modern, electric and primitive camping.  No reservations are made for the campsites - all are first come first serve basis. The cabin and enclosed shelter rentals can be made on line after January 1 of each year at Facility Reservations

From Memorial Day - Labor Day paddleboats and kayaks are available for rent Thursday - Sunday.  $10/hour and $5/half hour.  Visit the Camp Host for the rental and payment.

The Jones County Nature Center draws thousands of visitors each year.  Public educational programs are given almost every Saturday from Memorial - Labor Day Weekend and monthly the remainder of the year.  Upcoming programs can be viewed at www.jonescountyiowa.org/conservation.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Central Park has 2 cabins and modern, semi-modern, electric and primitive camping. (Camping is a first come first serve basis - no reservations)

Cabin and enclosed shelter reservations are non refundable and can be made after January 1st of each calendar year at Facility Reservations.

Cabin check in is 4pm on day of arrival and Cabin check out is by Noon on day of departure.

The park itself is open year round.  (The water and electric utilities are shut off October 15 - April 15 each year.)

From May through September the Central Park Nature Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 PM.  It is also open most weekdays throughout the year but visitors are encouraged to call prior to visiting to ensure availability.  To learn more visit: www.jonescountyiowa.org/nature-center

Closures