Bell's Mill Park


Overview

Camping

There are 34 Electric campsites and 4 Primitive site all campsites are First Come First Serve

Historical Facts

The land was originally owned by the Bell Family who operated a Gristmill at the location from 1873 to 1888, when a flood came through and washed out the dam. The mill was never started back up. In 1926 members of the Bell Family donated the land to the County and it became a county park. A kiosk at the park features two of the original grinding stones from the mill along with the water turbine.

There is also a Pioneer Log Cabin at the park, the cabin was originally built in 1867 by Charlie and Sara Smith and it sat west of the confluence of the Boone and Des Moines Rivers. In 1937, Frances Lynde who married into the Smith family donated the cabin to Hamilton County Conservation and it was moved to Bells Mill Park.

The park is also home to a one room school house that used to sit 7 miles away and served as the school for the Marion township community.

Location

We are located at 3100 Bell's Mill Road in Hamilton County, Iowa. This is approximately six miles north and east of Stratford, Iowa. Look for section 16 of Webster township in the plat book. The Boone River forms the southern boundary of the park, and access is from a gravel road. Paved roads, located within a short distance of the park, occur in all four directions with the access to state highway 17, 175 and 20.

Features

  • Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

Hours

  • The park is open April 1 through October 31, depending on weather
  • Park Hours:  5:00 am to 10:30 pm
  • Camping check-in:   2:00 pm
  • Camping check-out:  3:00 pm
  • All non-registered campers (visitors) shall exit the area by 10:30 PM
  • Campground quiet hours are 10:30 PM - 6:00 AM

Closed

The Park is closed in the winter after measurable snowfall

Fees

  • Electric Campsites: $20 per night
  • Primitive Campsites: $15 per night
  • Max 14-Day stay limit

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