Linn County

Camping

How long can I camp in a Linn County campground?

Registered campers are allowed to stay in any park for 14 days out of any 21-day period. There are no long-term camping sites. Linn County Conservation campgrounds are intended for short-term recreational camping, and these limits promote fair access while allowing more families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the parks and the outdoor experiences they provide.

---

How do I get a campsite in Linn County Parks?

Most all sites are first-come, first serve. This includes Wanatee Park Campground’s B Loop, Morgan Creek Park Campground, Pinicon Ridge’s Plains and Flying Squirrel Campgrounds, and Buffalo Creek Park's B Loop Campground. We update daily our First-come First-Serve Campground Availability on our Camping webpage. 

There are reservable campsites at Wanatee Park’s A Loop, Buffalo Creek Park's A Loop, and Pinicon Ridge Park's Firefly Campground . Reservations must be made online and can be reserved up to 1 year in advance. Search for reservation options at the mycountyparks.com website.  If no sites appear for the dates you have searched, the reservable camping is full.

In 2027, all campsites will be reservable online, cash and check not accepted. 

PAYMENT FOR 2026: Our Rules and Regulations for camping state you may only register for your own campsite and that a camping unit (tent, trailer, RV, etc.) MUST be on the site. Coolers, chairs, and vehicles do not count as camping units. Self-register at the kiosk by completing the yellow camping envelope, paying exact fees by cash or check, and dropping that in the fees tube. The tearaway receipt on the envelope flap should be placed on your campsite post. You may pay night by night, or for as many days as you want up to 14 days. You may stay in any one of our parks for 14 out of 21 days before you will required to move to one of our other fine parks. 

PAYMENT FOR 2027:  All payments will be made in advance online for all campsites. 

Our primitive areas at Wakpicada Natural Area and Matsell Bridge Natural Area are also first-come, first serve and you may self-register onsite. 

---

General Questions

What if my payment is being declined?

Payment decline may happen for a variety of factors. 

If the address is mismatched, then the address entered into the billing section does not match the address on file with the card you have used. Please update the address in the checkout/billing section or reach out to your bank to confirm your address. 

Only Visa, Master, and Discover cards are accepted at this vendor. 

---

Registering for an Event

What if I need to cancel or change my program/event/day camp registration?

Please notify the Wickiup Hill Learning Center at 319-892-6485. No refunds are given for cancellations. The cancelled spot in the program, event, or camp will be re-opened to others if appropriate.  

---

Reserving a Facility

What if I need to make a change or cancel my facility or camping reservation?

To change the date of an existing facility reservation (lodge, shelter, or cabin) the request must be made at least three months prior to the reservation date. The new reservation date must be within two years of the date of the change request. A date change can only be made by calling the Conservation Office at (319) 892-6450 and will be assessed a $25 administrative fee. A new reservation would need to be made to change anything other than the date or adding optional amenities (i.e. keg fee).

To change the date of an existing camping reservation, the request must be made at least two weeks prior to the reservation date. The new reservation date must be with one year of the date of the change request. A date change can only be made by calling the Conservation Office at (319) 892-6450 and will be assessed a $10 administrative fee.

Please call the Conservation Office at (319) 892-6450 ASAP to inform us of a cancellation. In order to better serve our customers in providing access to our facilities and a high quality experience we do not provide refunds for cancellations. Facilities with canceled reservations will be re-opened for reservation for the date of a cancellation.

---

Rules

What do I have to do to clean up a facility?

Each facility has posted instructions on what is required clean up by the renting party on site. In general:

• All directional signs must be placed on stakes/supports.  They cannot be attached to any park or highway signs/posts.
• The entire floor should be swept - dirt or spills should be mopped up.
• Wipe down all appliances, sinks, counters.
• Make sure all items you brought in are removed from the facility (appliances, cupboards, draws, etc).
• Place tables and chairs on cart and return to storage room.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Shut off ceiling fans.
• Empty refuse containers from restrooms into bags; pick up all outside litter.  Park staff will remove 5 bags of trash. If additional bags are left, there a $2.00/bag charge that will be held from the deposit.
• Shut doors to any fireplaces and let the fire burn itself out (do not use water on the fire).
• Do not throw or use rice, confetti, or bird seed.
• Please having building cleaned and vacated by the appropriate closing time.

We encourage you to review the contract you signed upon reserving and paying for your facility. 

---