See all 25 routes on Cedar River
Iowa | Southeast Iowa
Cedar RiverJack Shuger Memorial Park, Moscow to Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
A county-supported Cedar River float from the Jack Shuger Memorial Park boat ramp in Moscow to Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area near Muscatine. The county offers a roughly nine-mile canoe trip and shuttle, with camping at the finish.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
A county-supported Cedar River day float with developed ramps at both ends, a documented shuttle option, and camping at Saulsbury.
Access map
Put-in
Jack Shuger Memorial Park boat ramp, MoscowJack Shuger is a developed county park with a heavily used Cedar River ramp; use the marked ramp and obey the 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. operating window.
Take-out
Saulsbury Bridge Recreation AreaSaulsbury is the named public finish and campground. Confirm reservation, gate, and seasonal facility status before committing to an overnight plan.
Road shuttle
Muscatine County Conservation offers a canoe shuttle from Saulsbury to Jack Shuger for qualifying group reservations; kayakers must arrange their own vehicle shuttle.
Additional access notes
- Endpoint coordinates are public-address anchors rather than survey-grade water-edge points; walk the ramp and landing before launching.
- The county's 6–10 ft guidance is an operating range for rentals, not a guarantee that every local obstruction or weather condition is safe.
More route and safety guidance
- Inspect both named ramps and the river from land before launching. Rising water, recent storms, trees, debris, and bridge approaches can make the reach unsafe even inside the county range.
- Use only the public Jack Shuger and Saulsbury accesses. Do not camp, stop, or cross on private banks between them; Saulsbury provides the documented camping endpoint.
- Wear a properly fitted PFD, carry a whistle and communication device, and follow Iowa boating rules. Exit before the Saulsbury landing if conditions deteriorate.
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Conditions
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Cedar River near Conesville, IA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
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Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Cedar River near Conesville, IA |
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| Preferred range | 6.00 ft to 10.00 ft |
| Low threshold | 6.00 ft |
| High threshold | 10.00 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
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| Main source behind this score | Muscatine County Cedar River canoe-trip operating guidance |
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NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Route and shuttleApproximately 9 river miles; Jack Shuger to Saulsbury
Muscatine County Conservation describes canoe trips from Jack Shuger Memorial Park in Moscow to Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area and provides a county shuttle for groups.
- Public put-inJack Shuger Memorial Park, 1515 Cedar Street, Moscow
Muscatine County lists a heavily used Cedar River boat ramp, restrooms, shelter, and park hours.
- Public take-out and campingSaulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, 2007 Saulsbury Road
The county float guide identifies Saulsbury as the finish and documents camping and restrooms at the endpoint.
- Gauge operating range6–10 ft stage at USGS 05465000 near Conesville
Muscatine County says rentals are typically not offered when the Conesville gauge is below 6 ft or above 10 ft. This is a local operating threshold, not an official safety certification.
- Direct live gaugeUSGS 05465000 Cedar River near Conesville
USGS provides discharge and gage-height telemetry for the Cedar River corridor; check same-day conditions before launch.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
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