🌤 Weather at Heery Woods State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–70 °F | 59–83 °F | 25–74 °F | 8–30 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Allison, 3 mi away, elevation 1,038 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Shell Rock River Park With Camping and Nature Center — North and South Units Along the Shell Rock River, Campground With Electric Hookup Sites, Hiking Trails Through Timber and Floodplain Forest, Fishing Access on the Shell Rock River, Boat Ramp, Nature Center With Educational Programs, 1930s-Era Civilian Conservation Corps Structures, Near Clarksville Butler County Iowa
Heery Woods State Park is a park along the Shell Rock River just south of Clarksville, Butler County, Iowa, now managed by the Butler County Conservation Board (originally established as a state park in the 1930s). The park features north and south units flanking the Shell Rock River, a campground with electric hookup sites, hiking trails through mature timber and floodplain forest along the river corridor, fishing access on the Shell Rock River for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and walleye, a boat ramp for canoe and kayak launches, a nature center with seasonal educational and interpretive programs, historic 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stone structures, picnic areas and shelters, and a playground.
The Shell Rock River is an underrated Iowa smallmouth bass stream — the rocky riffles and deeper pools through the park provide excellent wade-fishing for scrappy smallmouth and occasional walleye.
The CCC stone structures from the 1930s give the park a charming historic character — these handcrafted shelters and walls are typical of Depression-era park construction that defined Iowa’s early state park system.
Things to Do
- Fishing — Shell Rock River: smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye
- Camping — electric hookup sites
- Hiking — timber and river trails
- Paddling — canoe/kayak launch
- Nature center — educational programs
- History — 1930s CCC stone structures
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | S of Clarksville, Butler County, IA |
| River | Shell Rock River |
| Units | North + South |
| Camping | Electric hookup sites |
| Fishing | Smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye |
| Status | ℹ️ Former state park — now County Conservation |
| Managed By | Butler County Conservation Board |
| Coordinates | 42.7556° N, 92.6631° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Heery Woods SP — preserves mature oak-hickory forest. The park’s old-growth timber, streams, and understory support pileated woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor.
Nearby Attractions
Burlington area — nearby.
Is Heery Woods still a state park?
Heery Woods was established as an Iowa state park in the 1930s but is now managed by the Butler County Conservation Board rather than Iowa DNR. The park along the Shell Rock River south of Clarksville features camping with electric hookups, fishing for smallmouth bass, catfish, and walleye, hiking trails, a canoe/kayak launch, a nature center, and historic CCC stone structures from the 1930s. The park has north and south units flanking the river.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Cedar Rock State Park is a short drive away, and George Wyth State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Heery Woods State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 25 sites — 19 electrical sites (11 with 50-amp service, 8 with 30-amp service) and 6 tent/non-electric sites at the Heery Woods Campground on the park's North Side. Flush toilets and a shower house serve the camping area. Water is available on site to fill reserve tanks; there are no permanent water or sewer hookups at individual sites. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | First-come, first-served sites are $15/night or $90/week; a block of sites is reservable at $25/night. Campers must register within one hour of arrival. Managed by the Butler County Conservation Board, (319) 278-4237 or (319) 278-1130. |
| Special sites | Dump station available nearby in the town of Clarksville, not on site. No full hookups. Boat ramp and trailhead for the Rolling Prairie Bike Trail adjacent to the campground. |
| Season notes | Butler County Conservation Board camping areas are typically open May 1 through October 31, depending on weather. |
Camping questions about Heery Woods State Park
Can you camp at Heery Woods State Park?
Yes. Heery Woods State Park has 25 campsites. 19 electrical sites (11 with 50-amp service, 8 with 30-amp service) and 6 tent/non-electric sites at the Heery Woods Campground on the park's North Side. Flush toilets and a shower house serve the camping area. Water is available on site to fill reserve tanks; there are no permanent water or sewer hookups at individual sites.
How do you reserve a campsite at Heery Woods State Park?
First-come, first-served sites are $15/night or $90/week; a block of sites is reservable at $25/night. Campers must register within one hour of arrival. Managed by the Butler County Conservation Board, (319) 278-4237 or (319) 278-1130.
Source: mycountyparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Heery Woods State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Heery Woods State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Heery Woods State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
