20 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several tent camping options dot the rural landscapes surrounding Dyersville, Iowa, with both primitive and established sites available within a 30-mile radius. Notable locations include Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offering free primitive tent camping with hike-in access, and Yellow River State Forest's Camp Glen Wendel providing backcountry tent sites along hiking trails approximately 40 miles northeast of Dyersville. Wakpicada Natural Area provides secluded tent camping near a fishing pond with sites tucked among trees.
Most primitive tent sites in the region require campers to pack in their own water and supplies. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area features basic pit toilets but no drinking water sources, making water purification equipment essential for overnight stays. Tent pads vary from compacted soil to forest duff with minimal site development. Fire rings are available at most locations, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply depending on conditions. Campers should note that many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservation systems, particularly at wildlife areas and county parks.
Tent camping in this region provides access to diverse natural environments including riverside locations, wooded hillsides, and quiet ponds. A camper noted that at Wakpicada Natural Area, "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." Yellow River State Forest backcountry sites receive consistent praise for their seclusion, with reviewers highlighting the exceptional stargazing opportunities. Dense forests provide ample shade during summer months, making tent campsites more comfortable than exposed areas. Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with deer, turkeys, and various bird species commonly spotted from campsites. Many tent-only areas feature proximity to hiking trails, creating convenient basecamp options for day hikers. The concentration of free and low-cost primitive tent campsites in the area makes Dyersville a practical base for budget-conscious campers exploring northeastern Iowa.
"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."
"Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine."
"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."
"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"Jungletown Ridge is perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights int he woods. Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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
LegendUnique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace.
ScoutNice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.
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.
GuideThe pros: $10 fee ($15 electric), campground seems well maintained (grass is mown, security light works, tables in good repair, gravel access road in good shape, etc); no one here but us, the sound of the running Creek is soothing, vault toilet is probably the cleanest I've seen; ATT cell service was 3bars 5G The unusual: no specific site, no specific place to pull into, no site numbers or designation except on the electric pedestals. It's all grass. Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want. The cons: highway traffic noise is easily heard and doesn't seem to stop for more than a few seconds (though the crickets/bug sounds and the creek sound is sometimes louder so you hear that instead), dust from vehicles passing on nearby dirt road filters thru the trees (due to dry weather?), and, well, it is, after all, a vault toilet-not my fav,
LegendGeneral: This is a small (29-site) county park campground situated along the North Fork Maquoketa River. Nine of the sites are reservable, and the rest are first-come, first-served. Some sites are primitive, and some have water and 30-amp electricity hookups. There is one ADA-accessible site with a paved camper pad.
Site Quality: Most sites are level. The camper pads are gravel/grass, but not all are clearly defined. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.
Bath/Shower: The bath/shower house was closed when we were there in November but there are vault toilets about a quarter mile from the campground (in the day-use area) that were very clean and well-stocked when we were there.
Activities/Amenities: Many activities including disc golf, three hiking trails, volleyball, two playgrounds (one in the day-use area and one by the campsites). There are two reservable picnic shelters. There is also a dump station.
We were tent camping in November on a backpacking trip so we didn’t take advantage of any of the activities but would return in our van on a future camping trip. We were the ONLY ones in the campground at this time of year!
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
LegendCampground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables. Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails.
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.
RangerMud Lake is a wonderful county park near Dubuque. Beautiful views of the Mississippi River. We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. The sites are mostly sunny. The park streets are gravel with gravel sites. The park is quiet except for the occasional train from the nearby tracks. Great value for $21. Electric and water hookups. Marina and boathouse next door.
Stayed in campsite #35 which has no shade. It was a gravel site which shares a pull-through with site 36. There was more than enough parking for my TT and truck and grass on either side. The site included: picnic table and fire ring. Utilities were located in the rear. 20A/50A electric and water. Site was level. Neighbors were nearby.
AT&T had 2 bars of LTE and Verizon 2 bars of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 47 Mbps down, 1.3 Mbps up. Verizon data VERY SLOW. No WiFi.
Would stay here again. We camped at Mud Lake Park in a Travel Trailer.
Tent camping opportunities near Dyersville, Iowa include primitive sites with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. The region features rolling hills and limestone bluffs with elevation changes of 200-400 feet between river valleys and ridgetops. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, with cooler evenings around 60°F, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature swings requiring adaptable gear.
Fishing opportunities: At Gardner Family Farm, campers have access to a recreational pond for swimming and fishing. According to one reviewer, "Kids be sure to try the rope swing. Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming."
Star gazing: Rural Iowa's minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Camp Glen Wendel noted, "Great spot to view the stars. Awesome for kids." Another visitor to Gardner Family Farm described "Dark skies with billions of stars. Evenings at this farm are memorable."
Hiking trails: Backcountry trails at Camp Glen Wendel Yellow River State Forest range from beginner to challenging terrain. One hiker shared, "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."
Secluded camping: The Worthington Sportsman's Club offers hidden camping spots that provide privacy. A camper described, "So secluded without being in the middle of nowhere. 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)."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, some campgrounds maintain good standards. A Worthington Sportsman's Club visitor noted, "I was skeptical about the pit toilets but the one closest to our site was very clean!"
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers can find economical sites in the region. One reviewer of Yellow River State Forest mentioned, "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."
Reservation requirements: Many sites operate on a first-come basis, but Joinerville County Park has special requirements. A reviewer explains, "CG is day use year-round though primitive camping is by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay. Gravel access road into and around park."
Water availability: Most primitive sites require bringing water. At Camp Glen Wendel, "Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk," according to a camper, but isn't available at individual sites.
Primitive conditions: Expect minimal facilities at most locations. A reviewer at Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area noted, "Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace."
Best sites for kids: Some locations specifically accommodate families better than others. A Yellow River State Forest visitor shared, "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."
Safety awareness: Certain areas have multiple uses to be aware of. As one camper at Yellow River State Forest noted, "There is hunting open to the public so enjoy and/or be careful!"
Short backpacking: Introduce children to backpacking with manageable distances. At Camp Glen Wendel, a camper shared, "Camp Glen Wendel is about 1 mile in from self camp registration at HQ. Sites have fire rings and benches, some more spacious than others."
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites around Dyersville cater primarily to tent campers. At Jungletown Ridge, "Jungletown Ridge is perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights in the woods."
Access challenges: Many areas have limited access for larger vehicles. Worthington Sportsman's Club notes no big-rig accessibility, with mostly drive-in and walk-in options.
Alternative farm stays: For those seeking more amenities while tent camping, farm stays offer unique options. A visitor to Gardner Family Farm described it as "Primitive and private. 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dyersville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dyersville, IA is Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Dyersville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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