County Parks in Clay County, Iowa

Clay County Conservation

Three people canoeing on a pond in Clay County.

Outside view of Oneota Lodge - Available to rent all year long!

Sign and view of the bridge at Thunder Bridge Wildlife Refuge

View of campers at Scharnberg Park campgrounds

Young boy sunning himself on the rocks at Scharnberg Park

View looking across the pond at Maple, Oak and Pine log cabins at Scharnberg Park.

Trout being released through the ice at Scharnberg Park with people looking on

Kids and instructor at an outdoor educational program.

Welcome to Clay County!

Explore the Great Outdoors with Clay County Conservation!

CLAY COUNTY CONSERVATION

420 10th Avenue SE

Spencer, IA 51301

PHONE: (712) 262-2187

EMAIL: clayreservations@gmail.com

WEBSITE: ClayCountyParks.Com

Welcome!

Trout were released at Scharnberg Park on February 7, 2026!

Scharnberg Campground will be opening for the season on April 30, 2026!

Camping reservations for ALL sites for the week of the Clay County Fair must be made by calling CCCB at 712-262-2187.

Clay County is located in Northwest Iowa and is home to historic Thunder Bridge, the Clay County Fair, and beautiful Scharnberg Park. The Clay County Conservation Board manages 25 areas that include wildlife areas, public recreational areas, native prairies, a historical pioneer era cemetery, river accesses, camping and trails. These areas provide the public with opportunities to hunt, fish, boat, swim, camp, picnic, bird watch, hike, ride horses, participate in educational programs and just enjoy nature! Enjoy all four seasons in the great outdoors! Clay County Conservation Board’s goal is to promote a safe, friendly environment for everyone to enjoy.

Remember, you can reserve your campsite up to a year in advance and one of our three cabins, (Maple, Pine, or Oak), Scharnberg Shelter or Oneota Lodge up to two years in advance! Just click on Facilities on the left side of this screen.

Get information on any of our parks/wildlife areas/prairies by clicking on Parks on the left side of this screen.

What can you do in Clay County? Many of the activities that you can enjoy are listed in the Activities section.

Have a question? Please see the FAQ for many of the most asked questions. Can’t find the answer there, please give Clay County Conservation Board a call at 712-262-2187.

If you are interested in any of our educational programs, check out Events to see a list of upcoming programs and to register.

Need a map of the Scharnberg campground? See Scharnberg Park Map in the Related Items below.

For additional information about programs, areas and services offered by the Clay County Conservation Board, please utilize the following contact information:

CLAY COUNTY CONSERVATION

420 10th Avenue SE

Spencer, IA 51301

PHONE: (712) 262-2187

EMAIL: clayreservations@gmail.com

WEBSITE: ClayCountyParks.Com

The administration office (located in the Oneota Environmental Learning Center) is open from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Due to a low number of staff, the office may not be open all of these hours, please call ahead to set up an appointment.