With several social distancing restrictions lifted recently in the State of Iowa, the Dallas County Conservation Board is beginning to phase in availability to more of their properties.

This will be most exciting for camping enthusiasts in the area, as starting today more camping functions will be allowed throughout the County. For the last two weeks only self-contained recreational vehicle campsites were available, which are all located at Sportsman Park near Dawson. Now Sportsman will be open for all camping units, including tent camping and all types of RV’s. Tent camping is also now open at the Kuehn Conservation Area near Earlham. There are strict rules for the campgrounds though, with only campers with overnight reservations allowed, and only six occupants per site unless the immediate family contains more than six.

Conservation is also opening the cabins at Sportsman, the Glissman Lodge near Adel, and the Dayton Stagecoach Inn near Bouton. Additionally, public restrooms at Sportsman, Kuehn, and the Dawson and Redfield trail depots are also open. Starting this Monday, outdoor playgrounds will reopen in all conservation areas, and the County’s museum facilities will reopen starting Friday, June 5th. The latter includes Forest Park in Perry for regular hours, and the Voas Geology Museum near Minburn and Grand Army of the Republic Museum near Redfield by appointment. Also next Friday, the remainder of the lodges, shelters, and public restrooms will reopen around the County.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Forest Park at 515-465-3577.