Located near the center of Jones County, Central Park houses the administrative offices of the Jones County Conservation Board and is open to the public year-round for recreation.
This 297-acre park includes a 25-acre lake as well as a 7-acre pond. Around five miles of hiking trails transverse the woodlands, restored prairie, and wetland habitat. A playground area, swimming beach, and sand volleyball court are near the enclosed pavilion which is a popular family reunion location. Two rental cabins are available for an overnight stay along with several camping sites.
The park is open year round however, the electric and water utilities are shut off October 15 - April 15 each year. Paddleboat and kayak rentals are available Thursday - Sunday from Memorial Day - Labor Day.
Modern, Semi Modern, Electric and Primitive camping sites are available (no reservations - first come basis). (Off season camping (approximately October 15 - April 15) is available on any site at the Primitive camping rate ($15/night). Water and electric utilities are not available in the off season.)
Click here or the Campsite Availability Page to find out what sites are available. This information is updated Thursday - Sunday during the camping season.
Central Park Campground Map Site Numbers (Sites #1-18 are Modern and Sites #19-25 are Semi Modern) (Sites #61-73 are electric) (Sites #26-60, #74 are primitive)
The Central Park Master Plan is a working document that will be relied on for managed park improvement. It will be continually updated to take into account opportunities for future park growth and changing park needs. Check it out and consider all the opportunities that could happen at Central Park! Central Park Master Plan Booklet
A public survey was conducted and 804 responses were collected. The survey was used to help in the development of the Master Plan. Central Park Master Plan Survey Summary
As with any project, there are costs and funding needs. The future of a master plan is based not only on a working plan and community input but funding sources like grants or private donations. Central Park Master Plan Cost Opinion Overview
Park Features
Beach
The swimming beach is open to the public for enjoyment. The sand beach area, cement walkway, and a covered picnic table area will provide hours of summer entertainment. No lifeguard is on duty. Swimming is at your own risk and children should be with an adult when near the beach or swimming area.
Enjoy camping at Central Park with modern, semi-modern, electric and primitive camping available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Park hours are 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Quiet hours are 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Camping is available from approximately April 15 through October 15 weather permitting.
(Off season camping (approximately October 15 - April 15) is available on any site at the Primitive camping rate ($15/night). Water and electric utilities are not available in the off season.)
Help us learn about your camping experience at Central Park. Take the short survey now.
Central Park Campground Map (April 2022) Click Here or the Campsite Availability Page to find out what sites are available. This information is updated Thursday - Sunday during the camping season.
The park is open year round for visits to hike, bird watch, picnic etc...but no water or electric utilities are available in the off season.
Fishing
Central Park's lake and pond are stocked with good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
Central Park has many trails to enjoy on your next visit. You will be able to see an abundance of wildlife and beauty along the various paths which are throughout the park with varied routes to include some hills, meandering paths, shade from the sun, and views of natural beauty. The StoryWalk® Trail at Central Park begins at the Frankfurt Forest entrance in the Central Park modern campground area. As you follow the StoryWalk® Trail read each page from a storybook and participate in fun interactive prompts. This trail is a family friendly activity.
The park closes for camping on October 15 and reopens on April 15 (weather permitting) each year. The trails are not maintained during the winter months.
The Jones County Nature Center draws thousands of visitors each year. The primary purpose of the Nature Center is to provide a place for environmental education. Several educational displays and hands-on activities can be viewed in the Nature Center most weekdays Monday through Friday. Programs for the public, schools, and other groups are held regularly at the center.
The Nature Center has exhibit space and a medium-sized meeting room for educational programs provided by Jones County Conservation throughout the year.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Nature Center is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Throughout the year it is open most weekdays but call the office at (563) 487-3541 or Michele at (319) 481-7987 to ensure availability.
Paddling
From Memorial Day to Labor Day Thursday through Sunday, paddleboats and kayaks are available for rent. Rentals are $10 per hour and $5 per half hour. Visit the Camp Host for the rental and payment (Thursday - Sunday rental starts at 10am and must have rentals back in by 7:30pm) Life jackets are provided with the rentals.
Pavilions/Shelters
The enclosed pavilion at Central Park is popular with groups holding family reunions and birthday parties. This pavilion overlooks Central Park Lake and is located across from the modern campground area and uphill from the beach. ($55 reservation fee and a $4 processing fee ) Reservations can be made on-line at www.mycountyparks.com after January 1st of the calendar year.
