Linn County Campgrounds Opening for Season Friday

Linn County’s campgrounds will open for the season on Friday.

Linn County Conservation says their modern campgrounds managed by the department will open at 8 am. Campgrounds to open include those at Buffalo Creek near Coggon, Morgan Creek near Palo, Pinicon Ridge near Central City, and Wanatee Park near Marion. Some campsites may remain closed due to ground conditions and possible flooding. 

This will be the final camping season for “First Come-First Served” campsites. Most campground sites are first come-first served with self-registration. These sites will continue to accept cash or checks during the 2026 season, but starting in 2027, all campgrounds within the Linn County Conservation system will be fully reservable online. No cash or checks will be accepted next year.

Current reservable campsites include Buffalo Creek Park A-Loop, Wanatee Park A-Loop, and Pinicon Ridge Park Firefly Campground. New for 2026, these current online reservable sites will no longer require a four-day advance booking and may be reserved the same day if the site is available.

A majority of Linn County Conservation campgrounds have water and electric hook-ups, with a firewood bundle available for purchase at each modern campground. Group camping opportunities are available at Morgan Creek and Pinicon Ridge Parks. The primitive (no water or electricity) Matsell Bridge Equestrian Campground near Central City will also open Friday. The nearby Matsell Bridge Primitive Campground and the primitive campsites at the Wakpicada Natural Area near Central City are open year-round. 

Campers are encouraged to check out the available amenities, rules and regulations, as well as any other requirements, by visiting the camping page at LinnCountyIowa.gov/Conservation. The modern campgrounds typically close for the season October 15th.

photo courtesy of Linn County Conservation