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Gates Bridge Access is 4 acres of land located 4 miles south of Marble Rock, along the Shell Rock River. This park invites visitors to enjoy fishing, water recreation and picnicking. Primitive camping is also available for campers.
Scout
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.
GuideNote 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.
Ranger
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.
Ranger
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.
RangerHad a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all. Would come back.
ScoutCouldn’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.
TravelerGreat camping spot! We’ll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds. Water well isn’t working though, only downside. Will definitely come again
GuideWow! 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.
ScoutI needed a place to stay between Wisconsin and Colorado and this place fit the bill. I had the entire campground to myself the night I stayed here. It has well maintained grounds and is right on the water. The spots aren’t super clear, but for a free spot with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s definitely 5/5. I wish more municipalities had these types of campgrounds! You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long.
ScoutHad 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!
GuideIf 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.
GuideWe 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.
RangerEagle 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.
GuideThis 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.
Camping near Clear Lake, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Hiking and Biking: There are great trails around the campgrounds. One reviewer mentioned, "The trails were in great shape and beautiful with past-peak grasses and developing colors in the trees" at Myre-Big Island State Park. Another camper enjoyed "hiking about 5 miles, saw a few deer and other animals" at Big Island Campground.
Fishing and Boating: Clear Lake is perfect for fishing and boating. A camper at Pine Lake State Park said, "Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails." You can also rent canoes and kayaks at Big Island Campground.
Beach Access: Many campgrounds have nearby beaches. One visitor noted, "The beach access was great, and the sunset was gorgeous in the evenings at the beach!" at Clear Lake State Park Campground.
Camping near Clear Lake, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
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 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clear Lake, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Clear Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
