Cedar County Conservation
General Questions
How do I contact Cedar County Conservation?
Mailing Address:
400 Cedar Street
Tipton, IA 52772
Office Address:
713 E. South Street
Tipton, Iowa 52772
Phone: (563) 886-6930
Email: CedarCCB@cedarcounty.iowa.gov
Website: https://cedarcounty.iowa.gov/offices/conservation/index.htm
Facebook: @Cedarcountyconservation
Where the parks impacted by the 2020 Derecho storm?
Unfortunately, Cedar County Parks were not spared from the devastating wind storm on August 10th, 2020 sustaining widespread damage. Our first priority for cleanup efforts is the parks and campgrounds followed by trails and then the wildlife and natural areas. Cleanup work will be ongoing throughout 2021 and some areas will be left to recover naturally. Many new trees have already been planted with more to come.
Park users are urged to use caution in timber areas due to damaged trees and limbs.
Where can I go fishing?
Fishing is available at several park locations:
- Cedar Valley Park - two quarry pits and the Cedar River
- West Rochester Sandpit - former sandpit and also Cedar River
- Bennett Park - 4 acre lake
- Cedar Bluff Access - Cedar River
- Massillon Park - Wapsipinicon River
What's are the current water levels for the Cedar and Wapsi Rivers?
Heading out to boat or fish? Stay safe by knowing the water level before you go!
Cedar Valley Park, Cedar Bluff Access, Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area, River Valley Wetland, Rochester Park and W. Rochester Sandpit can be impacted by high water on the Cedar River.
Massillon Park can be impacted by high water on the Wapsipinicon River
Rules
Where can I go hunting?
Hunting is allowed with some restrictions at six properties listed below:
Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area - 43 acre river bottom timber with a wetland.
Cedar Valley Park - No hunting is allowed in the main park however hunting is allowed only on the 40 acre parcel north of the bridge that can be accessed via the Anliker Trail.
Mitzner Property - 40 acres of timber. Only bow hunting is allowed.
River Valley Wetland - 100 acres of forest, wetland, and prairie. **Hunting is permitted from the last Saturday of October through January 10th**. No hunting is allowed from the bird viewing blind.
Rock Creek Timber - 152 acres of forest, wetland and prairie
Townsend Wildlife Area - 178 acres of forest and prairie
Is swimming allowed in the parks?
Swimming is not allowed in any park water, including the quarry pits at Cedar Valley, the pond at Bennett, and the W. Rochester Sandpit.
Can I drive my golf cart/ATV/UTV in the parks?
Golf cart, UTV, ATV, and snowmobiles use is prohibited in the parks. This does not apply to registered off highway vehicles that are legally permitted to operate on county roads and parking areas by ordinance or in areas permitted by the Conservation Board.
Reserving a Facility
Can I reserve a shelter?
Yes, we have many shelters available for your graduation, family reunion, etc. They are reservable by calling the board office at 563-886-6930 or emailing cedarccb@cedarcounty.org.
Cost is $15/day per shelter.
- Bennett Park - 3 shelters - 2 enclosed and one open
- Cedar Valley Park - 3 shelters - 2 enclosed and one open
- Massillon Park - Two shelters - one open and one enclosed
- Red Oak - one enclosed shelter
- Rochester Park - one enclosed shelter
Camping
Where can I find an RV dump station?
Bennett Campground has an RV dump station available for registered campers. It is located on the west side of the shower house.
The City of Tipton has a free dump station located at 124 W South Street at the southwest corner of the city shop.
Where can I go camping?
- Bennett Campground - 50A/30A/20A electric sites with water available nearby, shower house with flush toilets (open seasonally), pit toilet open year around
- Cedar Valley Campground - 30A electric sites with water nearby, primitive tent sites are available near Shelter 3, pit toilets
- Massillon - primitive camping in the lower portion of the park. Pit toilets near Shelter 1.
- Cedar Valley Access - primitive camping, no defined campsites, self-contained rigs are recommended as no facilities are provided
Do the conservation board sell firewood?
Cedar County Conservation does not sell firewood at this time. It is recommended to obtain your firewood locally to limit the spread of Emerald Ash Borer disease. For more information on EAB and firewood, click on this link: Emerald Ash Borer
What are check-in and check-out times at the campgrounds?
- Check in time is 3:00pm - 10:30pm
- You may check in to unoccupied sites prior to 3:00pm
- Check-out time is 3:00pm
Need More Answers?
Polk County Conservation - Family of parks and trails. Learn more at the link below!
Contact Cedar