Eagle City County Park provides dispersed camping near Ames, Iowa across 172 acres of natural landscape. Situated along the Iowa River, the park experiences seasonal closures during winter months when gates remain closed and roads are not plowed. Recent camping policy changes now require a $10 permit payment through online methods, replacing the previously free camping arrangement that had been available to visitors.
What to do
River activities: Eagle City County Park offers direct river access for paddlers and fishing enthusiasts. The lower campground serves as a paddlers camp on the Iowa River, making it convenient for water-based recreation. According to one visitor at Eagle City County Park, "Kayakers frequent the river access on the lower side as well as some equestrian use for river access."
Wildlife observation: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot local wildlife throughout the grounds. During extended stays, campers may encounter various animals. One camper at Cross Ford River Access reported, "Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all."
Seasonal hiking: Though primarily used for camping during warm months, the park offers hiking opportunities year-round. A regular visitor noted, "It is a nice place to hike in winter time, but there is no camping." The 172 acres provide ample space for exploring when camping isn't available.
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment and relatively low visitor numbers at Eagle City Park. One camper shared, "We go to Eagle City at least once a year to just get away from it all, it's close to home but feels cut off which is what I look for when camping."
Multiple camping areas: The park's layout with both upper and lower camping areas provides options based on preference. A visitor explained, "Eagle City Park has two parts - a lower campground that is a paddlers camp on the Iowa River, and an upper campground with a few secluded campsites." This arrangement allows campers to choose locations based on their specific needs.
Riverside setting: The location directly on the water ranks highly among visitor experiences. One camper at Eagle City County Park enthusiastically noted, "Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water."
Well-maintained grounds: Despite being primitive camping, visitors frequently comment on the care given to the grounds. A recent camper observed, "It has well maintained grounds and is right on the water. The spots aren't super clear, but for a free spot with picnic tables and fire pits, it's definitely 5/5."
What you should know
Facility limitations: While basic amenities exist, they may not always function properly. Recent visitors have noted issues with water access, with one camper reporting, "Water well isn't working though, only downside." Another mentioned concerns about sanitation facilities: "There is a very poorly kept vault toilet in the lower campground. I do not believe that it is ever pumped out. The upper campground has no toilet."
Trash management: With no trash receptacles on site, proper waste disposal requires planning. A visitor cautioned, "As there are no trash containers, it is not uncommon to find the firepits full of burned or unburned trash." Pack-out protocols are essential for maintaining the area's cleanliness.
Security considerations: Some visitors have reported feeling uncomfortable due to unexpected encounters. One camper at Eagle City County Park shared a concerning experience: "Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The park includes basic recreational facilities suitable for children. Park information indicates "The park has an enclosed picnic shelter, hand pump well, vault rest rooms, primitive camping, and 2 swing sets," providing some entertainment options for younger campers.
Off-season benefits: Families seeking more privacy might consider camping during less popular periods. One regular visitor at Eagle City County Park shared, "I tend to prefer off-season when I am (often) the only camper in either campground. Summer will have more campers, ranging from tents to small RVs, but there are plenty of campsites so it is never full."
Firewood collection: Since purchased firewood isn't available on site, families should plan accordingly. A regular visitor suggests, "There is nowhere to buy firewood, but a short hike in the woods usually produces a small supply for a campfire."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle accessibility: The access roads and campsites can accommodate smaller recreational vehicles but have limitations for larger units. A camper noted, "You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long." This makes the area suitable for compact RVs and camper vans rather than full-sized motorhomes.
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should be aware of weather-dependent limitations. One experienced camper explained, "We have camped with an RV when its cooler and doesn't need an A/C but we love to tent camp out there."
