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A Unique Experience - Sustainable Living Cabins!
Visitors to Buchanan County’s signature park , Fontana, will be able to enjoy overnight comfort while being conscious of conservation and the environment. People can now call 319-636-2617 to reserve a cabin! Fontana park is located nine miles north of Independence or one mile south of Hazleton, off Highway 150, and is managed by the Buchanan County Conservation Board. “We are quite excited about this project,” said Conservation Board President Roger Johnson. “The cabins are one-of-a-kind in combining comfort with a strong conservation message.”
The cabins' comforts and amenities are complimented by natural beauty, park attractions, and promotion of a sustainable lifestyle. Each cabin comfortably sleep five, with two private bedrooms, kitchenette, and a private bathroom with shower. There will be vaulted ceilings, wood-sided interiors, and exterior wood siding from trees harvested in Buchanan County. Each cabin will have a porch, table, grill, and fire ring. A private drive for cabin users provides access to the cabins. The cabins are situated near the woodland trails and prairie on the northwest part of the park.
Conservation and Energy Efficiency
The cabins are off-grid – receiving all electrical needs through roof-mounted solar panels with battery storage. Cabin construction makes use of energy efficient: structural insulated panels (SIPs), triple pane windows, water conserving faucets and toilets, and more. Details of the sustainability features will be prevalent, with educational displays and printed materials. Cabin users will be able to view meters that indicate the flow of electricity from the solar panels and the supply of stored energy in the batteries.
Cabins will be open year-round, and will rent for $65/night on weekends and holidays, and $55/night on weekdays. Call 319-636-2617 to make a reservation.
Please be sure to contact Fontana Office at 319-636-2617 to check for availability prior to sending any forms.
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Fontana Park
Buchanan County
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Chapel Area
The chapel area overlooks Fontana Lake and is surrounded by trees. It is a popular place for wedding ceremonies. There are several wooden benches available for seating in this small area. The fee to reserve the chapel area is $35. Call 319-636-2617 to make a reservation.
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Fontana Park
Buchanan County
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Disc Golf Course
A nine hole disc golf course wraps around this property
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Buffalo Creek Area
Buchanan County
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Fontana Park Campsites
Fontana Park, located a mile south of Hazleton, off Highway 150, is the county’s most popular camping destination. The campground has its own shower house with flush toilets, and a dump station. There is a lot to do while camping at Fontana Park. Fishing is popular both above the dam and in the creek that winds along the campground below the dam. The nature center is open on weekend afternoons, and campers can walk to the live animal display, which is open throughout the day. Also in walking distance from the campground are nature trails, shelter houses, and a playground. During most weekends, campground hosts are stationed in the campground. The campground at Fontana Park fills quickly, especially once school is out in late May. Some sites are reservable.
Sustainable Living Cabins offer overnight comfort with solar electricity and energy efficiency. Cabins have a private drive. Each cabin has two private bedrooms, living/dining room, bathroom with shower, and outside porch. Call 319-636-2617 to reserve a cabin or campsite.
Camping Fees at Fontana Park: $15/night w/ electricity; $10/night w/o electricity; $5 reservation fee
Cabins: $65/night weekends and holidays (two night minimum); $55/night weekdays; $300/week
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Fontana Park
Buchanan County
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Jakway Park Campsites
Jakway Park has a new shower house and dump station! Modern restrooms now are available, and the concrete facility also serves as a storm shelter. Jakway is a picturesque, shaded campground featuring stately oak trees. The campground is nestled in the vast Jakway Forest, and campers can walk the self-guided and forest trails. Buffalo Creek winds through the forest. Campers can try fishing for small fish in the creek, or in the old quarry pond. Also at Jakway, campers can walk to the playground, use the shelter house, and view the historic Richardson-Jakway House and grounds. A wildlife observation blind is located in the woodland.
Camping Fees at Jakway Park: $15/night with electricity $10/night without electricity
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Jakway Park
Buchanan County
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Lime Creek Campsites
Lime Creek Park has a nice, peaceful campground. Not far from the Cedar Valley Trail, campers at Lime Creek may want to bring their bicycles. As its name implies, Lime Creek meanders through the park. A playground and shelter house are available right in the campground. The Conservation Board recently improved the electrical service at Lime Creek, allowing for more power use by campers.
Camping Fees at Lime Creek are $12/night with electricity or $6/night without electricity.
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Lime Creek Area
Buchanan County
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Shelters
This is one of three shelters that are reservable at the Fontana Park Location. All shelters have picnic tables and electrical outlets, nearby grills, garbage cans, and restrooms. This shelter is the closest to the nature center and overlooks Fontana Lake. The structure itself is built on the base of what was once Fontana Mill. It can be enclosed if weather is inclemental. There is a cement pad with a grill on it just outside of the shelter. Cost to reserve the shelter is $35. Call 319-636-2617 for more information.
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Fontana Park
Buchanan County
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