Tent campsites near Arlington, Iowa typically experience four distinct seasons with humid summers and cold winters. Most primitive camping areas are situated at elevations between 900-1,100 feet in the unglaciated region known as the Driftless Area, characterized by steep ridges and valleys. Seasonal closures affect some backcountry sites, with Yellow River State Forest's primitive areas generally open April through October depending on trail conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Little Turkey Campground provides access to stocked trout streams where anglers can catch rainbow and brown trout. "Clean shower free wood staff is friendly," notes Douglas M., highlighting the added amenities that make this a comfortable base for fishing expeditions.
Star gazing: Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from urban light pollution. According to Alissa G., "Evenings at this farm are memorable. Dark skies with billions of stars. Enjoy a campfire, that's a must."
Explore hiking networks: The backcountry trails at Yellow River State Forest offer varying difficulty levels for day hikes or multi-day treks. Brooke M. describes it as a "great park with a few longer trails for backpacking. have used these trails/this park to prepare for longer trips. wonderful spots to camp and the creeks are very clean and pretty!"
What campers like
Solitude and separation: The backcountry sites at Camp John Schultz provide significant distance between campers. James M. describes the experience as "Nice back country state forest site. Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate the streams running through camping areas. A reviewer at Camp Glen Wendel notes, "The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side," providing both scenic value and practical water access for filtering.
Wildlife encounters: Tent campers regularly report wildlife sightings near their sites. At Echo Valley State Park Campground, Wilber S. mentions an unexpected encounter: "The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites have minimal amenities. David H. mentions about Camp Glen Wendel: "No showers or dump station. But it was great," indicating campers should arrive prepared for self-sufficient camping.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access points. Kerry M. notes about Echo Valley: "Ford a shallow stream (on a paved slab, easy for any car) and the campsites are up the hill," information valuable for planning arrival, especially during wet conditions.
Water availability: Potable water locations vary by campground. At Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry, James M. points out, "Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk," requiring campers to fill containers before heading to backcountry sites.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is inconsistent across camping areas. Kimberly W. notes at Camp John Schultz: "we loved the lack of cell phone reception!" though another reviewer mentions reception is available at the nearby fire tower.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Gardner Family Farm offers safe swimming options for children. Alissa G. suggests, "Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing."
Short hiking distances: For families with younger children, consider the more accessible sites. Kevin C. notes that at Camp Glen Wendel, "There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy."
Beginner backpacking: Yellow River State Forest provides an excellent introduction to overnight hiking for families. Shyla G. recounts, "Been coming to yellow river for years but have always wanted to go backpacking. Finally, convinced one of my friends to come with," showing how the area serves as an entry point to backpacking.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent campsites near Arlington restrict larger vehicles. Brody at Gateway Park Campground explains, "3 drive through sites and 4 back in spots with a few nice trees. Water electric and sewer connections at each site with a separate dump station."
Level considerations: Gateway Park offers some of the few level surfaces for RVs in the region. According to Brody, "The driveways are gravel and pretty level," making this one of the more accessible options for small to medium RVs within the area.
Resource planning: RVers should note limited dump stations and hookups. Kerry M. observes that Echo Valley "is most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping… large RVs would not do well," emphasizing the need for self-contained systems in this region.
