Heery Woods State Park, Clarksville Iowa: An Honest Campground Review (Riverside Sites, Fishing + Trails)
Heery Woods State Park in Clarksville, Iowa is another northeast Iowa gem. It sits right on the Shell Rock River, with a boat ramp, a dam, a bike trail, and campsites close enough to the water that you fall asleep to the sound of it. This one feels like a real campground, not an RV parking lot, and that is exactly why we liked it. Here is everything you need to know before you book.
Watch the full park tour
Aaron Goes Outdoors walks the bike trail, the boat ramp, the fishing spots, the playground, and the shelter houses at Heery Woods.
Where is Heery Woods State Park?
Heery Woods is at 19195 Iowa 188, Clarksville, IA 50619, in Butler County. The park straddles the Shell Rock River and has been managed by the Butler County Conservation Board since 1974. It is an easy drive from the Cedar Falls and Waterloo area, which makes it a good option for a quick weekend without a long haul.
As you turn off the highway into the park, one of the first things you hit is the bike trail, and the campground itself sits down along the river.
Campsite options and rates
The campground has 19 electric sites. Eleven of them have 50-amp service and eight have 30-amp. The eleven sites right along the river have gravel pads, and the rest are grass and set back from the water.
The honest breakdown: the riverside sites are the ones you want. You are close to the water, you can hear it, and a few of them let you fish right from the site. If those are booked, the grassy sites farther in are quieter and more tucked away, so there is a decent option either way.
Rates are $20 a night for a first-come site, or $25 if you reserve online. The online booking through mycountyparks.com is quick and easy to use. The campground is generally open May 1 through October 15, weather depending. There are not a ton of sites here, which is part of the charm. Even when it is full, it does not feel crowded.
Fishing at Heery Woods
Fishing is a big draw here. There is a boat ramp, accessible fishing access with ADA parking, and good water both above and below the dam on the Shell Rock River.
While we were there we saw people pull in a northern, some smallmouth bass, and catfish, mostly folks who just had a pole out at their site. The river also holds walleye and largemouth. A 2025 Iowa DNR electrofishing survey of the Shell Rock River collected 112 walleye, with 63 percent at 15 inches or better and 13 percent in the 20 to 30 inch range, so there are some real fish in here even if we did not land the big ones on this trip.
▶ See the boat ramp and fishing water in the video
Trails and biking
Right next to the campground is the trailhead for the Rolling Prairie Bike Trail. This is one of the neatest parts of the area. It connects Heery Woods to nearby towns like Allison, where there is a nature center across the river, and out toward Shell Rock, so you can put together a few hour ride and loop back to where you started.
If you are not a biker, there is a hiking trail here too, with beautiful tree cover that makes it feel like a natural park. The trail also allows horses, so riders have a spot as well.
Playground and family amenities
There is a playground right by the dam and the bathrooms, at the heart of the park. It is new and clean and clearly well taken care of, so the kids can play while you sit and watch the water.
The restrooms have flush toilets and a shower house for both men and women. They are not high-end, but they were clean and the water was warm, so no complaints. It does the job.
The shelter houses
Heery Woods has two open shelters for events, grill-outs, and parties. One sits in a large open area deeper in the campground and even has a fireplace, so if the evening gets cool you can get some light and heat going. They are a nice option if you want to get a group together in a pretty setting by the river.
▶ See the first shelter house in the video
▶ See the second shelter house in the video
The one thing to plan for: trash and dumping
Here is the honest heads-up. There is no trash collection and no dump station inside the park. You will need to pack your garbage out and have a plan for your waste tanks off site. The park has signage pointing to where you can take care of some of that, but go in knowing it, bring trash bags, and plan your dump stop.
It is a small thing and not a reason to skip the park, but it is the kind of detail you want to know before you show up.
Heery Woods FAQs
How much does it cost to camp at Heery Woods?
Sites are $20 a night for a first-come spot, or $25 if you reserve online through mycountyparks.com. All 19 sites have electric hookups, with a mix of 50-amp and 30-amp service.
Does Heery Woods have full hookups?
No. The sites are electric only, with no water or sewer at the site. There is also no dump station in the park, so plan to dump your tanks off site. Flush toilets and a shower house are available near the camping area.
Can you fish at Heery Woods?
Yes. There is a boat ramp and accessible fishing access on the Shell Rock River, above and below the dam. The river holds walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish, northern pike, and largemouth bass.
Is Heery Woods good for kids?
Yes. There is a new playground by the dam, a bike trail, room to explore, and the river right there. It has a natural, uncrowded feel that is easy for families to enjoy.
When is Heery Woods open?
The campground is generally open May 1 through October 15, depending on the weather. To reserve or cancel, contact the Butler County Conservation Board at 319-346-6551.
Final thoughts: is Heery Woods worth it?
For $20 to $25 a night on the Shell Rock River, with riverside sites, good fishing, a bike trail, a clean playground, and a quiet, natural feel, yes. It is worth it.
The honest critiques are small. The bathrooms are fine but not fancy, and there is no on-site trash or dump station, so you need a plan for your garbage and waste. Neither is a reason to skip it.
If you want a relaxed, family-friendly campground in northeast Iowa where you can fall asleep to the river, Heery Woods belongs on your list. For another nearby option, our Fontana Park review covers a full-hookup Buchanan County campground about an hour away.
Do not have a camper yet? If you are looking for an Iowa camper rental to make the trip, you can rent our Coleman 17B right here in Cedar Falls.
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Campground details: Heery Woods State Park, 19195 Iowa 188, Clarksville, IA 50619 Managed by the Butler County Conservation Board: 319-346-6551 Reservations: mycountyparks.com Season: May 1 to October 15