Tent campsites near Edgewood, Iowa offer basic but scenic overnight options amid the northeastern Iowa countryside. Most sites sit at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, providing campers with cooler summer temperatures compared to southern Iowa. The region's tent camping typically reaches peak capacity during holiday weekends, with limited rainfall averaging 3-4 inches monthly during summer camping season.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Echo Valley State Park Campground features a quality trout stream right next to several primitive sites. According to one camper, "There is a nice trout stream, with a few sites right by the stream. It is most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping."
Backpacking trails: Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry offers extensive hiking with challenging terrain. "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," notes reviewer J.T. Another visitor adds, "I've done this loop several times, and have never been disappointed. Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails."
Pond recreation: Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay provides water activities beyond basic camping. "Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing," shares a reviewer. The farm's setting offers activities not found at standard public campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Echo Valley campers appreciate the significant separation between tent sites. One visitor noted, "Certainly a tent oriented campground, RVs would have a difficult time. The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee."
Night sky viewing: Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay receives praise for its dark skies. "Evenings at this farm are memorable. Dark skies with billions of stars. Enjoy a campfire, that's a must. Primitive and private," reports one camper.
Budget-friendly options: Yellow River State Forest offers exceptional value. According to a camper, "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."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most tent sites near Edgewood have minimal facilities. At Yellow River, a camper notes, "No showers or dump station. But it was great." Prepare accordingly by bringing necessary supplies.
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. Echo Valley Campground is described as "non-electric, self-pay, non-reservable, and has only a few sites," making advance planning critical.
Wildlife encounters: Wakpicada Natural Area offers good wildlife viewing opportunities alongside fishing. "Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other. I consider it a little hidden gem," notes a camper who visited during extreme heat.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can be challenging. A Wakpicada visitor mentioned camping "when it was 110 degrees with humidity. Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife watching: Yellow River State Forest provides excellent family nature experiences. A 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)."
Child-friendly activities: Worthington Sportsman's Club offers sheltered camping with pond access. "The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles). Great fishing while we were there too," reports one family.
Safety awareness: Parents should note hunting seasons at Yellow River. One camper advises, "There is hunting open to the public so enjoy and/or be careful!" Check forest regulations before planning family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most camping areas near Edgewood are primarily designed for tents. A Gateway Park visitor described, "There's a new children's play area and a very nice American wars memorial. The driveways are gravel and pretty level. 3 drive through sites and 4 back in spots with a few nice trees."
Access challenges: Larger vehicles may struggle at many locations. Echo Valley specifically notes that "large RVs would not do well" on their access roads and camping areas, restricting RV camping primarily to smaller units.
