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Best Dispersed Camping near Clear Lake, IA

14 Reviews

Dispersed camping around Clear Lake, Iowa includes several primitive sites on state and county-managed lands, with options scattered across wildlife management areas and county parks. Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area, Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, and Eagle City County Park provide the main dispersed camping opportunities in the region. These areas typically offer minimal or no facilities, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers seeking primitive experiences.

Access varies considerably between sites, with most areas accessible via maintained gravel roads suitable for standard vehicles. Eagle Lake provides space for larger rigs with approximately 1/4 mile of dirt road access. Rice Lake features a cul-de-sac arrangement with limited camping spots in grassy wooded areas. Some locations have seasonal limitations, with Gates Bridge County Park only open from May to September. Most areas provide no amenities, though Eagle City County Park includes a hand pump for water, fire rings, and vault toilets. A $10 fee is now required at Eagle City, payable within 30 minutes of claiming a site.

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of privacy and natural settings. "It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp," notes a visitor to Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area. Eagle City County Park stands out with riverside sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits. "We love how quiet it is, we are quite often the only ones down there," reports a regular visitor. Lake Considine offers particularly remote conditions, described as "completely and gloriously primitive" with good fishing opportunities. Wildlife viewing is common throughout these areas, though seasonal insect activity can be significant. Campers should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency at most locations, including carrying out all trash, as most sites provide no waste disposal facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Clear Lake, Iowa (6)

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4 Photos of 6 Clear Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clear Lake, IA

14 Reviews of 6 Clear Lake Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2024

    Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area

    Nice spot at the end of the dirt road

    This spot is exposed with virtually no privacy. (Winter/ early spring) It's about a 1/4 mile off of the dirt road and makes a left towards the end with water access that is great for a kayak. During the summer, when the corn is in, it's looks like there would be plenty of privacy. There are NO amenities here. There's plenty of room here for any size rig.

  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area

    Good spot, but not exactly private

    It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter. There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life.

    There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook. There's also a spot there you could potentially park, but you'll be very exposed if there is any foot traffic.

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

    Lake Considine

    Completely and Gloriously Primitive

    If you're coming out here plan to bring a table. It's that primitive. For us that's great though!! There is a nice lake that is great for fishing, there was access for small boats previously (think kayak/canoe). It is located out literally in the middle of nowhere wrapped by trees on both sides with a cleared out area that you could set a tent or bring a camper if you're ok with no hookups. We love the simplicity and seclusion this area provides. We have never been charged to camp here.

  • 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.

Guide to Clear Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Clear Lake, Iowa, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Clear Lake, Iowa

Dispersed campers should check out Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area

  • This area offers a spacious environment for various rig sizes, making it accessible for all types of campers.
  • With no amenities available, it’s perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience, especially during the summer when the surrounding cornfields provide extra privacy.
  • The water access here is great for kayaking, adding an exciting element to your camping adventure.

Enjoy fishing and scenic views while free camping near Clear Lake

  • Lake Considine is a fantastic spot for fishing enthusiasts, with a lovely lake surrounded by trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Campers should bring their own tables and supplies, as this area is completely primitive, which many find appealing for a true escape into nature.
  • The secluded setting of Lake Considine allows for a tranquil experience, perfect for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clear Lake, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clear Lake, IA is Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clear Lake, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Clear Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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