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Southwood Conservation Area

 
Boating Boating at Southwood Conservation Area

Motorboats are allowed at Brown’s Lake—Bigelow Park and Snyder Bend Park.

Both have concrete boat access. Non-motorized boats or electric trolling motors are allowed at Little Sioux Park, Southwood Conservation Area and Midway Park.

Stop Aquatic Invaders. Thoroughly clean your boat and trailer and remove any aquatic vegetation to control spread of invasive nuisance species.

Cabins Cabins at Southwood Conservation Area
Woodbury County has three types of cabin experiences. You can find a rustic one-room cabin experience at Little Sioux Park, a one-bedroom family cabin at Southwood Conservation Area, or a two-bedroom family cottage with nearly any amenity you could imagine at Snyder Bend Park!

All cabin fees for the entire stay must be paid when reservations are made. Most major credit/debit cards will be accepted as payment. (No Checks)

Minimum two-night stay on weekends (Fri-Sat).
Minimum three-night stay on Holidays.
Camping Camping at Southwood Conservation Area

Family campgrounds are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and provide sites for six or fewer people. Sites cannot be reserved. Camping fees are paid by self-registration in the campgrounds. The camping season is from May 1st - October 31st.

Campground amenities vary from primitive to 50 amp electrical service, area water hydrants and dump stations. All campgrounds have access to modern restroom and shower facilities.

CAMPING FEES
$17/day - Non-Electrical 
$25/day - Electrical & Water
$5/bundle - Firewood

Campgrounds are available at:

Firewood Note: Please use local firewood whenever possible. This is to control the spread of insect pests including the Emerald Ash Borer and Gypsy Moth. See more information at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/forestry/eab_firewoodlaw.pdf
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Southwood Conservation Area

Launch your canoe or kayak at one of our county park lakes at Southwood Conservation Area, Brown's Lake—Bigelow Park, Snyder Bend Park, Midway Park or Little Sioux Park. River access points are available along the Little Sioux River at Copeland Park and Walling Access near Correctionville and Little Sioux Park. Some accesses may be difficult to maneuver at times due to high water, eroded banks and mud.

Parks that include Canoeing

Equestrian Activities Equestrian Activities at Southwood Conservation Area

Southwood Conservation Area is the only county park allowing horse traffic with five miles of trails. There are four equestrian camping sites available (first come, first served). Trails may be temporarily closed due to wet conditions.
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Southwood Conservation Area
Come walk the trails of Southwood Recreation Area and experience the beautiful fall colors as mother nature paints her colors this fall. Hike to the outlook tower and look over the valley and take in the tranquility it provides!
Hunting Hunting at Southwood Conservation Area

More than 4,000 acres for public hunting are managed by the WCCB. Deer, pheasant, turkey, waterfowl, squirrel and rabbit are popular game species. Some areas have restricted access and seasons. Check park maps for more details and boundaries.

Woodbury County managed Hunting Areas are found at:

County Conservation Boards are the leaders in Iowa's HunterSafety Education Program. For additional information on hunting regulations, seasons, and Hunter Safety Education Classes - please visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
Picnicking Picnicking at Southwood Conservation Area

Picnic sites are available at:

Open shelters are found at Brown's Lake—Bigelow Park, Snyder Bend Park, Fowler Forest Preserve or Little Sioux Park. Open shelters cannot be reserved.

Enclosed picnic shelters at Little Sioux Park and Brown's Lake—Bigelow Park can be rented for a fee. Call the Resource Manager in each respective park to rent the enclosed shelters. See Facility Rentals.

Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Southwood Conservation Area

Hiking trails are found at Fowler Forest Preserve, Little Sioux Park, Snyder Bend Park, Southwood Conservation Area and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

Concrete bike trails are located at Little Sioux Park and Snyder Bend Park.

Self-guided nature trails are located at the Southwood Conservation Area and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. A suspension bridge is found at Southwood Conservation Area.

Parks that include Trails
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