Welcome to Iowa's
Van Buren County Conservation
Van Buren County Conservation is taking bids for mowing at our Lake Sugema Campground and Bentonsport River side park and campgrounds. Bids will be per mowing basis; bidders must have proof of insurance at time of the bid. Lake Sugema is approximately 7.8 acres and Bentonsport is approximately 5.7 acres. Bids are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. For more information and to set up a showing of the area please contact the Conservation office at 319-293-3589.
DNR to host an open house for Lake Sugema Wildlife Area
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding an open house on March 5, from 5 - 7 p.m., at the Lake Lacey State Park Lodge, 22026 Iris Trail, in Keosauqua, to discuss the habitat management, recreation use, forest plans, wildlife populations and other topics of interest for the Lake Sugema Wildlife Area.
If you have special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, please contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or [email protected], and advise of specific needs.
For more information about the meeting contact DNR Wildlife Biologist Keith Wilcox at 641-799-0793.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding an open house on March 5, from 5 - 7 p.m., at the Lake Lacey State Park Lodge, 22026 Iris Trail, in Keosauqua, to discuss the habitat management, recreation use, forest plans, wildlife populations and other topics of interest for the Lake Sugema Wildlife Area.
If you have special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, please contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or [email protected], and advise of specific needs.
For more information about the meeting contact DNR Wildlife Biologist Keith Wilcox at 641-799-0793.
|
The shower houses at the Lake Sugema Campground, Morris Park, and Bentonsport Park are closed for the winter.
Our next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10th at 5:30pm.
Conservation Board Office To Reserve camping sites at Sugema, Bentonsport or Morris Campgrounds, go to:
Sugema Campgrounds: This campground is near Lake Sugema, a popular fishing lake. Reservations are recommended for full 2-12 or modern sites 13-22. or by chance drive ins. Sites 23-29 are drive in with electric only Bentonsport & Morris Campgrounds- Reservation or Drive ups available Douds & Austin Park Douds- 2 campsites with electricity, shelter and boat ramp. Austin Park- 13 camp sites with electricity, shelter, boat ramp
Van Buren County Conservation provides recreational opportunities through:
Campground Gift Certificates are available at the Van Buren County Conservation Office!
Austin Park RevitalizationConstruction began in 2023 with a new parking lot and boat ramp. Then electricity was added to the campground in 2024.
|
The Historic Bentonsport Bridge is closed for safety reasons.
New Interpretive Panel for Odd Fellows Hall
The Historic Hills Scenic Byway unveiled the new interpretive panal for Odd Fellows Hall in Bentonsport. From left to right: Paula Mohr, Rhea Huddleston, Emily Starnes, and Richard Daugherty.
Vision Plan for Iowa Great Places
The work of rehabilitating the Bentonsport Odd Fellows Hall has involved many talented craftspeople, including carpenters and masons. From left to right: Kevin, Paul, Angel and John have been working on the wood storefront this week. Thanks guys for helping us preserve Bentonsport!
Hiking/Kayaking
Explore the different trails with friends or join in with the Van Buren County Conservation Naturalist which also offers bird and nature hikes as well as kayak trips.
Lake Sugema Fishing
Lake Sugema [Pronounced sōō•jē’•mə]
Conservation partners with DNR Location: 3 miles southwest of Keosauqua Acres: 579.00 Maximum Depth: 33.6 ft. (2010 - 33.6') Motoring Restrictions: No Size Limit No Wake Lake Amenities at Lake Sugema include:
| ||||
