Spring Lake Park

For those of us fortunate enough to call Iowa home, the beauty of our state's county parks and recreational areas is a cherished secret. They offer accessible escapes into nature, providing diverse activities for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone simply seeking a breath of fresh air. Among these local treasures, Spring Lake Park in Jefferson, Iowa, stands out as a truly exceptional destination. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a vibrant, well-maintained county park designed to offer a complete recreational experience, making it a perfect choice for Iowa locals.

Spring Lake Park, managed by Greene County Conservation, encompasses 240 acres, featuring a beautiful 50-acre lake at its heart. It’s a place where modern conveniences blend seamlessly with natural beauty, offering something for every member of the family. From the iconic 100-year-old roller skating rink to the tranquil fishing spots along the lake, and from well-equipped campsites to comfortable cabin rentals, this park truly has it all. It’s a testament to the dedication of local conservation efforts to provide high-quality outdoor experiences for Iowans.

This article is crafted specifically for you, the Iowa resident, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Spring Lake Park. We will delve into its convenient location and ease of accessibility, detail the extensive services and appealing features it boasts, and provide all the necessary contact information to help you plan your next memorable visit. Our aim is to give you a factual and enticing glimpse into what makes this Jefferson gem a truly suitable destination for your next Iowa adventure.

Spring Lake Park is conveniently located at 1847 195th St, Jefferson, IA 50129, USA. This places it approximately 5 miles east of Jefferson, Iowa, a charming community in Greene County. For residents across Iowa, the park's accessibility is a significant advantage, as it's easily reachable via well-maintained state and county roads.

Specific directions are quite straightforward: if you're coming from Jefferson, you'd travel 5 miles east on Highway 30, then 2 miles north on P33, and finally 1/2 mile west on 195th Street. Alternatively, if approaching from the west, you can go 2 miles west of Grand Junction on Highway 30, then 2 miles north on P33, and 1/2 mile west on 195th Street. This clear signage and well-established road network ensure a hassle-free journey for campers and day-use visitors alike, including those towing RVs or trailers.

Being a Greene County Park means it benefits from local management, contributing to its reputation as a "very well maintained county park." The proximity to Jefferson also means that campers have convenient access to town amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, and other services, ensuring that any forgotten items or sudden needs can be easily addressed. The natural setting, combined with this excellent accessibility, makes Spring Lake Park an ideal spot for an Iowa getaway without venturing too far from populated areas.

Spring Lake Park offers an impressive array of services and facilities, making it a comprehensive destination for campers and day visitors alike. Its amenities go beyond basic camping, providing comfort and convenience for various recreational preferences:

• Extensive Campsites: The park boasts a total of 126 campsites, catering to both RV and tent campers.
  • Electric Hookups: All 126 RV sites are equipped with electrical hookups, offering both 30 Amp and 50 Amp service, accommodating a wide range of recreational vehicles.
  • Site Surfaces: Sites vary in surface, with approximately 80 being grass and 46 being gravel, providing options for different preferences.
  • Tent Camping: Dedicated tent sites are available, often right on the lake, as noted in reviews, providing beautiful views and easy access to the water.
  • No Reservations: Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning visitors typically cannot book a spot in advance. Daily rates range from $8.00 to $15.00 per site (2017 rates, subject to change).
• Modern Restrooms and Shower Houses: The park features "modern restrooms and shower house(s)," with two convenient shower houses in total. This provides hot showers and clean facilities, significantly enhancing the comfort for all campers.
• Dump Station: An essential service for RVers, a sanitary dump station is available for convenient wastewater disposal.
• Concession Stand: A concessionaire is on-site, offering a selection of food and beverages, which is a great convenience, especially during peak activity times.
• Boat Rental: The concession stand also provides boat rentals, including paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes, making it easy for visitors to get out on the 50-acre lake without bringing their own equipment.
• Cabin Rentals: For those who prefer not to "rough it," Spring Lake Park offers two cabins for rent. These 16'x12' cabins sleep five people and are equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, table and chairs, and air conditioning. Cabin #1 is handicapped accessible with a wheelchair ramp. These are available from May 1st through October 31st, with a two-night minimum on weekends and three-day minimum for holiday weekends (fee: $55.00 per night).
• Firewood: Firewood is often available for purchase on-site, a convenience for campers.

These comprehensive services demonstrate Spring Lake Park's commitment to providing a comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable camping and recreational experience for all its visitors.

