Scharnberg Park bridge at the lake
Scharnberg Park kayakers
Scharnberg Park cabins

Campground opened April 30, 2026!  

Annual Halloween Hike will be held on Saturday October 10, 2026!  

Scharnberg Park

Scharnberg Park is a 55 acre park that hosts a 15 acre pond which includes a handicap accessible fishing pier. Main species of fish include: Bass, Bluegill and Channel Catfish. For the non-fisherman, the park also has playgrounds, horseshoes, basketball court and a swimming beach which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming or even building sandcastles.

Scharnberg Park is open for camping from approximately May 1st to approximately October 15th.

Highlights of the Scharnberg Park campground:

  • 61 individual sites each that include: rural water, 20-30-50 amp breakers, fire ring and picnic table 21 of these sites include sewer hook-up.
  • Wireless internet is available.
  • 37 sites can be reserved on-line on mycountyparks.com
  • 24 first-come, first-served sites.
  • 5 primitive sites (no water or electricity) available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Only two tents are allowed per registered tent site.
  • Shower house with 7 individual showers, 2 family showers, and a men’s and women’s bathroom.
  • Firewood, ice and concessions available.
  • Concession stand includes paddle boat, canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals
  • Concession stand operates from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm (weather permitting) from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

Current rates (As of July 1, 2025):

  • Electrical/water with sewer are $30.00 per night.
  • Electrical/water sites are $25.00 per night
  • Primitive (No water, electric or sewer)are $12.00 per night.

Campers may pitch one tent per registered electrical site along with their camper.

Campground Regulations:

  1. To reserve a site, you must either reserve a site on-line or have a camper/vehicle or tent in place and each site paid in full.
  2. Extra vehicles will be parked in designated overflow parking areas.
  3. Campers must be backed into sites.
  4. No washing of vehicles or campers in campground with park water
  5. Keep pets on a leash at all times.
  6. Firewood gathering will not be allowed.
  7. May not occupy a campsite longer than 14 days out of any 28 day period.
  8. Visitors must leave the park between 10:30 P.M. and 6:30 A.M.
  9. Camping privileges may be refused as provided by section 350 Code of Iowa for the following causes:
    • Violation of State Law;
    • Violation of any rule of the Clay County Conservation Board;
    • Failure to obey a Peace Officer.

Rangers on duty are certified peace officers that CAN and WILL enforce all laws in the State of Iowa.

3 Beautiful cabins are available to make your stay memorable and comfortable.

All 3 cabins have wireless internet access available, heating & A/C for year around use, limited pots, pans, plates, and silverware, toaster, coffee pot & cutting board. A 2-night minimum is required on weekends, 3 nights minimum for inclusion of a holiday.

Maple Cabin Features:

  • 18’ x 20’ cabin (360 sq. ft.)
  • Sleeps 4, 1 full size bed, 1 full size hide-a-bed couch
  • Modern bathroom w/tub & shower
  • Table with 4 chairs
  • Kitchenette-microwave, refrigerator/freezer, electric range/oven, sink & countertop, hot & cold water
  • Picnic table & fire ring

Oak Cabin Features:

  • 24’ X 24’ cabin (1056 sq. ft. with 2 lofts)
  • Sleeps 10-12, 3 queen & 1 double bed, 1 hide-a-bed couch & 2 couches
  • Modern bathroom w/tub & shower
  • Table with 6 chairs
  • Kitchenette-microwave, refrigerator/freezer, electric range/oven, sink & countertop, hot & cold water
  • Picnic table & fire ring on brick patio

Pine Cabin Features:

  • Handicap accessible
  • 18’ X 40’ cabin (720 sq. ft.)
  • 8’ x 16’, 4 seasons sunroom
  • Sleeps 8, 1 queen & 1 full size bed & 1 full size hide-a-bed couch & 1 futon couch
  • Modern bathroom w/handicap shower
  • Table with 6 chairs
  • Kitchenette-microwave, refrigerator/freezer, electric range/oven, sink & countertop, hot & cold water
  • Picnic table & fire ring, parking nearby

Current Rates:

  • Maple - $125 per night w/tax = $131.25
  • Oak - $175 per night w/tax = $183.75
  • Pine - $200 per night w/tax = $210.00

Cabin Renters Will Need to Bring:

Bedding, dish soap, dish cloth and towels, all food & beverages, bath linens & toiletries, radios or computer set up for wireless internet (if desired), lawn chairs.

Supplies Provided:

TV, pots & pans, toilet tissue, disinfectant cleaner, broom, dustpan, mop, refuse container with bags (put bags in park dumpster upon check-out).

Special Regulations:

  • NO SMOKING (Pursuant to the Iowa Smoke Free Air Act)
  • Keg beer is prohibited
  • Cabin furniture must remain in the cabin
  • No pets in cabins unless kept in a kennel (Leashed while outside)

Clean-Up Responsibilities:

YOU are responsible for cleaning the cabin and the surrounding area as outlined on the checklist provided in the facility, this includes dog clean up.

Should damage to the facility occur, your credit card may be charged to reimburse the Clay County Conservation Board.

Cabin Regulations:

  • Check-in time after 3:00 P.M. on the first day of the cabin reservation.
  • Check-out time is 11:00 A.M. on the day of departure.
  • No smoking is allowed in the cabins.
  • All visitors must depart the park between the hours of 10:30 P.M. and 6:30 A.M.
  • Quiet hours are 10:30 PM to 6:00 AM.
  • Vehicles must be parked in designated areas.
  • All Rules & Regulations of the Clay County Conservation Board are in effect.
  • Failure to clean the facility & grounds or cabin will result in additional charges.
  • Dogs are allowed but must be in kennel ports if housed inside and on leashes if outside. Failure to keep dogs in a kennel may result in additional charges.

Scharnberg Park also offers an enclosed shelter house to reserve for special events.

  • Air conditioned
  • Plenty of countertop space for serving food and beverages
  • Includes a double sink that makes cleanup a snap.
  • 15 round tables
  • 120 folding chairs

Current Rates:

  •  Shelter rental is $75 per day. (11:00 AM to 10:30 PM)

DIRECTIONS TO SCHARNBERG PARK:

From Spencer, Iowa: Go West on 4th Street, which turns into County Road B24, for 8 miles. Turn North on 145th Avenue for 3/4 of a mile and you are here! Stay on the blacktop into the park.

From Everly, Iowa: Go South of Everly on County Road M27 for 1 mile and then turn East on County Road B24 for 1 3/4 miles. Turn North on 145th Avenue for 3/4 mile and you are here! Stay on the blacktop into the park.

Remember: Look for brown and white County Arrowhead Sign markers to assist you with directions.