The Open Air Shelter provides a great panoramic view of Central Park Lake. Several standing grills are located nearby. Four to six picnic tables provide enough room for up to 40 people to have a seat. Kids can keep busy on the nearby playground and swing set. Bring your own ball for a fun game of sand volleyball. No reservations needed. First come, first serve for the Open Air Shelter.
Central Park has several picnic tables throughout the park as well as an open-air shelter to enjoy a picnic. Make time to explore the many trails, play at the playground, swim by the beach, or visit the Nature Center. There is sand volleyball and horseshoes to provide an afternoon of fun for all. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the ADA sidewalk and step out onto the new fishing pier.
Rental Cabins
Central Park has two rental cabins. These cabins are located on the campground side of Central Park and overlook the lake. Reservations are made on-line at www.mycountyparks.com. ($49.50 per night plus a $4 processing fee at the time of the reservation)
Each cabin includes electricity, heating/cooling units, a futon or sofa sleeper, a bunk bed with a single bunk on top and a queen bed below, a table with bench seating, an armoire for storage, a nightstand, a dorm-sized refrigerator, a small microwave, a ceiling fan, broom and dustpan, picnic table, and fire pit with grill. A water hydrant is nearby. Users need to provide their own bedding, personal items, service wear, cooking utensils, and cleaning supplies. There is a parking lot closeby the cabins. Firewood is available for purchase by visiting the Camp Host.
Sand Volleyball/Horseshoes/Playground
Central Park has these activities for everyone to enjoy. All are located on the S side of the lake near the enclosed pavilion.
Park Hours
4:30am to 10:30pm
Location
12515 Central Park Rd. Center Junction, IA 52212
Map · Central Park
Drone Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
Do you take reservations for campsites?
A.
We do not take reservations for our campsites. Campers simply register at the campground kiosk centers upon arrival.
Q.
When is Central Park Campground open?
A.
Water and electricity are turned on from April 15 through October 15 — weather dependent. Primitive camping is available year-round.
Q.
What are the park hours?
A.
Park hours are 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Visitors should leave the park by 10:30 p.m.) Quiet time begins at 9 p.m. and goes through 8 a.m.
Q.
How do I register for a campsite?
A.
Once at our park, you select any open campsite and set up your tent or wheeled camping unit depending on the type of site selected. Sites that include two or three utility services per site (Sites #1-25) are required to have a wheeled camping unit set up on site. A tent or wheeled camping unit is permitted on all other sites. See the Central Park Map for site locations.
You must register at the information kiosks located in the camping areas within one hour of set up. Complete the provided registration slip, enclose your payment, and deposit in the registration payment box. Place the other half of your registration slip in the post at your campsite.
Q.
How long can you stay at one site?
A.
The maximum length of consecutive days at one site allowed is 14 days. Campers are then required to vacate that campsite for a minimum of 48 hours.
Q.
How many tents are allowed on each primitive campsite?
A.
One additional small tent is allowed with a wheeled camping unit site or primitive site at no extra cost. One additional tent may be placed on a registered primitive campsite for a fee of $4.
Q.
Are boat motors allowed on Central Park Lake?
A.
You can have a motor on your boat but you are not allowed to use gas motors on the lake. Simply tilt your motor up out of the water. Trolling motors are allowed.
Q.
Are pets allowed on the beach?
A.
No. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area.
Q.
Are pets allowed in the park?
A.
Pets are allowed on a leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, except where otherwise noted. Visitors are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and keeping noise to a minimum.
Q.
Does Central Park have WIFI?
A.
Central Park now has WIFI available in the modern camping area from April 15 through October 15. Free WIFI is also available in and near the Nature Center building — the password is located at the Nature Center outdoor bulletin board.
Q.
How do I reserve the enclosed pavilion or cabins at Central Park?
A.
All reservations must be made by calling the Jones County Conservation Administrative Office at (563) 487-3541 ext. 1 after the first of the calendar year.
Q.
Do I need an Iowa Fishing License to fish at Central Park?
A.
Yes. Please visit the Iowa DNR website to learn more about specific requirements.
Q.
When is the Central Park Nature Center open?
A.
The Central Park Nature Center is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when staff are present. Check for availability or call to schedule an appointment by calling (563) 487-3541 Ext. 1. The center is also open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Watch for COVID updates and restrictions on our website.
