Des Moines County Conservation is dedicated to the sustainability of natural resources through land stewardship, conservation education and by providing quality outdoor recreation opportunities.



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Big Hollow Recreation Area

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Vital Stats:

  • 798 total acres
  • 178 acre lake with beach, fishing jetties and boat ramp
  • 25, 50, 100, and 300 meter shooting ranges (requires certification)
  • Observatory run by SE Iowa Astronomy Club
  • 3-D archery course run by Flint River Bowhunters Association
  • Model Airplane field run by Burlington Model Airplane Club
  • 12 primitive campsites, group camping, numerous picnic shelters
  • Numerous small ponds
  • Extensive trail system, equestrian accessible

Things to do:

Biking, boating, camping, canoeing, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, shooting, swimming.

Description:

Big Hollow is Des Moines County's premiere outdoor recreation destination. It is home to a 178-acre lake with a swimming beach and public boat ramp that provides boating access to the lake. Only a few years ago, the area that is now the lake was forest and trails; today, most of the trees still stand, their canopies rising above the water, making the lake a fish and wildlife haven like no other around. The lake features excellent bluegill, crappie, channel cat, and bass fishing opportunity either by boat or from the shore. And the alcohol-free beach is a great family attraction during the summer months. For anglers looking for a quieter setting, Big Hollow Recreation Area offers numerous other small ponds within its borders, all of which offer great fishing opportunities throughout the year.

Big Hollow is open to public hunting and features quality deer, turkey, upland and small game hunting opportunity. The open lands are actively managed for upland game and the diversity of forest types on the property offer a variety of habitats for various woodland species. The extensive trail system throughout the area gives hunters access to parts far from main roads.

The area offers year round recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including ice fishing and cross country skiing in the winter and hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing all year round. Plans for a 20-mile recreation trail, the Flint River Trail, linking the city of Burlington to Big Hollow, are underway. The trail project has been a cooperative effort between the City of Burlington and Des Moines County. The trail, anticipated to be complete by 2013, will greatly contribute to Big Hollow's existing popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.

Big Hollow Recreation Area is home to a 25, 50, 100, and 300 meter outdoor shooting range. Each of the ranges have a ten person covered firing line with wood and concrete benches. Several law enforcement agencies, hunter safety courses, as well as local military personnel train at our facility. All ranges are fenced and posted and rules and regulations are enforced. DMCC strives to provide a safe and controlled environment.

 

Planned development: Big Hollow is still undergoing development. Plans for the area include the construction of a beachside bathhouse & concession stand, full hookup RV campsites & bathhouse, and 4 large furnished rental cabins featuring wireless internet, indoor plumbing, & electricity. The continued development of Big Hollow will only progress as funding allows. Since most of the funding for the project must come from grants and private donations, YOU can help make the planned developments a reality. Click here to find out how you can help.

 

Rates:

$8 per night for primitive camping sites.

Rules:

PARK RULES

  1. Park hours are 6 am - 10:30 pm
  2. Camping permitted in designated areas only
  3. Keg parties by permit only No motor vehicles allowed on trails
  4. Pets must be on leash
  5. Horseback riding is permitted
  6. Fires in grills and fire rings only
  7. Do not pick, cut, or destroy vegetation
  8. Public hunting is permitted. Special regulations apply.
  9. Permit required to use the Big Hollow Shooting Range
  10. Report all accidents to a park ranger or County Conservation office (319) 753-8260

BEACH RULES

  1. No alcohol on beach or in parking lot
  2. No littering
  3. No pets on beach
  4. No fires
  5. No swimming beyond buoys
  6. No glass containers
  7. No lifeguard on duty

Beach Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

FOR EMERGENCIES CONTACT:

911

 

FOR NON-EMERGENCIES CONTACT:

Des Moines County Conservation: (319) 753-8260

Des Moines County Sheriff Department: (319) 753-8366

 

Directions:

from Burlington, take Highway 61 North, turn west onto Pleasant Grove Road, then south onto 152nd Avenue.