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Established Camping

Fort Defiance State Park Campground

Fort Defiance State Park Campground is located near Estherville, Iowa, featuring rolling hills and wooded areas. The area experiences temperatures ranging from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Fort Defiance State Park trails and the Estherville Golf Course, offering outdoor activities for campers.

Reservation Info

All camping permits are obtained through self-registration at the campground on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fort Defiance State Park has a non-modern campground. No showers or flush toilets are present. However, electrical hookups are available at some sites. All camping permits are obtained through self-registration at the campground. Reservations are not accepted for this campground.

A day-use lodge, constructed in the style of an old army outpost, is an excellent place for group gatherings such as reunions and wedding receptions. The lodge may be reserved online. An open shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost.

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Location

Fort Defiance State Park Campground is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Directions

Highway 9 west of Estherville, turn south on 360th Ave. Go 1½ miles to the west entrance of the park.

Address

3642 174th Street
Estherville, IA 51334

Coordinates

43.3930006 N
94.86500027 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Poor
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed May. 30, 2021

A Hidden Gem in Iowa

A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit. They are very rustic. 

There are plenty of trails in the park. The big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in. It is not deep but it’s water. There are some other small little creeks too.

Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family. 

The camp site are dirt. 

There are permanent fire rings and grills at each site. Only place to get firewood was at Hy-Vee. Our site had electricity with 50, 30,& 20 amps. 

There is only one water spot in the campground. We drank the water and didn’t die. 

There is a golf course next to the park that is fun. 

My only real complaint would be there is a lot of people just driving through.

Site7
Month of VisitMay
  • The campground
  • Review photo of Fort Defiance State Park Campground by Tim , May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Fort Defiance State Park Campground by Tim , May 30, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2020

Great Hikes

Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site. The valley has a small river or a big creek, idk you tell me the difference, what you can cross over a few times on the trails. Depending on the time of day, generally in the morning you can cruise through at day break and find deer on the roads to watch out!

  • Review photo of Fort Defiance State Park Campground by Adrian D., April 5, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Fort Defiance State Park Campground?

    Camping at Fort Defiance State Park Campground can cost between $10.00 and $16.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Fort Defiance State Park Campground?

    Fort Defiance State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Fort Defiance State Park Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Fort Defiance State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Fort Defiance State Park Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Fort Defiance State Park Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Fort Defiance State Park Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is fair.