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Best Dispersed Camping near Boone, IA

12 Reviews

Eagle City County Park provides primitive camping along the Iowa River near Iowa Falls, about 30 minutes from Boone. The park spans 172 acres with two distinct camping areas: a lower campground serving as a paddlers camp directly on the river and an upper area with secluded sites. All sites are first-come, first-served and include picnic tables and fire rings on well-maintained grounds.

The park recently instituted a $10 fee payable via website within 30 minutes of claiming a site. Facilities include a vault toilet in the lower area, though reviews suggest maintenance is minimal. A hand pump for water is available, though it has been reported as non-functional at times. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "We love how quiet it is, we are quite often the only ones down there." Another less-developed option is Cross Ford River Access, which offers drive-in dispersed camping but lacks amenities such as toilets or water access. Both areas are suitable for tent camping and small vehicles, with limited options for larger RVs.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Boone, Iowa (2)

    1. Eagle City County Park

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361

    "This park is located on 172 acres of land. It has an enclosed picnic shelter, hand pump well, vault rest rooms, primitive camping, and 2 swing sets."

    "Sites are first come first served with no reservations. Cost is $10 and you can pay up to 30 min after claiming your site."

    2. Cross Ford River Access

    1 Review
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Boone, IA

4 Photos of 2 Boone Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Boone, IA

12 Reviews of 2 Boone Campgrounds

  • Brian F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2020

    Eagle City County Park

    Quiet camping in the middle of nowhere.

    This park is located on 172 acres of land. It has an enclosed picnic shelter, hand pump well, vault rest rooms, primitive camping, and 2 swing sets. The park was named after the town of Eagle City platted in 1878 and at one time contained a general store, post office, grist mill, saw mill, blacksmith’s shop and doctor’s office.  This area has been used for primitive camping with an upper and lower level. The Iowa River runs next to this campground. The campground is down a couple miles of maintained gravel Rd.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Eagle City County Park

    Fee required now

    Note that they do now require a permit to stay here. Sites are first come first served with no reservations. Cost is $10 and you can pay up to 30 min after claiming your site. Great camping area, pit toilet, regularly mowed, great riverside view, level spots for tent and vehicle camping with fire rings.

  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 8, 2021

    Eagle City County Park

    Secluded campground near the Iowa River

    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.

    All campsites are free, and there are many to choose from. I have camped in both the upper and lower campgrounds, in summer and fall. 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.

    There is nowhere to buy firewood, but a short hike in the woods usually produces a small supply for a campfire.

    Negatives:

    As there are no trash containers, it is not uncommon to find the firepits full of burned or unburned trash.

    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. I always bring my own stool "just-in-case" but otherwise just take care of business after I take the 20 minute drive to get home.

    The gates are closed all winter, often into late spring. The roads are not plowed in either campsite. It is a nice place to hike in winter time, but there is no camping.

  • Jason K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Eagle City County Park

    Good for an overnight stop

    First, there is no pit toilet. Second, you need to pay ($10) via a website. Scan the QR code by the entrance. I couldn't get it to work.

    Sites are fine. A couple of options for hammock camping. Nothing special.

    We stopped driving cross country.

  • Chantal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2021

    Eagle City County Park

    Perfect Primitive Camping

    We go to Eagle City a 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. We have only camped on the lower side to facilitate fishing the river, but we walk up to, and through the upper side every time also. We love how quiet it is, we are quite often the only ones down there. Kayakers frequent the river access on the lower side as well as some equestrian use for river access. Hand pump for water. Grounds are well maintained but not bug treated, so be prepared. We have camped with an RV when its cooler and doesn't need an A/C but we love to tent camp out there. We've gone at all different times from Memorial day through Labor day. My boyfriend has gone later in the year though also.

  • Megan C.
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Eagle City County Park

    Our Favorite Little Spot

    Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water. There was only one other group while we were there. Such a sweet place that we will be back to every time we pass through that area. Definite recommend.

  • C
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Eagle City County Park

    Amazing spot

    Couldn’t have asked for more, 5-6 nice spots right on a river, picnic table and fire pits and the grounds are well kept. It was also easy to find and access even with a low clearance car.

  • A
    Nov. 29, 2021

    Eagle City County Park

    Great spot!

    Had a nice time here on the first night of a long road trip, no one else was around except some coon hunter came and went a couple times which was a little spooky until I figured out what was going on, would definitely return!

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    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, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

Guide to Boone

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Boone, Iowa, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique features, there's something for everyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic River Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy the picturesque riverside setting at Eagle City County Park, which offers well-maintained sites and fire pits for a cozy evening under the stars.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Cross Ford River Access

  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Cross Ford River Access provides a drive-in location where you can immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of modern amenities.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Boone, Iowa

  • When visiting Eagle City County Park, remember to pay the $10 fee via the website upon arrival, as it's a first-come, first-served area with no reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Boone?

Dispersed camping regulations in the Boone area typically require permits at designated sites. Campers should expect to pay fees at some locations, practice Leave No Trace principles, and follow fire safety protocols. Many areas restrict camping to designated spots only. At Cross Ford River Access, campers have reported longer stays being possible, but you should verify current stay limits with local authorities. Always pack out all trash, keep noise to a minimum, and follow posted regulations regarding camping duration. Check with the National Forest Service office for the most current dispersed camping regulations before your trip.

What should I know about primitive tent camping near Boone?

When primitive tent camping near Boone, be prepared for basic accommodations with minimal facilities. Some sites offer amenities like pit toilets and fire rings, but many require complete self-sufficiency. Bring plenty of water or a filtration system, as reliable water sources may be limited. The terrain around Boone offers beautiful riverside camping opportunities with level spots suitable for tents. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so pack accordingly. Some areas may have wildlife activity, particularly bears, so proper food storage is essential. Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent, so download maps beforehand and have emergency plans in place.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Boone, NC?

Free dispersed camping options near Boone are available in the surrounding National Forest areas. Eagle City County Park was previously free but now requires a $10 permit that can be paid up to 30 minutes after claiming your site. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. The park offers level spots for both tent and vehicle camping, complete with fire rings and picnic tables. Look for dispersed camping opportunities in Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can often find free primitive sites with varying amenities.

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