Ready or not, camping season has begun

Despite the recent gloomy weather Henry County campgrounds are set to open Friday April 15.

The campgrounds include Oakland Mills Nature Center, South Shore Campground, Top-of-Hill Campground, and Water Works Campground which boast a total of 64 campsites.

During the offseason a few sizable donations were made for improvements in the campgrounds.

Huffman’s Farm & Home in Burlington donated 15 of the 64 posts needed for the campsites and the rest were able to be purchased at cost.

Conservation Director Waters is hoping to replace all the old fiberglass posts with the new metal ones by May 1.

Signs and Designs of Mt. Pleasant donated the creation of new metal placards for each of the sites.

Plexiglas and supplies were donated by Mt. Pleasant Lumber to create registration slots for each site.

“When you register for one of our campsites you will get a registration number,” Waters said. “And we will put that in the new Plexiglas slots where they’re now protected from the wind and rain.”

While the old fire rings functioned well, regulars will especially appreciate some of the new fire rings.

“These have swinging grates on them,” Waters said. “They were donated by a state park that went through an extensive campground renovation and ended up getting new fire rings so they donated approximately 25 fire rings to us.”

According to Waters the fire ring donation was huge.

“They easily cost $300 a piece. If you consider our 64 campsites and four cabins, that’s a lot of money,” Waters said.

A goal for the Conservation Department is to replace the remaining fire rings within the next year.

For the dedicated campers undeterred by less than desirable conditions you can make your reservation for this weekend at www.mycountyparks.com

A list of events and the ability to register for them can also be found at the same website.

“We have a lot of educational and outreach opportunities coming up,” Waters said. “A lot is happening.”

For more information specifically about the Henry County Conservation Department visit www.henrycountyconservation.com

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com