This 925-acre park along the Wapsipinicon River has long been admired for its scenic natural beauty. The hilly, heavily wooded area is divided by the river and home to many species of wildlife. Beginning as a rural picnic ground in the 1960s, Pinicon Ridge Park has been developed into a modern recreation area - a regional destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Location
Pinicon Ridge is located in NE Linn County, just west of Central City, IA. There are two entrances to the park, one each on the north and south side of the Wapsipinicon River. Access to the south entrance is off Maine Ridge Road from Hwy. 13, and then turning north (right) on Horseshoe Falls Road. This side of the park is home to the lodges and shelters, wildlife exhibit, watercraft rentals & canoe trips, the landmark observation tower, disc golf, hiking trails and the group camp complex. The north entrance is accessed from Hwy. 13 by going west on Valley Farm Road, and turning south (left) on Flying Squirrel Trail. You will find our main campgrounds and cabin complex on this side of the river, along with hiking trails and a hunting/dog exercise area.
For a map of the park, click here.
Features
Park amenities include:
- Camping & Cabins
- 2 Enclosed, year round lodges
- 2 open shelters, seasonal
- Observation Tower
- Wilidlife Exhibit
- Lighted winter sledding hill
- Groomed X-country ski trails
- Hunting & dog training area
- Playground(s)
- Frisbee Golf
- Walking/hiking trails
- Watercraft Concession/Canoe Trips
- Boat Ramp & Canoe/Kayak Access
Camping
Pinicon Ridge Park features 3 different campgrounds. Each offers a unique experience for park users.
Flying Squirrel Campground
This family campground, located off of Valley Farm Road, is the largest of the campgrounds at Pinicon Ridge Park. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All campers must self-register and pay the required fee. These campsites havea firepad and picnic table. Showers and restrooms are neabry. Flying Squirrel A and B Loops feature electricity and pressurized water. Flying Squirrel C Loop has pressurized water, but no electricity.
Plains Campground
This family campground, located off of Valley Farm Road, has 19 electrical sites and 17 non-electrical sites. All sites offer pressurized water. Showers are restrooms are nearby. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All campers must self-register and pay the required fee. These campsites havea firepad and picnic table. Four camping cabins are located in the Plains Campground.
Group Campgrounds
There are 7 group campgrounds available by reservation. The group camps are designed for use by groups larger than 6 people and 3 camping units or more. Group campgrounds are located on the south side of the river, accessed Horseshoe Falls Road.
Campround Hosts
Your campground hosts at Pinicon Ridge Park are Jim & Sharon Price. They are located at site A1, located next to the firewood sales box. They can help answer questions, sell fired wood (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily) and camping coupons.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Pinicon Ridge Park is open from 4:00 AM - 10:30 PM. All visitors need to exit the park no later than 10:30 PM. Many features of the park are open on a year-round basis, some will close seasonally:
- Campgrounds & Cabins are generally open from April 15 - October 15th (Weather, ground or river conditions may contract or expand these dates)
- Watercraft Concession hours (seasonal May-October): Weekdays - 1:00 - 5:00 PM, Weekends/Holidays - 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM