Jefferson County Conservation will officially open Prairie Ridge Campground on July 1, marking the county’s latest expansion in outdoor recreation.
Located just east of Jefferson County Park and accessible from Key Boulevard, the newly constructed site aims to meet the needs of self-contained campers looking for modern amenities.
The new facility includes 14 stalls equipped with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Unlike other campgrounds in the county, Prairie Ridge will not have restroom facilities.
Jefferson County Conservation Director Shawn Morrissey said the site is designed exclusively for campers with built-in bathrooms.
Seven of the campground’s stalls are paved, while the remaining seven are gravel.
The larger stall sizes at Prairie Ridge set it apart from Jefferson County Park’s existing campsites, providing more room for bigger units or additional gear.
A key feature of Prairie Ridge Campground is its digital payment system. Campers will use a QR code posted at the campsite to pay for their stay.
“We’re trying to get into the modern age,” Morrissey said, as reported by Southeast Iowa Union on June 25.
“All existing campgrounds are first-come, first-served, but this one they can reserve ahead,” Morrissey added.
This move toward a digital and reservation-based model reflects a growing trend across the outdoor hospitality sector, where campground operators are implementing new technologies to improve operational efficiency and the visitor experience.
Despite its modern amenities, Prairie Ridge is still in the early stages of landscape development. Morrissey noted that while 40 trees have been planted at the site, the campground remains largely exposed.
“It will be really nice in 20 years, but for now it’s got that brand new wide open look,” he said.
The campground is part of Jefferson County Conservation’s broader strategy to expand access to outdoor recreation while adapting to shifts in camper expectations. By offering a reservation option and full hookups, the county aims to attract a broader demographic of RV travelers.