26 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Evansdale, Iowa includes several primitive sites and established parks, ranging from farm stays to walk-in tent campsites with trail access. Roadman Roadside Park offers tent campers a quiet setting with trees and a small pond, while Gardner Family Farm provides a more secluded farm stay experience with primitive camping. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite in Linn County features walk-in tent sites accessible by short trails.
Most tent sites in the Evansdale area have basic amenities with limited facilities. Roadman Roadside Park provides flush toilets but no showers, with well-maintained grassy areas suitable for tent setup. Several locations like Stoehr Fishing Area restrict camping to 24-hour stays and prohibit campfires. Walk-in tent sites at Wickiup Hill include a permanent shelter, fire ring with grate, and nearby restrooms. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites like Gardner Family Farm offering drinking water while others require campers to bring their own supplies.
Tent camping in this region provides access to fishing, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities away from urban light pollution. At Stoehr Fishing Area, tent campers can enjoy shore fishing for black bass and bluegill, with the sounds of pheasants and songbirds creating a pleasant natural backdrop. The walk-in tent site at Wickiup Hill provides a family-friendly experience with trail access and a nature center just yards away. A camper noted that "Evenings at Gardner Farm are memorable with dark skies and billions of stars." Several parks offer tent sites adjacent to small bodies of water, providing both recreation and scenic camping locations, though the quality and maintenance of facilities vary considerably between locations.
"It worked out well as I was tired of driving. There isn’t much to this place, which might be why I had the whole place to myself."
"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
"The site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby."
"Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee, nature center just yards away, trails, forested"
from $54 / night
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LegendVery nice state park campground. There are cabins as well as campsites. The park is adjacent to Pine Lake and water based recreation is available including swimming beach and boating. The campground is off a paved road and is near to town. There is a walking path to the boat launch from the campground. Biking/hiking trails are on property.
LegendSmall park with basic amenities along the river. There is a big event center at the entrance and keep going back and the campground is there along the river. This would be a great area for paddling the river. Seemed pretty quite and spaces are moderately spread out. There is a rifle range on the property if that interests you (negatively or positively- there is a photo of the rules in my review). No shooting while I was there.
RangerGreat little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.
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
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
ScoutThe place is very dirty and needs updating.
TravelerRight next to the Cedar River (you can watch it flow from your camp spot), also very nice pond with geese. A problem with the electricity in the first spot, but were given another spot (worked fine) peaceful sleep. Wanted to stay another day, but had to keep driving, (long way home). Would stay again and maybe try fishing.
Tent camping near Evansdale, Iowa offers seasonal considerations that vary significantly throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with occasional humidity and thunderstorms, while winter camping faces below-freezing temperatures from December through February. Most primitive sites in the region sit on relatively flat terrain between 850-950 feet elevation, with a mix of prairie and woodland environments characteristic of northeastern Iowa's landscape.
Fishing at local ponds: Stoehr Fishing Area provides shore fishing opportunities with black bass and bluegill as the main catch. One camper noted, "It has excellent shore fishing on the two ponds. The main species are black bass and bluegill, however I did catch a northern pike once. There are grass carp as well."
Nature observation: Primitive camping areas offer wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons. At Stoehr Fishing Area, campers can "Enjoy the sound of pheasants and song birds in this area. It is not heavily wooded, but there are oaks, walnuts, and buckeye trees as well as a variety of aquatic plants."
Explore nearby attractions: When camping at Gardner Family Farm, visitors have access to regional attractions. One reviewer mentioned the farm is "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."
Dark skies for stargazing: The rural setting around Evansdale creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Gardner Family Farm described, "Evenings at this farm are memorable. Dark skies with billions of stars. Enjoy a campfire, that's a must."
Water recreation: Several tent camping locations feature small ponds or water access. One family mentioned at Gardner Family Farm there's a "Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing."
Educational opportunities: Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers learning alongside camping. A reviewer appreciated that the "site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby."
Limited stay durations: Some camping areas restrict overnight stays. At Stoehr Fishing Area, "Camping is free, but limited to 24 hours" and another camper confirmed it's a "small park with maybe one primitive tent site no fire pit 24 hour is the length you can stay."
Variable facilities: Tent camping options range from very basic to those with modest amenities. At Roadman Roadside Park, a camper found "It's quiet, set in a lovely setting with trees and a small lake/pond, and it has flush toilets (but no showers). It is well maintained even if it is a bit older."
Some sites prohibit campfires: Fire regulations vary by location. A reviewer at Stoehr Fishing Area noted "There is a picnic shelter and grill, but no fire pit - campfires are not allowed."
Seasonal accessibility: Many primitive sites become difficult to access during wet weather or winter months due to unpaved access roads and limited maintenance.
Easy-access nature activities: Wickiup Hill provides family-friendly features close to camp. A reviewer mentioned, "Along the trail into the site, you will find a large play area for families" and another noted the "nature center just yards away, trails, forested areas, ADA platform for tent."
Private farm camping: For a unique experience, River Ranch Camping offers a more secluded setting. One family shared, "My family loves River ranch. It dont have all the amenities like other camp grounds but that's what makes it a great place to camp. It is Back woods camping."
Pack water and supplies: Most tent camping options near Evansdale require self-sufficiency. Bring drinking water, food, and basic supplies as services are limited within 5-10 miles of most camping areas.
Plan for bathroom access: Toilet facilities vary widely between locations, with some sites having flush toilets while others have pit toilets or no facilities at all.
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping areas near Evansdale aren't suitable for larger recreational vehicles. A camper at Roadman Roadside Park observed, "There are no hookups of any kind for RVs and I'm not really sure you can have an RV anywhere but in the gravel parking lot."
Seek established campgrounds for amenities: For RVers needing hookups, focus on designated RV parks rather than primitive sites. Tent-focused areas like Stoehr Fishing Area are described as having "maybe one primitive tent site" with limited parking.
Pack-in camping option: For those with small conversion vans or camping vehicles, Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers a "county pack in Primitive site" with "fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Evansdale, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Evansdale, IA is Roadman Roadside Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Evansdale, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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