Story

Hickory Grove Park


Boating at Hickory Grove Park Hickory Grove Lake is 98-acres and is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and grass carp. Only electric trolling motors are allowed on Story County Conservation Lakes; gasoline-powered motors are prohibited. Canoes and kayaks are welcome
Camping at Hickory Grove Park Breezy Bay (the main campground) features: 43 modern camping sites, electric only Shower house with flush toilets and hot water in main campground Dump station Water hydrants Playground The primitive campground on the south side of the lake features: 11 primitive camping sites Portable toilets only Reservations are only available online for all primitive campsites and the campsites west of the shower house in the main campground. The rest of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Camping Reservations
Canoeing & Kayaking at Hickory Grove Park Hickory Grove Park features a 98 acre lake. Canoeing & kayaking are allowed. Swimming is allowed in designated areas only.
Facility Rentals at Hickory Grove Park Two lodges are available to reserve at Hickory Grove Park. Lodges are available to reserve from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. between April 1-October 31. Firewood may be requested with a reservation for no additional fee. Oriole Ridge Lodge is located on the north side of the lake and can accommodate 80-100 people. It has a brick floor, fireplace, windows, and picnic tables inside and outside. There is a water hydrant and double grill near the building; a portable toilet is placed nearby during the summer. Snow Bunting Lodge is on the south side of the lake and is a bit smaller, accommodating 75 people. Snow bunting also includes a fireplace, picnic tables, and an outdoor drinking fountain. All open shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fishing at Hickory Grove Park Fishing is a popular year-round activity at Hickory Grove Park. Crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass reproduce naturally. Channel catfish are stocked by the IDNR. SCC cooperates with the IDNR in managing the lake. Shore fishing is allowed on the south side of the lake after park hours. Fishing boats (electric motors only) are allowed on the lake surface 24 hours a day with access from the south boat ramp. A fish cleaning station is located at the north boat ramp. Ice houses are allowed on the lake. All ice houses must be removed by February 20 or ice melt, whichever comes first. Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here: Iowa DNR - Fishing
Hunting at Hickory Grove Park Hunting and trapping are allowed on the 80 acres located to the south and east sides of the lake (outside the paved road). This area provides upland and waterfowl species. No target shooting is allowed at Hickory Grove Park. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed. All state hunting laws apply. Hunters must possess the proper license(s). Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land. For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918. Pets must be on leashes at all times. Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times. Archery Range Rules Safety is the top priority; individuals participating in unsafe practices may be asked to leave. The use of the range is free of charge. ● Only archery equipment is allowed on the range. You must bring your own target. The range is marked at 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards. ● No firearms are allowed. ● Downrange area must be unoccupied prior to shooting. Never shoot an arrow until you are positive that no one is in front of you or behind the targets. ● NEVER point a bow and arrow at another person. ● NEVER shoot an arrow straight up into the air. You can injure another person or yourself. ● Shoot from firing line only. The only safe place is behind the shooting line. Don’t stand in front of a bow while it is being shot, even if you are to one side of the shooter. ● No camping is allowed in the range area ● Range hours are sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. ● Erecting tree stands is not permitted
Swimming at Hickory Grove Park Hickory Grove Park is the largest and most popular of the conservation board's parks. This 445-acre multiple-use recreational area southwest of Colo offers camping, swimming, fishing, hunting, an archery range, playground, trails, and much more. Swimming is allowed in the designated swimming area only. Swim at your own risk - no lifeguard is on duty. Children must be supervised at all times. Swimming Beach Rules and Regulations. A. Users of the beach facility at are subject to the following rules and regulations. 1.) The beach area is closed and swimming is prohibited from sunset to sunrise. 2.) Swimming is allowed inside the roped area only when the beach is open. 3.) Certified divers may be allowed outside of the roped area by permit from the director or an authorized representative. B. The following are prohibited at the beach area: 1.) Hanging from or attaching people or items to buoys. 2.) Using abusive language. 3.) Use of alcoholic beverages, liquors, and glass containers. 4.) Amplification greater than 75 decibels or using external speakers from the parking lot. 5.) Sitting or standing on another’s shoulders or back, throwing people, jumping on top of people. 6.) Dunking people. 7.) Throwing foreign objects, i.e. rocks, sand. 8.) Standing on inflatable beach items in the water. 9.) Fishing and boating from the beach or in the beach area. 10.) Using paddles or oars from inflatable beach items. 11.) Pets.