Activities


Biking at Swan Lake State Park S A U K R A I L T R A I L A 33-mile-long multi-use hard surface recreational trail in the Carroll and Sac Counties. The North end of the trail winds through Lake View, Sac County countryside, Carnarvon and into the Carroll County countryside and communities of Breda, Maple River, and Carroll before reaching Swan Lake State Park. The trail is great for running, walking, biking, wild life viewing and in the winter snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. All trail users, 18 years of age and above, are required to purchase a daily, annual, or lifetime permit. D A I L Y P E R M I T $2.00 per adult/per day A N N U A L P E R M I T $15.00 per adult/per day L I F E T I M E P E R M I T $250.00 per individual or $350.00 per married couple G R O U P P E R M I T If you are planning on hosting an event using the Sauk Rail Trail be sure to contact Carroll or Sac County Conservation office. There will be a group permit that will need to be purchased prior to you event! This permit will cover all your event attendees that may not have a SRT permit yet. D I S C O U N T E D P E R M I T S We offer discounted SRT permits to business who offer permits to their employees, their employee spouse and adult children. The discounted rate can be from $2.00 to $3.00 per permit! Contact Carroll County Conservation (712) 792-4614 or Sac County Conservation (712) 662-4530. S N O W M O B I L E S - All users must have a Sauk Rail Trail permit - ATV/UTVs are PROHIBITED - There must be at least 4” of snow covering the trail - No studs are allowed on the tracks - Snowmobiles are allowed at Swan Lake State Park with a minimum of 4” of snow cover and must remain on the inside of the main road around Swan Lake Contact Carroll County Conservation with any questions (712) 792-4614 All trail users must carry their permit Park Rangers will patrol the trail at random and enforce trail rules and regulations All pets must remain on a leash not longer than 6ft at all times & must immediately clean up after pets. All motorized vehicles are prohibited from the Sauk Rail Trail (motorcycles, ATV’s, go-carts, vehicles, mopeds, etc.) unless a person has a handicap permit for the use of the vehicle.
Biking at Riverside Park R I V E R S I D E T R A I L Walking Running Biking This 3.3 mile long trail along the Middle Raccoon River has great fishing access along with wildlife viewing. There is a sandy beach below the rapids that is a great spot to take a dip in the river. Riverside Campground is located just on top of the hill. There is a total of 20 electric and water sites (30AMP and 50AMP) along with a shower house and dump station.
Cabins at Swan Lake State Park B I S O N V I E W C A B I N D E E R R I D G E C A B I N
Camping at Riverside Park R I V E R S I D E P A R K C A M P G R O U N D Carroll County Conservations second largest campground, near Coon Rapids, has 20 electric and water sites. There is a shower house located within the campground along with a dump station. All camp sites are self-register, all campers must register the day they arrive. Site # 1-12 are 30 AMP hook-ups Site # 13-20 are 50 AMP hook-ups P R I C I N G Electric & water sites - $14.00 per night Non-electric sites - $10.00 per night FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE All of Carroll County Conservation campgrounds are on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do not take any reservation for our campgrounds, including Riverside Park Campground. R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S - All campers must register the day the enter the campground & have receipt posted at campsite - Registration envelope must be filled out in full - We do not accept state coupons – we are a State Park that is managed by Carroll County Conservation Board. - Registered campers must be at least 18 years of age & at least 21 years of age if offering alcoholic beverages - Park Hours are from 5:00am until 10:30pm, quite hours are enforced between 10:30pm and 5:00am -Swan Lake State Park closes at 10:30pm, this includes the roadway, all traffic through Swan Lake State Park after 10:30pm is monitored. - Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6ft at all times or kenneled. Park users must immediately clean up after their pets. Violators will be ticketed. T E N T C A M P I N G Tents are allowed in grassy areas only, however, tents accompanied by a trailer & paying $10.00 non-electric/tent fee would be allowed on the same numbered site as a trailer. One tent for kids under the age of 18 is allowed with a larger tent at no additional charge. A trailer is defined as a unit that has the capability to use water, sewer, & electric hook ups. L O N G – T E R M Riverside Park Campground does not have any type of long-term camping. 