Tent campgrounds near Colesburg, Iowa range from state forest sites to county parks with minimal amenities. Yellow River State Forest offers multiple backcountry tent camping options including Camp Glen Wendel and Camp John Schultz, both featuring primitive tent sites nestled in dense forest terrain. Echo Valley State Park Campground provides non-electric tent campsites along a trout stream approximately 30 miles northwest of Colesburg.
Most tent-only sites in the region have basic fire rings but limited facilities. Yellow River State Forest's backcountry tent camping areas require hikers to pack in their own water or obtain it from headquarters near the registration kiosk. Sites typically include fire rings and benches, with some offering scenic features like small ponds. Echo Valley's tent campsites are first-come, first-served with pit toilets but no showers. Campers should note that many backcountry tent sites in the area have no cell phone reception, particularly in the valleys and densely wooded sections.
The tent camping experience in this region offers genuine seclusion among lush forest landscapes. Trails at Yellow River State Forest connect various backcountry tent camping areas, making it possible to backpack between sites. Wakpicada Natural Area provides walk-in tent camping with good tree cover and fishing opportunities. The primitive nature of these tent campgrounds means campers often have significant space between sites, enhancing privacy. According to one visitor, "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."
"People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there! The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles). Great fishing while we were there too."
"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
from $15 / night
from $20 / night
"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!"
"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
"Primitive and private. Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing. "
"The farm was cute and a wonderful place to get outside and be in nature. The hosts were very accommodating and professional! We will definitely be returning, 10 stars!"
from $24 - $45 / night
"Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."
RangerVery nice campground with a few FHU sites, most are electric only. Some sites are pretty sloped making it hard to level longer rigs. Check carefully when making your reservation. Nice close hike to see the overlooks to the river, and there’s a well maintained hike down to the Bridal Veil Falls. Minus 1 star for the horrible push-button operated showers that only stay on for 6 seconds at a time. Good phone service for both t-mobile and AT&T.
GuideWe came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
RangerDespite its limitations, this city campground definitely suited our purpose for a 1-2 night stay in late October. Yes, there are trains and highway traffic. Correct, there are only 110 hookups. However, this space is also suitable for larger RV's IF experienced with dispersed camping. We stayed in our 43-ft motorhome and found #6 (to the left of the site near the playground) was pretty level. Did not need elec bc able to get solar charge on our panels where we parked. Great little playground if you have kids!! My only caution is if it's wet -- larger rigs might sink in the grass. We were lucky to have beautiful weather while there! Easy to grab an envelope near entrance & deposit $$ in the dropbox.
LegendTons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station
ScoutVery quiet campground. Not a bad spot. Has dump station and a few water spigots to fill up on your way in. Plenty of old trees. Cell service is spotty.
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
GuideCampground sits on a hill overlooking a number of farms. Absolutely beautiful. Decent sized sites, full hook-ups. Also a dump station. Small store on site. Trees provide shade. Many acres of paths and grass to walk the dog. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Whole place is neat and tidy. Only negative is highway noise. Pull through sites are farther from highway so may be less noisy there.
Tent campsites near Colesburg, Iowa provide primitive outdoor experiences across northeast Iowa's distinctive Driftless Area topography. This region features unusual limestone bluffs, deep valleys, and cold-water trout streams not typical of Iowa's generally flat landscape. Many sites remain under-developed with seasonal closures during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making fall and spring popular camping seasons.
Trout fishing access: Echo Valley State Park Campground offers non-electric sites positioned along a quality trout stream. "This campground is non-electric, self-pay, non-reservable, and has only a few sites. There is a nice trout stream, with a few sites right by the stream," notes Kerry M.
Hiking trail exploration: Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry features several connecting trails for day hiking or backpacking. According to Kevin C., "I've done this loop several times, and have never been disappointed. Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails. There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy."
Star observation: The rural setting provides minimal light pollution for astronomy. At Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay, campers experience "Dark skies with billions of stars. Enjoy a campfire, that's a must," according to Alissa G.
Fishing opportunities: Wakpicada Natural Area provides pond access with good tree cover. Parker H. reports, "Went when it was 110 degrees with humidity. Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other."
Separation between sites: Gateway Park Campground offers varying site configurations. "3 drive through sites and 4 back in spots with a few nice trees. Water electric and sewer connections at each site with a separate dump station," notes Brody.
Proximity to regional attractions: Northeast Iowa camping puts visitors near several unique destinations. Gardner Family Farm mentions they're "Close to Field of Dreams movie site, Backbone State Park, Frank Lloyd's Cedar Rock, and Hazleton Amish community. Just North of Cedar Rapids, tucked into the heartland."
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites require self-sufficiency. At Camp John Schultz, Kimberly W. advises, "If you require electric bring a generator. Water is available but needs to be carried in. We loved the lack of cell phone reception!"
First-come availability: Many local sites don't accept reservations. At Echo Valley, Wilber S. mentions, "Came in late but found a spot, only 6 first come first serve camping sites. I was a quarter mile from the next nearest site."
Terrain challenges: Yellow River State Forest's rugged landscape requires preparation. Brooke M. shares, "Great park with a few longer trails for backpacking. Have used these trails/this park to prepare for longer trips."
Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options. At Gardner Family Farm, "Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing," recommends Alissa G.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Worthington Sportsman's Club provides secluded nature experiences. Becky notes, "The camping is great! So secluded without being in the middle of nowhere. People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there!"
Hiking difficulty assessment: Some trails may challenge younger children. At Camp Glen Wendel, Lynn G. advises, "Amazing place to explore for all ages. Who knew that Iowa has hills like this?! We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds."
Site limitations: Most tent campsites near Colesburg have restrictions for larger vehicles. Echo Valley is "Certainly a tent oriented campground, RVs would have a difficult time," according to Wilber S.
Electric considerations: Limited hookups available across most primitive sites. At Gateway Park Campground, larger rigs may struggle with the layout as Brody notes, "The driveways are gravel and pretty level. 3 drive through sites and 4 back in spots with a few nice trees."
Seasonal accessibility: Spring thaws and fall rains can affect road conditions to backcountry sites. Camp John Schultz requires "minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood," according to James M., highlighting the emphasis on Leave No Trace practices relevant to vehicle access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Colesburg, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Colesburg, IA is Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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