Best Dispersed Camping near Evansdale, IA

Dispersed camping near Evansdale, Iowa includes several free primitive sites with Eagle City County Park serving as the most developed option among basic facilities. The park features both an upper and lower camping area along the Iowa River, approximately 30 miles west of Evansdale. Additional sites include Lake Considine near Dumont and Cross Ford River Access, which provide varying levels of primitive camping experiences without formal campground infrastructure.

Access roads to these dispersed sites typically consist of maintained gravel routes, though conditions vary seasonally. Eagle City Park requires navigating several miles of gravel roads to reach its secluded location. Most sites accommodate tents and small trailers, though big rigs may face challenges except at Cross Ford River Access. Recent changes have affected some locations, with Eagle City Park now requiring a $10 permit despite being previously free. Water availability is limited to a hand pump at Eagle City, while other locations like Lake Considine have no potable water sources.

These primitive camping areas feature riverside settings with varying levels of seclusion. Eagle City Park provides the most amenities among the dispersed options, with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets in the lower camping area. Lake Considine offers a completely primitive experience beside a fishing lake. "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," according to feedback on The Dyrt. Many campers appreciate the solitude, with one visitor noting Eagle City Park as "close to home but feels cut off which is what I look for when camping."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Evansdale, Iowa (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Evansdale, IA

4 Photos of 4 Evansdale Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Evansdale, IA

13 Reviews of 4 Evansdale Campgrounds


  • Brian F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2020

    Eagle City County Park

    Quiet camping in the middle of nowhere.

    This 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Eagle City County Park

    Fee required now

    Note 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.

  • Chantal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2021

    Lake Considine

    Completely and Gloriously Primitive

    If 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.

  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 8, 2021

    Eagle City County Park

    Secluded campground near the Iowa River

    Eagle 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.

  • Jason K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Eagle City County Park

    Good for an overnight stop

    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.

  • Chantal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2021

    Eagle City County Park

    Perfect Primitive Camping

    We 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.

  • Megan C.
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Eagle City County Park

    Our Favorite Little Spot

    Wow! 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.

  • C
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Eagle City County Park

    Amazing spot

    Couldn’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.

  • A
    Nov. 29, 2021

    Eagle City County Park

    Great spot!

    Had 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!


Guide to Evansdale

Dispersed camping near Evansdale, Iowa offers secluded options in the rolling hills of northeastern Iowa, where campers can experience unstructured outdoor stays along waterways at elevations between 800-900 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, making spring and fall popular for primitive camping. Seasonal road closures impact accessibility to some sites, particularly during late fall through early spring when gates may be locked.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Eagle City County Park provides direct access to the Iowa River with multiple fishing spots. "We go to Eagle City a least once a year to just get away from it all... We have only camped on the lower side to facilitate fishing the river," reports Chantal C., highlighting the park's dual purpose for anglers and campers.

River paddling: The Iowa River adjacent to several dispersed sites supports kayaking and canoeing, particularly during spring and summer months. "Kayakers frequent the river access on the lower side as well as some equestrian use for river access," notes one regular visitor, pointing to the multi-use water access points available.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances to spot local wildlife. Wayne H. from Cross Ford River Access mentions, "Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all," suggesting longer stays allow campers to observe the natural ecosystem.

What campers like

Seclusion factor: Most dispersed sites near Evansdale provide privacy without crowds. Jonathan at Eagle City County Park recounts, "I had the entire campground to myself the night I stayed here. It has well maintained grounds and is right on the water," demonstrating the appeal of solitary camping experiences.

Natural setting: Lake Considine offers a completely undeveloped camping experience beside a fishing lake. According to Chantal C., "There is a nice lake that is great for fishing, there was access for small boats previously (think kayak/canoe)," highlighting the site's natural attractions without developed amenities.

Well-maintained grounds: Despite their primitive status, several sites receive regular maintenance. "Great camping spot! We'll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds," reports Austin A., noting the care taken at Eagle City despite its remote location.

What you should know

Recent fee implementation: Several previously free sites now require payment. Brian notes that at Eagle City Park, "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."

Limited facilities: Prepare for genuinely primitive conditions at most dispersed sites. Jason K. observes, "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," indicating technology hasn't completely improved the camping experience.

Water reliability issues: Hand pumps, when available, may not function consistently. "Water well isn't working though, only downside," reports Austin A. from a recent stay, suggesting campers should always bring their own water supply regardless of listed amenities.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for children: Choose locations with level ground and accessible water features. Megan C. from Gates Bridge County Park shares, "Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water," highlighting features that make primitive camping more manageable with children.

Safety considerations: Some remote areas may feel isolated or unsafe for families. One camper reports, "Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen."

Seasonal planning: Time visits to avoid peak insect activity. "Grounds are well maintained but not bug treated, so be prepared," advises Chantal C., suggesting early spring or fall camping might be more comfortable for families with young children.

Tips from RVers

Accessibility assessment: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs but present challenges for larger vehicles. Caleb S. notes, "It was also easy to find and access even with a low clearance car," while another camper explains, "You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long."

Self-containment requirements: RVers should arrive fully self-sufficient with water and waste management solutions. Without hookups or dump stations, campers at Lake Considine are advised to "bring a camper if you're ok with no hookups," emphasizing the need for complete self-sufficiency.

Seasonal road conditions: Gravel access roads can deteriorate after rain or during spring thaw. Kerry M. notes, "The gates are closed all winter, often into late spring. The roads are not plowed in either campsite," warning RVers about seasonal closures affecting vehicle access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Evansdale, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Evansdale, IA is Eagle City County Park with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Evansdale, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Evansdale, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.