Down a few miles of maintained gravel road, Eagle City County Park sits along the Iowa River in two distinct sections: a lower paddlers camp at the water's edge and an upper area with more secluded sites tucked into the surrounding woods. Both levels are free to access, dispersed in layout, and consistently low on crowds. Kayakers and anglers use the lower section regularly, and the river provides a focal point for most campers who stay here.
The atmosphere skews quiet. Reviewers frequently note arriving to find themselves the only campers on the grounds, a pattern that holds across summer weekends and into fall. Chantal C. describes the park as feeling "cut off," which captures what draws repeat visitors back. Bugs are present and the grounds are not treated, so insect repellent is worth packing. The mowed grass and fire rings are maintained, though no trash containers are provided, and firepits sometimes hold debris left by previous campers.
Water access comes from a hand pump well on site, though at least one recent visitor found it out of service. The lower campground has a vault toilet, though its maintenance has been inconsistent across reviews. No firewood is sold here. A short walk into the adjacent woods typically turns up enough material for a campfire. Cell service is listed as available. Sites can accommodate vans and small trailers, though longer rigs would find the dispersed layout limiting.
A fee of $10 per night has been introduced in recent years, paid via QR code at the entrance. The gates close for winter and often stay shut into late spring, so the camping season effectively runs from late spring through fall. Roads are not plowed. Campers passing through the region can also consider Cross Ford River Access to the west, or browse campgrounds near Steamboat Rock for additional options in the area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEagle City County Park is located in Iowa near Steamboat Rock
Coordinates
42.47200042 N
93.146 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Eagle City County Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 47 min from Waterloo, IA
- 54 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 16 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 28 min from Cedar Rapids, IA


















