Welcome to Iowa's
Van Buren County Conservation

Van Buren County Conservation provides recreational opportunities through:
  • campgrounds
  • parks
  • hiking trails
  • lakes
  • fishing
  • hunting
  • wilderness areas
  • historic villages
  • events
Explore the quaint small villages, parks and campgrounds for a restive,  peaceful retreat and outdoor adventure.
Campgrounds
Nature Programs

CAMPGROUNDS
​Winter

​Water in all County parks/campgrounds are turned off.

Morris Park campgrounds are closed till May 1st.
All other campgrounds are open through the winter with electric only if available for that park.
To Reserve camping sites for 2023 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 available, shelter and boat ramp.
Austin Park- primitive sites, shelter, boat ramp
  • 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 cancellation policy and the refund policy when you are reserving your site.​
Hiking
Lindsay Wilderness, outside of Bonaparte, has 2- 1 mile trails to hike (shown above).  Bentonsport has several trails and there are other various hiking trails in Van Buren County.

Hunting

For hunters or those wanting deer meat, go to https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Deer-Hunting#Iowa-s-Deer-Exchange-Program-314
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:
  • Fishing Jetty
  • Accessible Pier
  • Picnic Area
  • Trails
  • Accessible Facilities
  • Restrooms
  • Camping
  • Good/Excellent Shorefishing
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp
  • Accessible Shoreline
  • Fish Cleaning Station
Campground Gift Certificates now available at the Van Buren County Conservation Office!
Donations

​Thank you for your generosity in thinking of us.  If you wish to make a donation, please 
Mail to:
Van Buren County Conservation
816 Franklin St
Keosauqua, Iowa 52565
Payable to: Van Buren County Conservation