Southwood Conservation Area — Hotel in Onawa

This is a beautiful and wonderfully maintained campground outside of Smithland IA on highway 141. The entrance sets about a mile off the highway so has zero outside noise. Huge oaks, cottonwoods, ash and other trees are throughout the site, with abundant birds and wildlife.

From the entrance, the road forks to an upper road that leads through wild prairie land to an observation deck overlooking the rolling Loess Hills.

The lower road leads to the campsites and two fishing lakes. This road is also surrounded by lush and gorgeous native prairie plantings.

There are several separate camping areas, some for RV's, some for tents only and even an area for equestrian camping, with riding paths through the prairie and hitching posts throughout the area. RV sites have electric and water with a central dump station. Roads, trees and grass are all well maintained daily and the grounds are lovely with plenty of shade for all. There is a playground for the kids as well as a central restroom and storm shelter. As with other Woodbury county campgrounds, the sites are 'first come, first serve' and self service registration. $20 a night for RV sites, $15 for tents. There are also 2 clean, attractive cabins available for rent. Both are handicap accessible and also set within the prairie hills.

Be aware that AT&T users will have zero cell service in the camp area, though Verizon seems strong from a nearby tower. There is no WiFi at all, TV signals were non-existent at our rig, and even radio reception was quite sketchy. A great place to unplug and relax.

There was an approaching storm one night during our stay and the park ranger personally came to each site to alert us and point out the storm shelter if needed. But as far down in the valley as the site is located, only the tops of the tallest trees even noticed the winds.

Items of note: The lake for fishing only, no swimming, and limited to electric motors or muscle power. And don't forget anything, as Smithland and Rodney will not have any provisions. Though the gas station in Smithland has EXCELLENT ice cream cones!

We highly recommend this park and thank the staff for their...

This is the third time we’ve stayed in the cabins and they are amazing and roomy. Everything worked out so well except the comfort of the beds. They definitely need to change out the very uncomfortable mattresses. Other than that everything was perfect.

It was so great sitting under the stars next to the fire pit. So peaceful. The Rangers were so helpful having to reset the door code when we first got here and was there within minutes for that and bringing wood. Thanks for a relaxing weekend.

I recommend a trip up to the tower for a great visual of the...

A lovely place! Camped there for a week. Nice playground for the kiddos. The restrooms and showers were cleaned every day by staff. The staff there were very helpful and friendly. We brought our dog along and that was no problem. Of course dogs have to be on a leash. It was an excellent trip!! The fishing was not as good as I was told it would be but there were other places...