14-night maximum stay is enforced at all Carroll County Conservation Campgrounds. Swan Lake State Park Campground however has 20 Long-term camping sites, also on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Camping at Swan Lake State Park S W A N L A K E C A M P G R O U N D This is the Carroll County’s largest and most diverse campground. Totaling over 115 campsites for campers of all levels, we offer full hook-up (water, electric, & sewer), electric & water sites, & non-electric sites. The Swan Lake Campground amenities include two shower house and restrooms, dump station, a gift shop & concession stand, shelter houses, boat rentals (paddleboats, kayaks, & canoes), and access to the Sauk Rail Trail. All Carroll County Conservation campground have a 14-night maximum stay, 24 hours out before re-entering. Long term sites at Swan Lake State Park are allowed to exceed the 14-night maximum stay. Every campsite has one picnic table and one fire ring, please do not take these items from other sites. P R I C I N G Full hook-up sites - $20.00 per night Electric & water sites - $18.00 per night Non-electric sites - $10.00 per night Weekly Rate - $119.00 if stay 7 consecutive nights Coupon Book - $119.00, 7 coupons per book Dump Station - $3.00 per non registered camping unit Shower - $4.00 per non registered camper C A M P G R O U N D H O S T Carroll County Conservation Board have volunteered campground hosts at our campground Memorial Day through Labor Day. They are located in sites #29 & #34 and can answer many questions regarding our campground. You may register with our campground host on duty or self register at one of our kiosk throughout the campground. H O U R S Monday through Thursday: 12:00pm – 8:30pm Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: 8:30am – 8:30pm The Campground Host on duty can help you with our paddleboat, kayak, and canoe rentals Monday through Thursday (Friday, Saturday, Sunday please see our Gift Shop & Concession Stand), firewood and ice sales, and questions regarding the Swan Lake Campground. In addition, two Park Rangers live nearby, providing security to park visitors and campers. FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE All of Carroll County Conservation campgrounds are on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do not take any reservation for our campgrounds, including Swan Lake State Park Campground. R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S - All campers must register the day the enter the campground & have receipt posted at campsite - Registration envelope must be filled out in full - We do not accept state coupons – we are a State Park that is managed by Carroll County Conservation Board. - Registered campers must be at least 18 years of age & at least 21 years of age if offering alcoholic beverages - Park Hours are from 5:00am until 10:30pm, quite hours are enforced between 10:30pm and 5:00am -Swan Lake State Park closes at 10:30pm, this includes the roadway, all traffic through Swan Lake State Park after 10:30pm is monitored. - Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6ft at all times or kenneled. Park users must immediately clean up after their pets. Violators will be ticketed. T E N T C A M P I N G Tents are allowed in non-numbered sites only, however, tents accompanied by a trailer & paying $10.00 non-electric/tent fee would be allowed on the same numbered site. One tent for kids under the age of 18 is allowed with a larger tent at no additional charge. A trailer is defined as a unit that has the capability to use water, sewer, & electric hook ups. L O N G – T E R M Swan Lake Campground offers long-term camping in specific sites (#1 – #10, #21 –#28, #35, & #36). These are the only sites were you are allowed to stay longer than our maximum nightly stay of 14-nights, 24 hours out before re-entering.
Camping at Great Western Park C A M P G R O U N D Great Western Park Campground is situated on top of a hill with beautiful view of Manning and the lake. There are a total of 16 electric & water sites, which are all 30/50 AMP sites. There is also a new bathroom and shower house near the campground along with a dump station. Tent camping is also available in the grass area to the west of the campground. The campground is self-registration, with registration envelopes located at the kiosk with a drop box. You are required to register the day you arrive and have your registration receipt posted at your campsite. We do not take reservations for any of our campgrounds, they are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Great Western Park Campground is closed late-October through late-April (weather depending). Please see attachments for all of our park rules and regulations. P R I C I N G Electric/water sites $16.00 Tent camping (non-electrical) $10.00 All Carroll County Conservation Board campgrounds have a 14-night maximum stay. R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S - All campers must register the day the enter the campground & have receipt posted at campsite - Registration envelope must be filled out in full - Registered campers must be at least 18 years of age & at least 21 years of age if alcoholic beverages on site - Park Hours are from 5:00am until 10:30pm, quite hours are enforced between 10:30pm and 5:00am -Great Western Park closes at 10:30pm, this includes the roadway, all traffic through Swan Lake State Park after 10:30pm is monitored. - Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6ft at all times or kenneled. Park users must immediately clean up after their pets. Violators will be ticketed. T E N T C A M P I N G Tents are allowed in non-numbered sites only, however, tents accompanied by a trailer & paying $10.00 non-electric/tent fee would be allowed on the same numbered site. One tent for kids under the age of 18 is allowed with a larger tent at no additional charge. A trailer is defined as a unit that has the capability to use water, sewer, & electric hook ups.
