Welcome to
Van Buren County Conservation

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View of modern campsite at Lake Sugema
This summer has been busy, between cleaning up parks from ice damage, then flooding to the addition of the new Douds shelter, new online reservation system, Morris tile building and many other upkeep and repairs.  But the weather is starting to change and the beautiful fall colors will be here before we know it!

Our thanks to the many volunteers of the different parks that help with improvements.  
The Bentonsport Rose Garden volunteers have put not only money, but over 200 hours of volunteering,  to clean up from the ice damage and then again after the flood went through.  
Morris Park committee has also been very active in volunteering their time and raising money to help improve the park.

We appreciate all past and present volunteers. 
Anyone that wishes to volunteer with a particular park or in general, please contact the office at 319-293-3589
Van Buren County Conservation provides recreational opportunities through different campgrounds, parks, hiking trails, fishing and hunting areas, wilderness areas, historic venues and events. 
Explore the quaint small villages for a restive,  peaceful retreat and outdoor adventures.
To Reserve camping sites go to:
  • An account has to be set up in Mycountyparks before you can reserve a spot. 
  • Walk ins are accepted at non reserved sites.  Reservations will take priority. 
  • Must reserve 5 days in advance.
  • Make sure you read and understand the cancelation policy and the refund policy when you are reserving your site.
Can reserve 1 year in advance!

Campground Gift Certificates now available at the Van Buren County Conservation Office!

Campgrounds
PictureMorris Park new windmill and pond
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Inside log cabin museum
Stay overnight at the campgrounds and enjoy fishing and touring the museums.
Lake Sugema Fishing 
October 29th DNR will be treating lake Sugema, for more information please contact Mark Flammang, Fisheries Biologist, DNR 641-647-2406.
Note:  Sugema lake is NOT going to be drained.  The DNR are lowering the level a couple feet to implement a low dose rotenone treatment  to eradicate the Gizzard Shad which have been illegally put in the lake.  This effort should not have a major affect on other fish species except for Walleye, which DNR has removed most of them and put in the fish hatcheries for now.
  These shad effect all species in the waters, causing slower growth rates and reproduction issues which has an effect on future anglers and the local economy.  It is illegal in the state of Iowa to possess live Gizzard Shad, Anyone who knows of persons in possession of live gizzard shad, please inform the DNR. 
​Morris Park renovations on the tile building
Dorothy Dawson Bench Memorial at Lindsay Wilderness