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Located ½ mile northeast of Dawson, Sportsman Park has 40 acres of oak and hickory timber adjacent to the North Raccoon River. Enjoy hiking on the nature trails, picnicking, camping, and nearby access to the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Dawson Boat Ramp.
Camping-5 primitive and 10 electrical hook-up sites, available year-round
Two all-season cabins that sleep up to 5 each
Seasonal, modern restrooms and shower house
The seasonal on-site camp host
Sportsman Lodge-an enclosed, reservable shelter, available year-round for groups up to 120
Nature trail
Picnic shelter house
Handicap accessible playground
Nearby access to Raccoon River Valley Trail and Dawson Depot
Nearby access to Dawson Boat Ramp
In Dawson, follow Railroad Ave east approximately ¾ mile.
Railroad Ave becomes 130th St as it curves north.
In about ¼ mile, the road curves east again. At that bend, the entrance gate is on the left.
This was a nice campground. I especially appreciated that the bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. It wasn't particularly beautiful, and there wasn't much to do nearby except the Raccoon River trail. But it was a pleasant place to spend a weekend.
The cabins are very nice. They had a decent sized free, microwave, and coffee maker. Very clean. Lots of shelves to store things. Definitely bring your own bed linens, towels, bath mats, etc. The staff was very helpful in setting up the reservation. Cabin had a/c and heat.
This is a nice park with handicap accessibility, including the bath house, playground and cabins. Cabins are clean with coffee maker (bring cups and coffee), microwave, and dorm size fridge. You must bring bedding, towels (bath and kitchen) and a bath mat (there is no hook in bathroom to hang up clothes). Cabin also has a folding table and chairs for your use. The cabin has an over hang cemented patio area to seek shelter from the rain. There is close parking and a fire ring. The Raccoon River Valley Bike Trail is close and very easy to ride. I plan on making this an annual trip.
