Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Donnellson? We've got you covered. Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Donnellson, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
The White Oak Campground located in the Donnellson Unit is not available for reservations. All camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. (11 sites or less) and nonmodern.
Shimek State Forest is located in Lee and Van Buren Counties in southeast Iowa near the town of Farmington. Although the forest's original and most important function is to serve as an example of forest management for Iowas citizens, recreational opportunities abound in the forest. Visitors come from a wide area to hunt, fish, hike, ride the equestrian trails, mountain bike, camp, picnic, study nature and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can expect to find oak-hickory forests and bottomland hardwood timber forests but will also find several areas where native prairie plants can be found and about 1,000 acres which have been planted to conifers. In this extremely varied habitat wildlife is abundant. Bring your camera or spotting scope! The forest is managed by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau and is comprised of five separate units with a total of 9,148 acres. The forest headquarters is located about one mile northeast of Farmington on county road J56. The four lakes in the Farmington and Donnellson Units are stocked with bass, channel catfish and panfish. There are no designated swimming areas. The entire forest is open to hiking and hunting (except in the camping areas).
Traveler
We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.
Scout
I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.
Traveler
Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Donnellson, Iowa, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Donnellson, IA is Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
