Buffalo Creek Park

Buffalo Creek Park is located in northeast Linn County, just west of Coggon on County Road D62 (1825 Coggon Rd) nestled along Buffalo Creek, Rolling wooded knolls of oak and hickory combine with the open meadows adjacent to the stream valley to provide habitat for a unique variety of flora and fauna. Wild turkey, deer, nesting Canada geese, beaver and fox are a few of the species of wildlife that inhabit the park. One of the largest populations of blue belles in the area can be found in this 143-acre park, in addition to other wildflowers. Buffalo Creek Park was the first park developed in Linn County, with most of the development completed by 1962. 

UPDATE 6/6/2023:  Buffalo Creek Campground is closed for the season.  

Camping

Walnut Grove Campground offers 13 sites located along Buffalo Creek. Electrical and water hook-ups, a fire ring and picnic table are provided for each site. A lighted, vault-type restroom, firewood sale point, playground and horseshoe courts are all located nearby. A sanitary dumping station is provided for RV's near the entrance to the park. 

The campground is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

All campers are required to self-register and pay the required Camping Fee (PDF). 

Trails

There is a short, 1.2 mile trail in the north end of Buffalo Creek Park. It is a completely level trail terrain with gravel surfacing. The trail brushes along the Buffalo Creek in a few locations and passes through numerous wetlands. This area of the park, just north of the current campground, is designated as an off-leash area.

Another significant point of interest along this trail is one of the largest natural collections of blue bell wildflowers in the region - be sure to plan your hike in late April or early May to catch the under story of the woods in full bloom.

Park Improvements

Planned upgrades include a new playground and reservable open-aired shelter, with installation occurring during 2023. The Conservation Board acquired 15 acres of land west of the current campground which will allow for the creation of 19 additional campsites.  A new shower house and restroom facility is also included with the improvements.  The campground renovation is expected to be completed mid-2024.

Buffalo Creek Campground Expansion rendering
Buffalo Creek Playground rendering