Matsell Bridge Natural Area

Beautiful fall/early November morning; great place to spend some time in the outdoors; this spot is on the north side where there are some wildlife habitat plots to help the birds out; there is a pit toilet at the 2nd to last north side parking area; commonly known as the parking area used by horse trailers, for those bringing their horses.

We went foraging for mushrooms today and walked away with many clusters of yellow oysters, a handful of coral mushrooms which are very rare and we had a beautiful day with our son would love matzo bridge natural area

Nice and quiet place to camp. $10 per tent per night, no limit on number of tents per site the back half of the sites start flooding when the river is at 10' at Shaw road
***Update sites are now $13 a site for the 2022 season. That is 2 tents, you can not pay extra for more tents, trust me I tried.***

I've e been to this area many times. I was first introduced over 40 years ago when I moved up here as a student attending college. Went hiking at the cabin you can rent there year round. It's changed somewhat since last time. Newer roof and other enhancements. Really cool view overlooking the river below. Quiet and secluded. Just remember that the bathroom is outdoors. Matsell natural area covers over 1900 acres. Plenty of hiking trails and campsites. There is a shooting range and hunting is permitted there so be aware of the signs and seasons. Parking is abundant. Wildlife everywhere. I visited the cabin, shooting range and nearby bridge/woods that day. I only visited a few hours. It would take a person at least a week to cover everything. I witnessed a person from Linn County conservation stopping by to clean up/take out/pick up trash that day. Ranger residence nearby. Nice place to get away from nearby cities. In my opinion this place is worth seeing.

Red oak is a awesome cabin, with the centerpiece being wood stove. Dual bunk beds, seperate clean, vented outhouse. Would recommend going in cold months as there is no power and AC. Short walk from parking, but it does take some physical work. You have to take everything you want to eat, drink, wear, use up, so mu suggestion is to pack light. Great view of river...will be coming back regularly.

Talk about creepy bridge! We were getting pushed off the bridge. When we got out to look at the vehicle, there were prints on the front and back of the vehicle. When we walked on the bridge, you could tell you weren't alone. My daughter in laws phone dialed out when we didn't even have service. The person wasn't even on her call log/favorite.

Best place to get back to nature, awesome camping sites, just a good place to unwind.

One of my favorite ranges in the area. Clean, well set-up, and plenty of space. I rarely find it over crowded when I've gone. I almost didn't want to leave a review because I like it so much but honestly more people taking the sport seriously and practicing is a good thing.

Wow.....very nice shooting range 👌

This place was beautiful. We had a hard time pulling ourselves away from the river bank. Looking at all the rock and drift wood was fascinating. It was difficult to walk down the old stairs to the water but worth the work. Took my breath away and can't wait to come back.

Living in Jones county for 57 years and not ever having spent time here was a huge mistake. Beautiful.

Love love love this park. Close to home. Beautiful scenery. Had my wedding in this park. Camping or hiking, fishing or just out for a drive. Perfectly wonderful in any way you please! Not too far but just far enough away from everything!

Great place to shoot and doesn't cost much very clean and wasn't busy when we were there.

Very nice range! Bring a staple gun and cardboard backer with some targets and you're golden. Ranges were in great shape and well taken care of!

Fair prices for an outdoor shooting range. Also very clean grounds and looks like a lot has been done to make it a safe place to shoot.

Grew up camping here with my family..lots of memories on the Wapsipinicon river that runs thru here. Camping, picnics, gun range, equestrian activities, river fishing or swimming or just enjoying the nature..

One of the greatest camping ground in Iowa. Right next to the river which supplies countless activities. Best float spot in the world!

Best shooting range in the Cedar Rapids area. $40 per year membership dues.

Very well set up, meat and tidy.
Great mowing job.

Love riding our horses here great trails!! Great mounting blocks,and nice restrooms all over the park!