This is a reservable hike-in site and must be reserved online through MyCountyParks.com. If not reserved in advance, the site is available on a first-come, first-served basis by scanning the QR code on the post and completing the reservation and payment through MyCountyParks.com.

PLEASE NOTE:  Backcountry campsites are PRIMITIVE and 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, and for the disposal of all human waste.  Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and not less than 200 yards from water.  ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE.

  • Limited to one camping unit and six people.
  • Friday and Saturday must be rented together by the same party.
  • Campsites are considered occupied when an online reservation has been submitted and the camping fee paid. ($17.00 per site per night)
  • Due to hunting seasons, campsite is closed October 15 through May 15.
  • Each backcountry site is outfitted with a gravel tent site(s) and fire ring with grill.
  • Please place tents on designated tent pads only.
  • Firewood is available for purchase from the campground office or park staff.
  • Campers are permitted to harvest deadfall wood from the ground for burning but may not cut down or damage live trees.
  • No fires are permitted outside fire rings.
  • Fires shall be extinguished before vacating campsite.
  • All non-registered guests must leave the park by 10:30 p.m.
  • All other Woodbury County Conservation Board rules apply.

 

 


Check-In / Out Availability Check-in is after 04:00 PM and check-out is before 02:00 PM.

Location

Southwood Conservation Area
3399 330th Street
Smithland, IA 51056

Parking available above the ponds.  Campsite is accessed by hiking approximately 1/2 mile from trailhead for Southwood Interpretive Trail, located near marker SW916. (See map in kiosk or click here.)


Amenities

  • Carry in/carry out refuse
  • Fire ring
  • Firewood available
  • Pet Friendly
  • Pressurized water
  • Refuse cans
  • Restroom
  • Shower facilities
  • Hike-in, tent-only PRIMITIVE campsite.  Does not include access to modern amenities at site, including drinking water or restrooms.
  • Restrooms, showers, and water hydrant are available in the main park.
  • Each backcountry site is outfitted with a gravel tent site(s) and fire ring with a grill.
  • Firewood is available for purchase from the campground office or park staff.
  • The park has hiking trails.  (See trail map in kiosk or click here.)
  • Pets must be kept on a leash, not to exceed six feet, at all times, and shall not be left unattended outside the camping unit.

Fees

$17.00 per night

(A $4.00 processing fee per facility will be added at checkout.)


Hours of Operation & Seasons

Backcountry campsite is available May 16 through October 14

Park Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.  (Quiet hours:  10:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.)

Check-in Time:  After 4:00 p.m. but before 10:30 p.m.

Check-out Time:  Before 2:00 p.m.

Maximum Stay: 14 consecutive days.  Must vacate the campground for a minimum of 72 hours after 14 consecutive days of camping.  Booking any days over the 140-day maximum stay is in violation of park regulations and will result in an eviction without refund.


Address

3399 330th Street

Smithland, IA 51056


Closures

Due to hunting seasons, the backcountry campsite is closed October 15 through May 15.

 


Availability


Where You'll Be

Static Map

Woodbury County

The Woodbury County Conservation Board is located in far west-central Iowa along the Missouri River, and is home to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Little Sioux Park and Snyder Bend Park. The Woodbury CCB collectively manages 19 parks, natural areas, wetlands and an arboretum encompassing over 5,500 acres across the county.

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