Each year, Taylor County is inundated with tourists who wish to participate in some of the best hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and Bird Watching in the State of Iowa. Taylor County is known for its pheasant, quail, deer and turkey hunting; as well as some great fishing, hiking and camping opportunities. The area is known for its preservation of natural habitat, which has helped with the population growth and condition of all species. The Taylor County Conservation Board is instrumental in the improvement and quality of the above sportsmen's activities and manages the following live recreational sites in
Taylor County.
http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/seasondates.html

Sand's Timber Recreation Area is a 235-acre site with a 76 acre lake. There are 7 modern campsites that rent for $8 per night. Primitive camping is also available at $5 per night. The lake is stocked with bass, channel cat and pan fish. Only electric motors are allowed on boats. There is a 2-mile hiking trail on the west side of the park. Public hunting is allowed except in the camping/picnic areas. The site is located west and north of Blockton. Just follow the signs west on County Road J55 for about ¼ mile, go north on Yellowstone Avenue for ¼  mile, then turn west into the entrance. The park is ¼  west of Yellowstone Avenue.
See Map

Wilson Lake is a 50-acre site with a 20-acre lake. There are 10 modern campsites renting at $8 per night and primitive camping is $5 per night. The lake has catfish, bass, pan fish and some walleye. Only electric motors are allowed on boats. No hunting is allowed in the park. The site is located south and east of Lenox. From State Highway 49, go east on Country Road J20 for 1 mile, then go south on Utah Avenue 1 ½ miles and there you are!
See Map

Windmill Lake is a 60-acre site with a 20-acre lake. There are 14 modern campsites renting for $8 per night and primitive camping is allowed on the west side of the lake for only $5 per night. The lake has catfish, bass, pan fish and some walleye. Only electric motors are allowed on boats. The site is located east of New Market.  From State Highway 2 east of New Market, turn north on Highland Avenue for 1 mile to 220^th Street, then go west on 220^th Street to Franklin Avenue and presto, there lies the lake.
See Map

French Reserve is an 80-acre timber owned by the Iowa DNR and managed by Taylor County Conservation Board. It is primarily a  nature and wildlife preserve. No hunting or motorized vehicles are allowed. There are about 3 miles of trail available for hiking and equestrian use. The area is rich in plant species. The area is east and north of Bedford. Take State Highway 2 east from Bedford 9 ½ miles to Virginia Avenue for 1 mile and the area is on the west side of the road.
See Map

The Siam Tract is a 117-acre primitive, public hunting area located on both sides of 300^th street on the Taylor-Page County line. Take Highway 148 south out of Bedford to J55, then go west past Siam turn-off to the Taylor-Page County line at 300^th Street.
See Map

The Taylor County Conservation Board welcomes you to the area and wants you to have a safe, sportsman experience!!!