Southwood Conservation Area

Can a campground transform the way you experience Iowa’s unique Loess Hills? Southwood Conservation Area, located just one mile southwest of Smithland, offers a harmonious blend of open grasslands, timbered surroundings, and serene fishing ponds, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers alike.

With camping options ranging from primitive sites to those equipped with 50-amp electrical service, the campground caters to diverse preferences. Key amenities include water hydrants, a dump station, modern shower facilities, and accessible accommodations, including a single handicap-accessible campsite. Two well-appointed one-bedroom cabins, offering heat, air conditioning, and private baths, provide added comfort for campers who prefer a more refined stay. For recreation, the area boasts scenic hiking and equestrian trails, a boat launch, a walking archery range, and abundant opportunities for fishing in the stocked ponds featuring bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.

Conveniently located, the campground is within a 30-minute radius of other attractions in the Loess Hills region, offering not just immersion in a stunning natural habitat but also a gateway to explore the rugged beauty and cultural heritage of northwest Iowa. Whether for a quiet weekend escape or a longer, activity-filled getaway, Southwood Conservation Area delivers a camping experience that is both relaxing and invigorating.