Best Tent Camping near Calmar, IA
Tent camping options around Calmar, Iowa range from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. The Yellow River State Forest, located about 20 miles east of Calmar, offers several tent-focused camping experiences including Camp John Schultz and Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry. Echo Valley State Park, situated southwest of Calmar, provides a quieter tent camping alternative with sites positioned along a trout stream.
Most tent sites in the area feature fire rings and minimal improvements, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Yellow River State Forest backcountry sites require hikers to carry in their own water, while established campgrounds like Little Turkey Campground offer drinking water and basic toilet facilities. The backcountry sites within Yellow River are notably rustic, with benches and fire rings being the primary amenities. Many tent campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in the more remote areas. Several walk-in tent locations prohibit alcohol and have specific fire regulations that campers must follow.
The tent camping experience near Calmar offers genuine solitude and natural immersion not available at developed RV campgrounds. Yellow River's primitive backcountry campsites provide seclusion among dense forest, with some areas featuring stands of coniferous trees unusual for Iowa. Hikers accessing Camp Glen Wendel will find sites spaced far enough apart to provide privacy while offering natural features like small ponds adjacent to some campsites. Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with many campers reporting encounters with diverse bird species. According to reviews, "Yellow River has great backpacking sites with wonderful spots to camp where the creeks are very clean and pretty." Another camper noted that the backcountry areas are "a hidden gem" where you might "only run into other people once or twice" during your stay.
