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Clay County

Find and Book Facilities in Clay

Camping

Interested In Adopting A Camping Pad?

Are you interested in adopting a camping pad at Scharnberg Park campground? The pad provides a paved area that allows you can step in and out of your camper without bringing the outdoors into your camper. Your name will be placed on a plaque and the adoption fee of $250.00 is tax deductible!
Forms are available at the Clay County Conservation Board’s Office at 420 10th Avenue SE, Spencer, IA 51301 or on-line on the Scharnberg Park page under Related Items.

How long can I camp at Scharnberg campground?

You may camp at any site in Scharnberg Park for up to 14 consecutive nights, you will then need to move to another camp site. If the site you are camping in is reserved, you may need to move to another camp site to open the site up for the reservation.

Can I bring my pet camping?

Your pet is allowed to camp at Scharnberg Park.  It must be leashed or kenneled at all times and you must clean up after it.  If there are any complaints, you will be asked to remove the pet from the park.

Where is the Scharnberg Park campground located?

Scharnberg Park campground is located at 3430 145th Avenue, Everly, IA 51338 

From Spencer: Go west on 4th Street, which turns into County Road B24, for 8 miles. Turn North on 145th Ave for 3/4 of a mile and you are there. Stay on the blacktop into the Park.

From Everly: Go South of Everly on County Road M27 for 1 mile and turn East on County Road B24 for 1 3/4 miles. Turn North on 145th Ave for 3/4 mile and you are there. Stay on blacktop into the Park.

Remember: Look for brown and white County Arrowhead Signs to assist you with directions.

What are camping coupons?

Discount camping coupons for sale by contacting Clay County Conservation Board, the Campground Hosts or the Park Ranger. A book of 7 numbered coupons sells for $150.00 for a sewer site and $120.00 for a non-sewer site.  They can only be used for the first-come, first-served sites (Cannot be used for on-line reservations).

​We Do Not accept any other camping coupons.

Can I reserve camping sites?

Designated campsites may be reserved at Scharnberg Park.  Reservations can be made up to one year in advance and for a maximum of 14 nights at a time.

First come, first serve camping is available for any site not reserved.

Sites that can be reserved are: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60 and 61.  All other sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. 

5 tent sites are first-come, first-serve only.

Do you have full hook-ups?

Scharnberg Park has 21 full-service sites (electric, water and sewer).  These sites are: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 59, 60 and 61.  The other 40 sites are electric and water only.  All sites have access to cable TV and wireless internet.

Can I put my tent on any campsite?

You may pitch one tent along with your camping unit.  We also have 5 tent only camping sites available on a first-come, first served basis for $10.00 per night.

General Questions

How do I set up a user account with My County Parks?

You will need an account to make reservations. Keep your username and password somewhere safe.  For security, the system will not let you use the same name, address or email to create another account if you have one already with that name, address or email.

Go to mycountyparks.com

1) Click on the "Login" link at the top right corner.

2) "Create an Account" on the right side of screen

3) Enter a username:  whatever you want, just do not use spaces.

4) Enter a password: Must be 4-8 characters and contain at least one upper case alpha letter, one lower case alpha letter, one number and no special characters.

5) Enter all personal info. Make sure all red asterisk boxes are complete.

6) Select the county (Clay).

7) Select the activities that interest you

8) Check or uncheck the box to receive e-updates.

9) Click Create Account.

You will receive an email to complete your registration.  Click on the link provided in the e-mail or copy the link and paste it into your browser to complete the registration.

How do we contact a ranger?

If there is an emergency dial 9-1-1; the emergency services dispatch will notify ranger on duty.  Otherwise you may contact our main office during business hours at 712-262-2187.

When do you have your board meetings?

Board meetings are held the second Monday of the month. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. and is held at the administration office or at the Lodge at Oneota Park. 

Is there an entrance fee for any of the Clay County Conservation areas?

We do NOT charge any entry or user fee for any of the Clay County Conservation Parks.  Please come out and enjoy nature!

Where is swimming allowed?

Swimming is allowed at Scharnberg Park in the roped area of the beach only.  Swimming is at your own risk, we do not provide lifeguards.

What do I do if I find an “orphaned” animal or bird?

First of all, be sure that the animal or bird is definitely orphaned before helping!  Many baby animals that are found alone are not orphaned, their parents may be close by watching over them or are out looking for food to bring back.  When young wildlife are inadvertently removed from their parents, their likelihood of survival decreases.

Do not feed!  Feeding them with the wrong food can do way more harm than good.

As advocates for wildlife, we always recommend that wildlife be left undisturbed unless it is injured or is truly an orphaned baby animal.  If the animal or bird is abandoned or injured, give us a call and we will do what we can to help.

Parking

Where do I park at Scharnberg Park campground?

  • Parking is in designated parking lots or on your camping pad.  An extra vehicle may be allowed on your camping site if all wheels are on the gravel site pad.  All other vehicles will be parked in the designated overflow parking areas.
  • No parking is allowed on the roadways or on the grass area of your site.
  • Boat trailers may be parked in the guest and overflow designated parking area 

Reserving a Facility

What is check in and out time for the cabins at Scharnberg Park?

  • You may check in to your cabin after 3:00 p.m. and before 10:30 p.m. when the park is closed.
  • Check out time is 11:00 a.m.

What is check in and out time for the Lodge at Oneota Park?

·         You may check into the lodge at 11:00 a.m.

·         Check out time is 12:00 a.m. (midnight)

What is check in and out time for the shelter at Scharnberg Park?

·         You may check in to the shelter at 11:00 a.m.

·         Check out time is 10:30 p.m.

What is check in and out time for campsites at Scharnberg Park?

·         You may check in to your camp site after 3:00 p.m. and before 10:00 p.m.

·         Check out time is 1:00 p.m.

How do I get my cabin, shelter or lodge unlocked?

When making your online reservation you will be asked to provide a 4 digit lock box code for your reservation. This 4 digit code will be added to the keyless door knob on the facility.

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Need More Answers?

Polk County Conservation - Family of parks and trails. Learn more at the link below!

Contact Clay