Camping at Richey Access Richey Access has 8 electrical campsites, 5 non-electrical campsites, primitive restroom, picnicking, fishing, and kayak or canoeing access.
Camping at Bennett Access Bennett Access has 5 non-electrical camp sites available on a first, come - first, serve basis. Registration is not required.
Camping at Dickson Timber Dickson Timber has 12 electrical sites available for camping along with 8 equestrian sites. Horse corrals are also available! The campground is self-registration, you are to register the day you arrive and have your receipt posted at your campsite. Registration envelopes can be found at the kiosk. Tent camping is available and also self-registration. We do not take any reservation for camping at the Dickson Timber campground, it is all first-come, first-serve basis.
Canoeing & Kayaking at Bennett Access Canoeing and Kayaking access is available at Bennett Access. Vistit the Iowa DNR website for kayak and canoe safety: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/How-to-Paddle
Canoeing & Kayaking at Swan Lake State Park Kayaks and Paddle Boats are all available for rent Memorial Day - Labor Day $5 per hour or $20 per day per boat. All boat rentals are done at the Swan Lake Conservation Education Center Monday - Friday 3:00pm - 7:00pm -- see concession stand, located in the lower level of the Education Center or before 3PM see our office for assistance Saturday & Sunday 10:00am - 7:00pm- see concession stand, located in the lower level of the Education Center. You must be 16 years or older to rent a boat and have an ID.
Canoeing & Kayaking at Riverside Park Canoeing & Kayaking in the Middle Raccoon River.
Disc Golf at Swan Lake State Park Swan Lake State Park Disc Golf Course 18 hole course Rental disc available through our campground host, concession stand, or conservation office. T-Shirts and disc's for sale in our gift shop!
Disc Golf at Great Western Park D I S C G O L F Volunteers have installed a 9-hole disc golf course throughout Great Western Park.
Equestrian Activities at Dickson Timber Best horse trails in Carroll County!
Facility Rentals at Dickson Timber Dickson Timber Shelter house is available for reservations or on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call our office for more details (712) 792-4614 or email office@carrollcountyiowa.org Maximum Capacity for the Dickson Timber shelter is 60 people.
Facility Rentals at Great Western Park S H E L T E R H O U S E The shelter house at Great Western Park is available to rent year-round as has a furnace and A/C unit. The shelter holds approximately 75 people and includes a kitchenette area equipped with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. There is a total of 12 6ft tables and 72 chairs, along with picnic tables outside. When you rent the facility, you rent it for the day. You may check in any time after 5:00am and stay no later than 10:00pm. All CCCB parks close at 10:30pm so we do ask that everything has been cleaned up and guest have exited by 10:00pm. To make reservations for the shelter contact the Carroll County Conservation office at (712) 792-4614 or email office@carrollcountyiowa.org. Reservations can be made on a rolling calendar basis (one year in advance). P R I C I N G April – October $60.00 per day November – March $70.00 per day All reservation have a refundable security deposit required with payment Non-Profit Rates are available
Facility Rentals at Swan Lake State Park South shelter house - open shelter Education Center Wapiti Room Bison Room Wapiti & Bison Rooms East shelter house - enclosed shelter with heat Great Western Park shelter house - enclosed shelter with A/C and heat Dickson Timber shelter house Cabin at Swan Lake
Fishing at Swan Lake State Park Fishing at Swan Lake
Fishing at Great Western Park F I S H I N G Great Western Park offers a great lake for fishing with a boat ramp access. Be sure to visit Spies Sporting Goods for your fishing and hunting licenses. More information on fishing at Great Western Park can be found: https://www.iowadnr.gov/idnr/Fishing/Where-to-Fish/Lakes-Ponds-Reservoirs/LakeDetails/LakeCode/GRW14
Fishing at Daniel Davis Timber Open to the public for fishing. Visit Iowa DNR website for rules and regulations: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing
Fishing at Bennett Access Bennett Access offers great fishing on the North Raccoon River. Visit the Iowa DNR website for fishing information: https://www.iowadnr.gov/fishing
Fishing at Riverside Park Fishing available in the Middle Raccoon River.
