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Tent camping options around Calmar, Iowa range from primitive backcountry sites to campgrounds with basic amenities like drinking water and toilet facilities. The Yellow River State Forest, located about 20 miles east of Calmar, offers several tent campsites 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 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 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.
"There are pit toilets at the upper sites, near the pavilion."
"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)"
from $5 / night
Check Availability"My friend and I were eager to test out some new backpacking gear for the first time in advance of a larger trip this summer."
"Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore. Great scenery."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
"Awesome campground, if you require electric bring a generator. Water is available but needs to be carried in. we loved the lack of cell phone reception!"
from $20 / night
"This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others."
"If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."
"This campsite is at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail. This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!"
LegendHiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects. Leave No Trace ethics include: minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood. Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here.
LegendThis review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.
Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?
It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.
Activities
Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.
Amenities
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.
Cost
You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.
https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130
LegendThis campground also goes by the name of Holbert. Small campground but free with a handful of picnic tables and campfires. The vault toilets were cleanish, thou older. This campground is next to a pretty little creek that you can play and fish in. The campground is really just a series of campsites strung out along the creek and road. It was pretty quiet while I was there, not many campers at all. There are no hookups for RV’s/campers so it is primarily tent camping or dry camping. There is an interesting story about how this camping area has come to be: the land was donated by Ella Ellis in memory of her husband William Ellis. They apparently loved the land and wanted to make sure it was never developed and could be enjoyed by all. A lovely story.
GuideSome of the spots are a little uneven. Bring some leveling devices. This a very peaceful campground. Fire rings are on cement. Can find fire starters everywhere. No bugs in the 1st of June when we were there. Will plan on going back for sure. Reserve your spots cuz they go fast. If you love a great view and the smell of the outdoors this is your place!
LegendThe Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites. A majority of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. The Nature Center has clean bathrooms and free showers. They recommend donations for the use of the showers.
$20 per night camping fee. You can pay inside the Nature Center or at the slot between the restroom mirrors. The sites are first come, first serve. Local firewood is available near the restrooms as well; take what you need and leave the center a donation.
Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. When I visited during the week, I only saw a small group of people using the playground. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more. Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston.
I'd give the campsite 4/5 review. The location, the bluffs, the bike trail, and center get 5/5 review.
ScoutStayed here in a tent while on a bicycle camping trip and it was adequate. It is located in a city park within a couple minutes walk of the downtown area. The bike trail crosses the south end of downtown so close to that too. This would not be a good place to camp if you'd like to be out in nature
Biggest gripe is the slope of the tent sites. The majority of the tent sites are on an incline around a pond. There are also a lot of ducks that aren't very afraid of humans. None got into my gear though. There are fire rings at the tent sites. No picnic tables at the individual sites but there are some nearby in the park and there's also a covered picnic shelter. Hammocks would be difficult to impossible as the tent area is a strip of grass between pond and bluff, which has mostly brush or too whimpy of trees to hang from at the base. There are a couple huge oaks but none in pairs.
Quarter showers and clean restrooms are available. $20/night/tent which seemed a bit steep to me considering how slanted the sites were and quarter showers. It is cheaper than the other places within immediate biking distance which were $25/night.
RangerThe South Bear Creek entrance is located near Highlandville, IA off of Quandahl Road. This is Iowa Department of Natural Resources land and offers primitive camping only. There are no shower or restroom facilities and we brought our own water. There was a makeshift fire ring made out of rocks and so we used this to build our campfire. Be sure to bring a camp shovel for bathroom breaks. There was no fee at the time to camp here. It might be a good idea to call ahead to the Iowa DNR to see if that has changed.
Bear Creek is known for trout fishing and is stocked by the DNR. Bear Creek runs for a little over 5 miles at this entrance. Highlandville does have a general store, so you can stock up on items such as snacks, firewood, and angling supplies if you plan to fish the creek.
Note: There is also a Bear Creek Campground which offers electrical sites along with restrooms, showers and a playground as well as Bear Creek Cabin rentals if you're looking for something with more amenities.
We camped the last weekend in October and had the entire area to ourselves. We walked along the creek and Quandahl Road. It was a quiet area and we enjoyed camping in a more primitive setting.
LegendStayed in 2 primitive tent sites: table, fire ring, shaded. Great sites for hat are all within walking to stocked trout streams! CG is in valley, cooled air, shaded, cold water streams to cool off. Pit toilets, trash bins, self registration with some sites reservable.
