Bigelow Park - Brown's Lake
BROWN'S LAKE/BIGELOW PARK CLOSED FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Brown’s
Lake/Bigelow Park near Salix, Iowa, is currently closed to allow for road replacement
throughout the park and campground. There
will be no access to the boat ramp or fishing docks during this time also. The Conservation Board anticipates having the
park open by June 1st or sooner.
This is part of a major park renovation project which will also include a
new concession stand/restroom, a revamped beach with new sand, and a campground
redesign with larger sites and full hook-ups at each site. The Conservation board and staff apologize
for any inconvenience and look forward to completing these improvements for the
enjoyment of their park patrons.
Brown's Lake is managed by the DNR. It is a natural oxbow of the Missouri River formed when the river was free to meander across the river valley. Brown's Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and northern pike. A fishing dock and boat ramp provides access to the lake, which is a popular area for recreational boaters and water skiers as well.
Location
Bigelow Park is located one mile west of Salix on a 600-acre lake known as Brown's Lake. Originally a state park, Bigelow Park has been managed by the Woodbury County Conservation Board since 1970 and includes numerous amenities.
Bigelow Park Office:
722 Bigelow Park Road
Salix, IA 51052
712-946-7114
GOOGLE MAP LOCATION
Features
On site facilities:
- electric campsites (fee charged)
- tent or non-electrical campsites (fee charged)
- new shower house with family shower facilities, flush toilets and hot water, also serves as a tornado safe room
- dump station
- enclosed shelter house (fee charged)
- open picnic shelter
- sand volleyball court
- picnic sites
- playground equipment
- beach area (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- boat ramp
- fishing dock
- open sports area
- trails
- winter activities: ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling (confined to ice only)
- birdwatching
A public hunting and wildlife management area is located on the west side of Brown's Lake.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and feature self-registration. Firewood is available from the park officer for a nominal fee.
Camping Fees
~ $17/day for Non Electrical Sites
~ $25/day for Electrical & Water Sites
~ $5/bundle for Firewood
Closures
BROWN'S LAKE/BIGELOW PARK CLOSED FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Brown’s Lake/Bigelow Park near Salix, Iowa, is currently closed to allow for road replacement throughout the park and campground. There will be no access to the boat ramp or fishing docks during this time also. The Conservation Board anticipates having the park open by June 1st or sooner. This is part of a major park renovation project which will also include a new concession stand/restroom, a revamped beach with new sand, and a campground redesign with larger sites and full hook-ups at each site. The Conservation board and staff apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to completing these improvements for the enjoyment of their park patrons.
