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Iowa | Southeast Iowa
Des Moines RiverBonaparte Boat Ramp to Des Moines River Access
Short Lower Des Moines River continuation from Bonaparte to the county Des Moines River Access, with old-dam remains immediately below the put-in and a primitive campground at the take-out.
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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
Launch at Bonaparte and paddle the short official Lower Des Moines River Water Trail reach to the county Des Moines River Access. The first half-mile below Bonaparte carries the main decision: old dam remains and cross-current can be hazardous when low or pushy.
Access map
Put-in
Bonaparte Riverfront Park / Bonaparte Boat RampBonaparte Riverfront Park is the same public ramp used by the upstream Bentonsport card; use posted local signs for parking and ramp approach.
Take-out
Des Moines River AccessThe Des Moines River Access coordinate comes from the named launch record and should be treated as a practical access coordinate, not a surveyed ramp point.
Road shuttle
Stage the county Des Moines River Access south/east of Bonaparte, then launch from Bonaparte Riverfront Park. Confirm the old-dam line below Bonaparte before committing from the ramp.
Additional access notes
- This short segment starts below old dam remains. Do not launch if the group cannot safely make the DNR-described move away from the put-in side.
More route and safety guidance
- After launching, DNR says paddlers must move quickly toward the opposite side of the river, so beginners need normal levels and a clean line.
- Use the public Bonaparte ramp and county Des Moines River Access only; do not rely on private cabins, pasture banks, or informal exits.
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Des Moines River at Keosauqua, IA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
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Recent notes from paddlers
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official routeBonaparte to Des Moines River Access, 3.4 mi
Iowa DNR names the Bonaparte-to-Des-Moines-River-Access reach and describes the access as a cement boat ramp maintained by the Van Buren County Conservation Board.
- Key hazardOld dam remains below Bonaparte
Iowa DNR says old dam remains immediately below Bonaparte may cause a hazard, especially in low water, and that paddlers must move quickly to the opposite side after putting in.
- Access and campingDes Moines River Access primitive camping and boat ramp
Villages of Van Buren lists Des Moines River Access four miles southeast of Bonaparte on the south side, with primitive camping and a boat ramp.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-23USGS 05490500 8,110 cfs / 12.87 ft at 2026-07-23 13:15 CDT
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
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