Sioux County Conservation Board manages 24 parks and wildlife areas throughout the county for all to enjoy. All parks are open to the public between the hours of 7 am- 10:30 pm. Parks offer a variety of activities including: camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, nature studies, geocaching, and much more.
Sioux County Parks
Alton Roadside Park
The Alton Roadside park was Sioux County Conservation Boards first approved park in 1961. The 11 acres of this area offer up a small pond for fishing, picnic shelters, picnic tables, modern comfort station (open seasonally), playground equipment, and space to stretch out and relax on your afternoon drive. Overnight camping is available; park is open to the public from 7 am- 10:30 pm daily.
Big Sioux Recreation Area
This 270 acre area containing 90 acres of surface water was added to the Sioux County Conservation Management plan in 2009. There are many habitats that can be found here from the prairie, forest, and wetland. Located on the south west edge of Hawarden it is an easy jaunt to visit. During bird migration season this area can supply hours of birdwatching from the many eagles viewed to many other waterfowl looking for a place to rest.
Bruce Schomaker Recreation Area
This area was acquired from the city of Boyden in 1999, adding 130 acres to our management plan. This area also has an 8 acre pond. The front section of the park is dedicated to camping and picnicking. Middle of the area has an 8 acre pond, with a boat ramp for small boats. The back section has been developed in to a native prairie with tall and thick stands of little blue steam and other various prairie plants, providing excellent habitat of upland game.
Oak Grove Park/Big Sioux Park
Oak Grove Park/Big Sioux Park is a combination of both state and county land. The Oak Grove Park is state property totaling up to 101 acres of the 433 combined acres of park. Big Sioux Park is the county land that is adjacent to the park. Care of Oak Grove was taken on in 1962, with the first addition of the park added in 1967. This area offers a variety of habitats to explore including: forest, prairie, and riparian.
Sandy Hollow Recreation Area
This 116 acre area has been added to the Sioux County Conservation Board management plan in 2014. With the addition of this property there is a new campground, swimming beach, fishing/boat access, and hiking trails. There is also open air picnic shelters available, along with an enclosed rental facility. Unique to this area is the outdoor archery range, and indoor archery range available with membership.