Chichaqua Bottoms & Skunk River Access Points

Reconnect with the magic of water at the Chichaqua Bottoms and Skunk River. Once improvements are finished, you’ll be able to spend the night under the stars at campsites only accessible by kayak or canoe. Learn more about the camping and paddling opportunities waiting for you at these access points.

A couple groups of people canoeing and kayaking on the Skunk River
Something splashing in the water during sunset
A sunset over a body of water. The top of the sun poking over the treeline is reflected in the water and the water and sky are both an orange hue
The end of a sunset over a body of water - there's still a slight glow from the sun over the trees and reflected in the water

Amenities offered at this location:

Site 5

On the Chichaqua Bottoms

This access point is within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. This protected area spans nearly 10 miles near the Skunk River and offers:

  • Extensive trail networks
  • Hunting and fishing areas
  • Camping and restrooms
  • Water access

Watch a guided tour of this paddling route.

Improvements
Improvements will benefit paddlers, anglers and campers through five remote platform campsites. These sites will be nestled within the park’s network of historic oxbows and only accessible by canoe or kayak.

Site 7

On the Skunk River

This access point is within the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt and offers:

  • Gravel canoe and kayak access to Skunk River
  • Primitive campsites for paddlers

Improvements
Improvements will benefit paddlers and campers through:

  • Replacing the worn gravel access with a concrete launching area
  • Adding signs with on-water directions and educational information
An above view of a camp set up on the sand next to the river. There are two canoes, two tents and a group of four people sitting near a fire.
A camp set up on a sandbar with a small group of people sitting by the fire.
A group of young adults sitting next to a campfire in the sand. Their canoe is laying near them with the oars rested up against it.
A group camping next to the river. They are sitting by a campfire and their two tents are lit up with lights inside them
A group of four sitting around a campfire on a sandbar and roasting marshmallows.
A camp set up on a sandbar and the glow of the camp is reflected in the water

Amenities offered at this location:

ICON badge with a silhouette of a tent and campfire

Find Your Activity with ICON

Whether you love to spend your weekend under the stars or paddling the Des Moines River, there’s something for everyone on ICON water trails. Learn more about the activities awaiting you.

Key To Amenities Icons

Bathrooms

Biking

Birding

Boating

Camping

Fishing

Food & Beverage

Hiking

Kayak & Canoe Lockers

Kayaking

Parking

Pet Friendly

Picnic

Playground

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