Van Buren County Conservation
319-293-3589
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Welcome to Iowa's
Van Buren County Conservation


 Due to scheduling conflicts our next board meeting will be held Wednesday, May 14th at 5:30pm at the Lake Sugema Shelter.

To Reserve camping sites for 2025 at Sugema, Bentonsport or Morris Campgrounds, go to:
mycountyparks.com
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.​



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.

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

Austin Park Revitalization 

Construction began in 2023 with a new parking lot and boat ramp. Then electricity was added to the campground in 2024.

​Vision Plan for Iowa Great Places  

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​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.
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Hiking
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Kayak
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Lake Sugema Fishing 

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End of April catch 2023
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16 in Crappie from Lake Sugema 5-11-23
​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


Board Meetings
County Notices

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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
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Van Buren County Conservation Board
816 Franklin St.
Keosauqua, Iowa 52565
319-293-3589
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Van Buren County Conservation  does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in relation to any of the parks  events or activities offered to the public.
  •   All Rights Reserved                                                                    Updated: 2023