With Memorial Day unofficially kicking off summer this weekend, many people may head outdoors for activities such as camping. However, the opportunities to do so in Dallas County are still limited.

While Governor Kim Reynolds is no longer prohibiting camping due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dallas County Conservation Outreach Coordinator Ken Keffer says the County-owned campgrounds are still restricted to self-contained units. As such, Keffer says only Sportsman Park near Dawson will be open this weekend, because it’s the only site that has accommodations for those types of recreational vehicles. All other camping opportunities remain closed, such as the cabins and lodge at Sportsman, the Dayton Stagecoach Inn near Bouton, the Glissman Lodge near Adel, and tent campsites at the Kuehn Conservation Area near Earlham.

However, Keffer reminds the public they can still enjoy the county conservation areas this weekend. The Voas Nature Area near Minburn, Hanging Rock near Redfield, Trindle Park near Van Meter, and the nature areas at Kuehn, Sportsman, and Glissman will be open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Also, the Raccoon River Valley Trail and High Trestle Trail remain open for day use. Keffer reminds the public that all restroom facilities are closed throughout the County, and advises people to social distance from others using the parks and trails.

For more information, including inquiries about self-contained camping availability at Sportsman Park, call Forest Park Museum at 515-465-3577.