Spring Lake Park is rich in features and highlights, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions that appeal to all ages and interests, making it a standout destination for Iowa locals:

• 50-Acre Spring Lake: The centerpiece of the park, the 50-acre lake, is a hub for activity. Its "nearly level with the water" shoreline provides "easy access for campers, fishermen, and anyone looking to enjoy the serene waterside atmosphere."
• Designated Swimming Beach: The park features a "designated swimming and beach area," perfect for cooling off on hot Iowa days and enjoying safe water play.
• Excellent Fishing: Reviewers highlight "lots of great camping locations right on the lake" for fishing. The lake is managed for a high density channel catfish population, with regular stocking of advanced fingerling catfish. After 2019 floods, it also contained various river fish, including silver carp, offering diverse angling opportunities.
• Iconic 100-Year-Old Roller Skating Rink: A truly unique and nostalgic feature, the "100 year old roller skating rink" provides a fun recreational option that sets this park apart, appealing to both kids and adults looking for a classic pastime.
• Extensive Trails for Biking, Jogging, and Walking: With "over two miles of asphalt roads ideal for biking, jogging, and walking," and "several hiking trails wind through the wooded sections," the park offers ample space for active recreation and nature exploration.
• 18-Hole Disc Golf Course: A popular modern amenity, an 18-hole disc golf course is located throughout the park, providing a fun and challenging activity for enthusiasts.
• Playground and Basketball Courts: For families, there's a "large playground area" and basketball courts, ensuring plenty of entertainment for children and active adults.
• Beautiful Cottonwood Trees & Wooded Areas: The park boasts "beautiful Cottonwood trees throughout" and 120 wooded acres, which serve as habitat for diverse wildlife including deer, turkeys, and various bird species, offering opportunities for nature observation.
• Picnic Areas and Grills: Numerous picnic areas with tables and grills are available, perfect for day outings, family gatherings, and enjoying meals outdoors.
• Peaceful Getaway: Despite the numerous activities, reviews emphasize it as a "great place for peaceful getaway" and a "well kept place to spend time with family," indicating a balanced atmosphere.

These diverse features ensure that Spring Lake Park provides a multifaceted recreational experience, catering to relaxation, active pursuits, and family fun.

As a county park managed by Greene County Conservation, Spring Lake Park typically operates under a standard fee structure for its camping and rental services rather than offering conventional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The rates are set to maintain the park's facilities and services. For example, daily camping rates were cited as $8.00 - $15.00 (as of 2017, subject to change), and cabin rentals are $55.00 per night. Any specific benefits or discounts would generally align with county or state-level park pass programs, if applicable, or might relate to extended stays, though this is not explicitly stated.

However, the value of Spring Lake Park comes from its comprehensive amenities and diverse activities at a generally affordable public park rate. While you might not find "buy-one-get-one-free" deals, the inclusion of a concession stand, boat rentals, and the iconic roller skating rink means that visitors have a wide range of entertainment options conveniently available within the park, often at reasonable prices set by the concessionaire.

For the most current information on fees for camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, or any potential seasonal events that might offer unique experiences (rather than price discounts), Iowa locals are encouraged to contact Greene County Conservation or Spring Lake Park directly using the provided contact information. Checking their official website, if available through Greene County Parks, would also be a good step.

For Spring Lake Park, located at 1847 195th St, Jefferson, IA 50129, USA, direct contact is available through the Greene County Conservation office, which manages the park. This ensures that Iowa locals can get accurate and up-to-date information regarding park conditions, availability, and specific services.

• Address: 1847 195th St, Jefferson, IA 50129, USA (Physical location of the park)
• Phone: (515) 738-5069 (This is the primary contact number for Greene County Conservation, which oversees Spring Lake Park.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-738-5069 (This is the same number, provided for mobile dialing convenience.)

The Greene County Conservation office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For comprehensive details, including current camping rates, cabin rental availability, or information about specific park rules and activities, it is always recommended for Iowa residents to contact the Greene County Conservation office or visit their official website (often found via MyCountyParks.com or the Greene County Iowa government site).

Spring Lake Park in Jefferson, Iowa, is an exceptionally suitable destination for Iowa locals, offering a balanced and rich outdoor experience that caters to a wide array of interests and preferences. For residents across our state, this well-maintained county park represents the best of accessible local recreation, combining natural beauty with a wealth of amenities.

The park's strength lies in its versatility. Whether you're a family with young children looking for a safe swimming beach and a playground, an avid angler hoping to catch channel catfish in the 50-acre lake, a couple seeking a peaceful getaway in a rented cabin, or a group wanting to enjoy the unique charm of a 100-year-old roller skating rink, Spring Lake Park has something for everyone. This diverse offering means it can be a repeated destination throughout the seasons, always providing new activities to enjoy.

Furthermore, the availability of 120 electrical campsites with modern restrooms and showers makes it a comfortable choice for both RV enthusiasts and tent campers who appreciate a bit of convenience. The extensive network of asphalt roads and hiking trails caters to those who love to bike, jog, or simply explore the park's wooded areas and observe local wildlife.

In essence, Spring Lake Park is more than just a campground; it’s a community hub for outdoor enjoyment, fostering a sense of local pride and belonging. It embodies the friendly, welcoming spirit that Iowans appreciate, making it an ideal choice for a weekend escape, a family vacation, or just a day of fun right here in the heart of Iowa.