 |  | Camping |
|
| |
Camp sites now may be reserved at Fontana Park
For the first time in its history, the beautiful Fontana Park Campground will include some camp sites that may be reserved in advanced. Most of the sites remain on a first-come basis, so campers still will have a good chance to show up and find a spot.
The Conservation Department has long received requests from people wishingto be guaranteed a site in the campground. Those traveling long distances, or planning a special event such as a reunion or wedding, need the security of knowing a site (or sites) will be there for them. With this in mind, the Conservation Board allowed for the establishment of six reserveable sites.
The six sites are located directly south of the shower house. Five of the sites have electrical hookups, and one site does not. Only one RV per site is allowed. The camping rates are the same as for all units at Fontana Park - $15 per night with electricity, and $10 without electricity – however, there is an additional $5.00 reservation fee.
The sites will be posted in advanced with the dates they are reserved. If no notice is on the posts, they remain open for anyone to use on a first-come basis.
Fontana Park is the county’s most popular campground, and features a live animal display, nature center, picnic areas, a variety of trails, fishing, and Fontana Lake. The park is located off Highway 150, north of Independence, Iowa. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 319-636-2617.
Please be sure to contact Fontana Office at 319-636-2617 to check for availability prior to sending any forms.
2011 Campsite Reservation Form
2011 Campsite Reserve Aerial
After calling and reserving a site, you can mail the above form and payment to
Camping Reservation
1883 125th Street
Hazleton, IA 50641
Sustainable Living Cabins
Visitors to Buchanan County’s signature park , Fontana, will be able to enjoy overnight comfort while being conscious of conservation and the environment. People can now call 319-636-2617 to reserve a cabin for rental beginning September 1, 2011! Fontana park is located nine miles north of Independence or one mile south of Hazleton, off Highway 150, and is managed by the Buchanan County Conservation Board. “We are quite excited about this project,” said Conservation Board President Roger Johnson. “The cabins are one-of-a-kind in combining comfort with a strong conservation message.”
The cabins' comforts and amenities are complimented by natural beauty, park attractions, and promotion of a sustainable lifestyle. Each cabin is planned to comfortably sleep five, with two bedrooms, kitchenette, and a private bathroom with shower. There will be vaulted ceilings, wood-sided interiors, and exterior wood siding from trees harvested in Buchanan County. Each cabin will have a porch, table, grill, and fire ring. A private drive for cabin users provides access to the cabins. The cabins are situated near the woodland trails and prairie on the northwest part of the park.
Conservation and Energy Efficiency
The cabins are off-grid – receiving all electrical needs through roof-mounted solar panels with battery storage. Cabin construction makes use of energy efficient: structural insulated panels (SIPs), triple pane windows, water conserving faucets and toilets, and more. Details of the sustainability features will be prevalent, with educational displays and printed materials. Cabin users will be able to view meters that indicate the flow of electricity from the solar panels and the supply of stored energy in the batteries.
Contractors include:
B&K Construction, Winthrop
Klever Concrete, Independence
L&M Electric, Sumner
Go Solar!, Decorah
Rick Ratchford Excavating, Brandon
Special thanks go out to Energy Panel Systems of Graettinger, Iowa which manufactures the SIP panels and provided financial support, and Parco Windows of Wisconsin for providing a discount on windows.
Cabins are open year-round, and rent for $65/night on weekends and spring/summer holidays, and $55/night on weekdays. Call 319-636-2617 to make a reservation.
Please be sure to contact Fontana Office at 319-636-2617 to check for availability prior to sending any forms.
2011 Cabin Reservation Form
2011 Cabin Site Aerial
2011 Rules and Procedures
Fontana Aerial Cabin and Shelter Locations
After calling and reserving a cabin, you can mail the above form and payment to
Cabin Reservation
1883 125th Street
Hazleton, IA 50641
  
 
Enhanced Water
Fontana Park has rural water service from Central Iowa Water Association (CIWA). Voted the best tasting water in the nation!, CIWA water will be a great improvement to the water supply, which in the past has had its ups and downs.
Buchanan County's three developed campgrounds provide excellent camping in different parts of the county, at very reasonable fees. All three allow for both primitive and modern (electricity) camping. Fontana has some reservable sites, but all other campsites are available on a first-come basis. Fontana also will have two reservable cabins beginning in the summer of 2011. Only registered campers may stay in the campground after 10:30 p.m. For more information regarding any Buchanan County Campground, call 319-636-2617 or e-mail bccbdan@iowatelecom.net.
During most weekends, campground hosts are stationed in the campground. These friendly volunteers assist campers by answering questions, selling firewood, reporting misconduct, and helping to keep the grounds clean and safe. The campground at Fontana Park fills quickly, especially once school is out in late May. To get your favorite site, arrive early on Friday, or earlier in the week.
 Fontana Park located a mile south of Hazleton, off Highway 150, is the county’s most popular camping destination. The campground has its own shower house with flush toilets, and a dump station. There is a lot to do while camping at Fontana Park. Fishing is popular both above the dam and in the creek that winds along the campground below the dam. The nature center is open on weekend afternoons, and campers can walk to the live animal display, which is open throughout the day. Also in walking distance from the campground are nature trails, shelter houses, and a playground. During most weekends, campground hosts are stationed in the campground. The campground at Fontana Park fills quickly, especially once school is out in late May. Some sites are reservable. Sustainable Living Cabins (summer, 2011) offer overnight comfort with solar electricity and energy efficiency. Cabins have a private drive. Each cabin has two private bedrooms, living/dining room, bathroom with shower, and outside porch.
Call 319-636-2617 to reserve a cabin or campsite.
Camping Fees at Fontana Park: $15/night w/ electricity; $10/night w/o electricity; $5 reservation fee
Cabins: $65/night weekends and holidays (two night minimum); $55/night weekdays; $300/week
 Jakway Park, south of Aurora, has a modern shower house and dump station. The concrete facility also serves as a storm shelter. Jakway is a picturesque, shaded campground featuring stately oak trees. The campground is nestled in the vast Jakway Forest, and campers can walk the self-guided and forest trails. Buffalo Creek winds through the forest. Campers can try fishing in the creek, or in the old quarry pond. Also at Jakway, campers can walk to the playground, use the shelter house, and view the historic Richardson-Jakway House and grounds. A wildlife observation blind is located in the woodland. Buffalo Creek Golf Course is a 10 minute drive from the campground.
Camping Fees at Jakway Park:
$15/night with electricity $10/night without electricity
 Lime Creek Park, north of Brandon, has a nice, peaceful campground. Not far from the Cedar Valley Trail, campers at Lime Creek may want to bring their bicycles. Also just a couple miles away is Koutny Pond - the county’s largest public fishing lake. As its name implies, Lime Creek meanders through the park. A playground and shelter house are available right in the campground.
Camping Fees at Lime Creek:
$12/night with electricity $6/night without electricity
Click here for a Campground Information PDF
|
|
|
|
