Campgrounds

Dogs on BH SignBig Hollow Recreation Area Campgrounds
Big Hollow is Des Moines County's premiere outdoor recreation destination. It is home to a 178-acre lake with excellent fishing, a swimming beach, and boat ramp. The park also features an extensive trail system, an observatory, and a shooting range (membership required).

Half of the RV sites are reservable online at MyCountyParks.com.
Welter SignWelter Recreation Area Campgrounds
Located along the quiet banks of the Skunk River, Welter Recreation Area is Des Moines County Conservation's southernmost Recreation Area. It has been developed primarily as a camping destination and is popular among picnickers, RVers, tent campers, and boaters.
4th Pump Sign4th Pumping Station Campground
The 4th Pumping Plant Recreation Area north of Burlington is a popular destination for picnickers, RVers, tent campers, and boaters. The park is located along the Mississippi River and offers a total of 46 campsites. Of these campsites, 22 have electricity.

Rates

  • Basic Electric Site: $20/night
  • Full Hookup Site (Sewer/Water/Electric): $25/night
  • Primitive/Tent Site: $10/night

Rules

The same basic rules apply to all DMCC campgrounds with a few exceptions. Be sure to check the rules posted at each campground.

  1. All campers at non-reserved sites must self register
  2. Maximum length of stay is fourteen (14) days
  3. All pets must be on a leash
  4. Fires permitted only in containers provided
  5. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
  6. No littering
  7. No golf carts. ATV’s / UTV’s must follow Des Moines County ordinance #56
  8. Keep all vehicles on roads or designated parking areas
  9. Quiet hours: 10:30 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Complete rules can be found HERE.

Contact Us

  1. Conservation Office

    Email

    Physical Address
    13700 Washington Rd.
    West Burlington, IA 52655

    Mailing Address
    13700 Washington Rd.
    West Burlington, IA 52655

    Phone: (319) 753-8260
    Emergency: 911
    Public Safety (dispatch): (319) 671-7001

    Hours

    Administration Office*

    Weekdays: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm*
    *Please call ahead for appointment. 
    Office staff regularly helps in the field.


    Starr's Cave Nature Center*

    April 1 - September 30
    Weekdays: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
    Saturdays: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    October 1 - March 31
    Weekdays: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
    Closed on weekends

    *Please call ahead for appointment. 
    Nature Center staff is often out of the office presenting programs or helping with field work.

    Park Hours

    6:00 AM - 10:30 PM



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