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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Columbus Junction, IA

2 Reviews

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Columbus Junction, look no further. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Columbus Junction just for you.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Columbus Junction, IA (1)

    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    1. Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    1 Review
    •5 Photos•
    17 Saves

    The White Oak Campground located in the Donnellson Unit is not available for reservations. All camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. (11 sites or less) and nonmodern.

    Shimek State Forest is located in Lee and Van Buren Counties in southeast Iowa near the town of Farmington. Although the forest's original and most important function is to serve as an example of forest management for Iowas citizens, recreational opportunities abound in the forest. Visitors come from a wide area to hunt, fish, hike, ride the equestrian trails, mountain bike, camp, picnic, study nature and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can expect to find oak-hickory forests and bottomland hardwood timber forests but will also find several areas where native prairie plants can be found and about 1,000 acres which have been planted to conifers. In this extremely varied habitat wildlife is abundant. Bring your camera or spotting scope! The forest is managed by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau and is comprised of five separate units with a total of 9,148 acres. The forest headquarters is located about one mile northeast of Farmington on county road J56. The four lakes in the Farmington and Donnellson Units are stocked with bass, channel catfish and panfish. There are no designated swimming areas. The entire forest is open to hiking and hunting (except in the camping areas).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Columbus Junction

2 Reviews of 1 Columbus Junction Campgrounds

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    May. 12, 2024

    Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    Peaceful Paradise

    Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.

Guide to Columbus Junction

Camping near Columbus Junction, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Shady Creek, are right on the Mississippi River, making them perfect for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "Nice boat launch. Right on the Mississippi," highlighting the easy access to water activities.
  • Hiking and trails: Campgrounds such as Lake Macbride State Park Campground are close to trails. A visitor noted, "Right next to trails," making it easy to explore the beautiful surroundings.
  • Disc golf and playgrounds: At West Lake Park, you can enjoy a disc golf course and playgrounds. One reviewer said, "Great staff, prices are wonderful," emphasizing the family-friendly atmosphere.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Sugar Bottom Campground stated, "Bathrooms were quite clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "The sites themselves are HUGE," making it comfortable for larger groups or families.
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA said, "The staff were great!" which adds to the overall positive experience.

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Scott County Park, may require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper noted, "If you come after 10pm, there is no way to pay for your spot," so plan ahead.
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River lacks showers, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
  • Wildlife: Campers should be prepared for bugs and wildlife. One camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Bugs (actually had a hornets nest in my electrical plug-in compartment)," so bring bug spray!

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A review for West Lake Park mentioned, "Play areas, volleyball, bags and horseshoes," making it a great spot for families.
  • Quiet hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which is great for families with young kids. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "Quiet at night," ensuring a good night’s sleep.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. One camper at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "Easy to get to amenities and grocery stores," making it convenient to stock up.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites," so check dimensions before booking.
  • Electric hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Shady Creek said, "Good amenities: electric, tables, fire rings," which is essential for RV camping.
  • Dump stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station. One camper at Sugar Bottom Campground appreciated the "double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," making it easy to leave.

Camping near Columbus Junction, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions