Shelby

The Nishna Bend Recreation Area is located 5 miles south of Harlan just off of hwy 59.  This park features 2 camping cabins, 24 50amp electric campsites with modern shower building, 5 sandpit fishing ponds, river fishing, trails, and public hunting during the winter months.

This 80 acre area contains over 30 acres of wetland created from past gravel mining operations and is located southeast of Corley. Its acquisition was partially funded with grants from Duck Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. The ponds left from past mining operations contain bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and bullhead to delight any angler. The other features include camping, a camping cabin, hiking trails, a river access, an arboretum, a planting of tall grass and short grass prairie with many species of wildflowers, and a nature learning center. A campground opened in 2007 with four electrical sites. Since then 20 more sites have been added.. The cost for the sites is $20 per night. A new shower house/restroom was opened in May of 2009. The main office of the Conservation Board and Roadside Management Department are also located here. The Board is developing this area for its water resources and wildlife value, and is the focus of the counties nature learning program.

Location

516 Maple Road
Harlan, IA  51537

Operating Hours & Seasons

camping season runs April 15 thru October 15; public hunting October 16 thru April 14.