Red Oak Cabin is a secluded rustic Cabin with approx. 660 sq. feet of living space located in Matsell Bridge Natural Area. Red Oak cabin has a spectacular view of the Wapsipinicon River. The only cabin in Linn County open year round, it has become a favorite with those wishing to hunt public land or just a rustic winter getaway. There is no electricity - the perfect place to pull your kids away from technology and reconnect as a family!
Access to Red Oak Cabin is hike-in only, with parking at the Matsell Bridge Shooting Range. Users must carry-in their own supplies and gear. Arrangements must be made at least one week in advance of the reservation.
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Location
Located in the Matsell Bridge Natural Area near the shooting range. Address of the parking area is 50 Range Ln (formerly 3716 Matsell Park Rd), Central City, IA, 52214.
Amenities
Amenities include:
- One room cabin with 660 sq. feet of living space (22’ X 30’ cabin)
- Enclosed rustic cabin – few amenities –
- NO electricity
- NO indoor plumbing
- NO running water
- (water is available for you to pack-in at the Matsell Bridge maintenance shop (3742 Matsell Park Rd) and it is only available from
April 15- October 15th as it is shut off during the winter)
- Heated with wood burning stove 6 picnic tables in/near the cabin
- Carry-in/carry-out refuse requirement
- No Wi-Fi or internet service available
- Large covered porch – on bluff, overlooks river
- Pedestal stove/cooking grill outside
- Fire ring for outdoor fire (a large bundle of firewood is provided with the reservation. Additional wood will be available at the cabin. If the extra wood is burned, the firewood charge of $5/rick will be deducted from your facility deposit)
- Pit vault restroom nearby (toilet tissue is provided)
Renter will need to bring:
- Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags for up to 6 people, however plenty of floor space for additional persons
- Complete table service with cups, glasses dishes and silverware
- Dish soap, dish cloth, cloth towels, potholders, all cooking pots, pans, etc.
- All food & beverage supplies
- All bath linens and toiletries
- Any radio, television, alarm clocks
- Lawn chairs if desired

Camping Winter

Carry in/carry out refuse

Fire ring

Firewood available

Pets prohibited

Picnic Table

Refuse cans

Table with chairs
Hours of Operation & Seasons
Reservations accepted online at least 4 days and up to 2 years in advance
Matsell Bridge Natural Area is open from 4:00 AM - 10:30 PM, non-registered campers need to exit the area by 10:30 PM
Check-in time may be any time after 3:00 PM on the day of arrival, and check-out time is prior to 11:00 AM on the day of departure
Closures
The Red Oak Cabin is open all year round with the following exclusions: Christmas Holidays - December 24 & 25; New Years Holidays - December 31 & January 1.