Hunting at Bennett Access Open to the public during hunting seasons. Questions you can call our office at (712) 792-4614 or email office@carrollcountyiowa.org Visit Iowa DNR website for rule and regulations: https://www.iowadnr.gov/fishing
Hunting at Daniel Davis Timber Open to the public during hunting seasons. Visit the Iowa DNR website for rules and regulations: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting
Hunting at Dickson Timber Open to the public during hunting seasons. Questions you can call our office at (712) 792-4614 or email office@carrollcountyiowa.org Visit Iowa DNR website for rule and regulations: http://www.iowadnr.gov/
Hunting at Great Western Park H U N T I N G Public hunting is allowed at Great Western Park. For more information on hunting rules and regulations please visit: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting R I F L E R A N G E The Great Western Park shooting range is available year-round – EXCLUDING pheasant season. There are no fees to use the rifle range at GWP. Please see attachments for our Rules and Regulations regarding the rifle range. No persons under the age of 18 is allowed to shoot without direct supervision of an adult Paper targets ONLY – NO glass, cans, plastic containers, clay targets, appliances, electronics, or other materials may be used Treat every gun as a loaded gun All rifle ranger users must pick up their paper targets, frames, spent cartridges/shell casings, and other refuse generated.
Hunting at Hazel Brush Wildlife Area Public hunting is allowed at Hazel Brush Wildlife Area. For more information visit: http://www.iowadnr.gov/
Picnicking at Riverside Park Picnicking at Riverside Park near Coon Rapids.
Picnicking at Swan Lake State Park There are several picnicking spots at Swan Lake State Park!
Picnicking at Dickson Timber Picnicking at Dickson Timber is available.
Picnicking at Bennett Access Picnicking is available at Bennett Access along the North Raccoon River.
Picnicking at Daniel Davis Timber Picnicking at Daniel Davis Timber
Swimming at Swan Lake State Park Swimming at Swan Lake State Park is located on the East side of the lake. Swimming is allowed within the roped off area of the East Beach. There is no lifeguards on duty, please be responsible
Trails & Hiking at Swan Lake State Park The Sauk Rail Trail is a 33 mile long multi-use hard surface recreational trail in the Carroll and Sac Counties. The North end of the trail winds through Lake View, Sac County countryside, Carnarvon and into the Carroll County countryside and communities of Breda, Maple River, and Carroll before reaching Swan Lake State Park. The Trail is great for running, walking, biking and in the winter snowmobiling. All trail users, 18 years of age and above, are required to purchase a daily, annual, or lifetime permit. Permit envelopes can be found at any of our trail heads, online, Carroll County Courthouse, or at the Carroll Hy-Vee. Snowmobile riders may use the Sauk Rail Trail if they have purchased a trail permit and there is 4 inches or more of snow on the trail. The trail around Swan Lake State Park is plowed during the winter and can not be used by snowmobiles. Park Rangers will patrol the trail at random and enforce trail regulations. Please remember to keep your pets on a leash at all times. All motorized vehicles are unauthorized (motorcycles, ATV's, go carts, vehicles, mopeds, etc.) unless a person has a handicap permit for that vehicle.
Trails & Hiking at Great Western Park There is a walking trail at Great Western Park around the pond.
Trails & Hiking at Daniel Davis Timber Trails throughout Daniel Davis Timber
Trails & Hiking at Bennett Access There are some trail throughout the park.
Trails & Hiking at Dickson Timber Hiking the trails through Dickson Timber is perfect for bird watchers, hunters, cross county skiers.
Trails & Hiking at Riverside Park R I V E R S I D E T R A I L Walking Running Biking This 3.3 mile long trail along the Middle Raccoon River has great fishing access along with wildlife viewing. There is a sandy beach below the rapids that is a great spot to take a dip in the river. Riverside Campground is located just on top of the hill. There is a total of 20 electric and water sites (30AMP and 50AMP) along with a shower house and dump station.
Winter Activities at Swan Lake State Park Swan Lake State Park has Snowshoes for rent! If you are planning a group event or individual we have the snowshoes for you! $2 per day $5 per weekend (Pick up Friday, drop off Monday - during office hours) Non-profit prices are available! We recommend there be 4-5 inches of snow. Please call with any questions!

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