Criss Cove County Park

Would you expect a quiet county park with rolling grasslands and easy water access to offer such a fulfilling outdoor escape? Criss Cove County Park, just eight miles south of Winterset, Iowa, combines the serene charm of Southern Iowa’s grasslands with modern camping conveniences. This 45-acre park centers around a stunning 9-acre spring-fed pond, offering year-round fishing opportunities for bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.

The campground, located on a ridge overlooking the pond, features 16 rock-surfaced sites equipped with 50/30/20 amp electric hookups and rural water, along with a designated group tent camping area. Additional amenities include pit-vault toilets, a groomed hiking trail meandering through Red Cedars and native prairie grasses, and multiple fishing jetties—one of which is wheelchair accessible. While compact, the park is family-friendly and provides a relaxing base for weekend getaways or fishing retreats.

Positioned at the intersection of U.S. Highway 169 and County Road G-61, Criss Cove is easily accessible and offers not only a peaceful retreat but close proximity to Winterset—known for its historic covered bridges and small-town charm.