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Site #3 Cottonwood (CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE)

27792 Ski Hill Loop
Ph: 712-545-3283
Honey Creek, IA, 51542

Call for Availability

712-545-3283

Book this Campsite Online

For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.

Backcountry Campsite #3 - Cottonwood (Single Tent Campsite)

  • Single tent campsite with camping pad and fire ring
  • Challenging terrain hike, located approximately 1.2-miles from the Fox Run Ridge Trailhead in the main parking lot near the Loess Hills Lodge
  • Westernmost ridge with expansive views of the Missouri River Valley
  • Slightly offset from main trail

What do I need to know about backcountry camping at Hitchcock Nature Center?

  • All campsites must be reserved online; walk-up reservations are no longer available at the park 
  • All camping is first reserved, first served
  • Backcountry camping is $7.50 per tent per night
  • Maximum stay - 14 days
  • Checkout time - 2:00 p.m.
  • Check-in time - 4:00 p.m.
  • Campsites are open 365 days a year
  • Campsites are considered occupied when an online reservation has been submitted and the camping fee paid
  • All non-registered guests must leave the park by 10:00 p.m.
  • Paid camping registration includes admission to the park for one vehicle. Additional guests, their vehicles and their license plates, that will be arriving separately and staying overnight must be noted in the "Event Info" field during the My County Parks checkout process. Additional guest will need to purchase a $3.00 per vehicle daily entrance pass at the front gate or have a valid Pottawattamie County Parks annual permit.
  • Keg beer is not permitted  
  • Wheeled vehicles are not permitted, this includes wheeled coolers, bicycles, wagons, & wheeled luggage
  • Leashed pets are welcome, owners are responsible for the removal and disposal of pet waste
  • Each backcountry site is outfitted with a gravel tent site(s) or designated center anchor pole, & a fire ring with a grill
  • Please, only place tents on designated tent pads
  • Hammocks are only allowed to be hung at the designated hammock campsites (Backcountry Campsite #6, Shea Way and Backcountry Campsite #7, Heritage)
  • Firewood is available for purchase from the campground office, campground host, or park ranger
  • Campers are permitted to harvest dead fall wood from the ground for burning but may not cut down or damage live trees
  • Please help us limit the spread of pests and DO NOT TRANSPORT FIREWOOD ACROSS STATE OR COUNTY LINES
  • Refunds will be permitted via the refund policy in the Facility Contract

PLEASE NOTE - Backcountry campsites are PRIMITIVE & do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms. Campers are responsible for carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water & the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200-yds from water. ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE.

Location

Backcountry Campsite #3 - Cottonwood is located along Westridge Trail in the southwestern section of the park. It is located in and accessible via challenging terrain and is approximately 1.2-miles from the Fox Run Ridge Trailhead in the main parking lot near the Loess Hills Lodge. It may also be accessed from the south using the Badger Ridge trailhead.

Fees

Backcountry camping is $7.50 per tent/hammock per night.

Hours of Operation & Seasons

Backcountry campsites are available for usage year round.

Closures

Campsites may be closed for designated hunting seasons. Closures will be announced in advance.

Permits

A paid camping reservation includes park admission for one vehicle. Additional guests, their vehicles and their license plates, that will be arriving separately and staying overnight must be noted in the "Event Info" field during the My County Parks checkout process. Additional guests will need to purchase a $3.00 per vehicle daily use permit or have a valid Pottawattamie County Parks annual permit.