ScoutThis is a great little park if you need a place to stop for the night. It was very inexpensive for tents ($10 I think) and the tent camping area was very nice with 3 giant pine trees and some picnic tables and fire rings. As someone who bicycle tours I appreciated fire wood being on site and close to where the tent area is. The bathrooms aren’t the best but they worked. Overall its a safe, clean, welcoming campground for both tents and RV’s.
Tent campsites near Calmar, Iowa provide primitive camping experiences within a landscape of rolling hills and valleys formed during the last ice age. Northeastern Iowa features a unique driftless area characterized by deeply carved river valleys and limestone bluffs not flattened by glaciers. Camping options range from walk-in sites requiring short hikes to drive-in locations with varying levels of accessibility.
Trout fishing opportunities: Echo Valley State Park Campground offers access to a well-maintained trout stream popular with anglers. According to Kerry M., "There is a nice trout stream, with a few sites right by the stream," making it convenient to fish directly from your campsite.
Wildlife observation: Camp John Schultz in Yellow River State Forest provides excellent wildlife viewing in dense woodland habitat. Kimberly W. notes, "We loved the lack of cell phone reception!" which allows for undistracted nature observation in this quiet backcountry setting.
Stargazing: Gateway Park Campground offers open views of the night sky above surrounding cornfields. One camper mentioned that "the sunset over the cornfields was very pretty," indicating minimal light pollution for evening star viewing.
Cemetery exploration: Chickasaw Park contains an unexpected historical site for respectful exploration. As Chantal C. explains, "If you're not afraid of ghosts, are respectful, and you follow the road ALL THE WAY BACK there is a very old cemetery which we thought was very intriguing."
Affordability: The primitive campsites at Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest are budget-friendly. Kevin T. states, "This site fills up really fast because of the cheap price of only 9 dollars. This is the cheapest but one of the best campsites I've been to."
Seclusion: Echo Valley State Park Campground offers significant privacy between sites. Wilber S. reports, "I was a quarter mile from the next nearest site. Certainly a tent oriented campground, RVs would have a difficult time."
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate the clean water features at tent sites in the area. Kevin C. recommends the backpacking loop at Camp Glen Wendel, noting "Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails."
Spacious sites: Chickasaw Park offers generously sized primitive sites with natural boundaries. According to reviews, "There are no hookups so consider this a primitive campground. It is adjacent to an old quarry where swimming and fishing is currently allowed at your own risk."
Limited facilities: Many primitive sites have minimal or no amenities. At Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest, James M. notes that sites include only "fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
Access challenges: Some tent sites require significant hiking or have limited vehicle access. Kerry M. explains that at Echo Valley, after crossing "a shallow stream (on a paved slab, easy for any car) the campsites are up the hill."
Water availability: Potable water isn't available at all locations. James M. points out that at Camp Glen Wendel, "Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk," requiring campers to carry water to their sites.
Weather considerations: Northeastern Iowa experiences significant seasonal variations. The primitive backcountry areas can become challenging after heavy rains, with Kevin C. advising to "take it slower if the ground is muddy."
Kid-friendly activities: Chickasaw Park offers unique recreational opportunities for families. Chantal C. mentions, "There is a small park on the adjacent side that does have a shelter," providing a gathering spot for family meals or activities.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds offer better sleeping conditions for families with children. According to Amos K., the peace and quiet at certain sites "allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had, I didn't hear a person or a vehicle the whole night."
Safety considerations: Parents should note potential hazards at certain locations. Chantal C. warns that at Chickasaw Park, "Due to multiple accidents and or deaths jumping/diving and cliff jumping is no longer allowed and can be a misdemeanor charge if found doing so."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide natural learning environments. Karen S. notes that "The native wildflowers are a special treat," offering opportunities for plant identification and nature education.
Site limitations: Little Turkey Campground offers RV sites but with space constraints. Douglas M. appreciates that the campground provides "Clean shower free wood staff is friendly" but notes the quieter atmosphere may appeal to those seeking peaceful camping.
Hookup availability: Gateway Park Campground offers partial hookups for self-contained units. Brody explains, "Water electric and sewer connections at each site with a separate dump station," though sites are "pretty wide open and close together."
Access roads: Many campgrounds near Calmar have limited improved roads. Wilber S. notes that Echo Valley is "certainly a tent oriented campground, RVs would have a difficult time," indicating larger rigs should research access carefully.
Parking considerations: Sites with drive-in access often have specific parking requirements. Kerry M. explains some campgrounds are "most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping… large RVs would not do well."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Calmar, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Calmar, IA is Little Turkey Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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