T-R PHOTO BY ADAM SODDERS - One area in Marshall County set to welcome campers Labor Day weekend is Riverview Park. The park is managed by the City of Marshalltown and includes playgrounds, walking paths, disc golf, access to the Iowa River and more for campers to enjoy.

The unofficial end to summer is almost here and local officials expect campers at public sites in Marshall County over Labor Day weekend.

There are two public camping areas overseen by Marshall County and one run by the City of Marshalltown.

“The most heavily occupied times are that July-August timeframe,” said Marshall County Conservation Board Director Mike Stegmann of Timmons Grove and Grammer Grove county parks, both located in the northern part of the county.

He said more campers are usually seen during holiday weekends, such as those around Labor Day and Memorial Day. Timmons Grove, just southwest of Albion, offers 18 campsites that can accommodate RVs and tents.

“We’ve got the hiking trails and then there’s a nice playground unit for little kids and then, of course, it’s right along the Iowa River,” Stegmann said. He said fishing and kayaking are a few activities campers can try on the river.

The Timmons Grove sites are all equipped with electricity. Additionally, there is a shelter house and restroom facility and boat ramp in the park.

Another public camping spot in Marshall County is Grammer Grove southwest of Liscomb. Stegmann said there are no designated campsites at that park and that only tent campers can camp there.

“There is electricity in the shelter but not at the campsites,” he said. “The area is frequented by equestrians.”

While the warmer months are more popular for camping in Marshall County, Stegmann said the parks do get a few campers in the winter. No matter the time of year, he said campers are allowed a maximum of 14 consecutive days of camping, per state law.

The campsites at Timmons Grove and Grammer Grove are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Use of the sites comes at a charge of $14 per night.

Another public area for campers is Riverview Park on the north side of Marshalltown. As the name suggests, the park is located along the Iowa River, and it offers tent and RV campsites.

“It’s a wonderful park,” said Becky Baedke of Marshalltown Parks and Recreation. “There’s disc golf, there’s basketball, there’s tennis, people fish there, the sidewalk trail is really nice through the campground and it leads on to Lynn Creek trail.”

There are 60 electric sites available at Riverview, with 10 hookup sites. Tents can also be set up at the park.

“There typically are always spaces,” Baedke said. “We do not have the capability for reservations at this time — it’s first come, first served.”

She said there is a kiosk available for campers to self-register, as well as wireless internet and a campground host to answer questions; a shower facility is open for campers and restrooms are also available. Baedke said Riverview sees more campers during the Memorial Day weekend than the Labor Day weekend, but higher-than-normal numbers of campers are expected both weekends.

Fees at Riverview are $25 per day for full hookup sites, $20 per day for electric sites and $15 for non-electric/tent sites per day, according to the city website.

While many in central Iowa are planning for the upcoming holiday weekend, some in Marshalltown are still searching for a permanent place to live. Baedke said some victims have taken to camping at Riverview in the meantime.

Stegmann said his office has not received calls from tornado victims about using the county’s public camping areas.

For more on Timmons Grove and Grammer Grove, visit www.co.marshall.ia.us/departments/conservation/marshall-county-conservation-and-recreation-areas. For more on camping at Riverview Park, visit https://www.marshalltown-ia.gov/285/Riverview-Campground

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Contact Adam Sodders at

(641) 753-6611 or asodders@timesrepublican.com