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Best Dispersed Camping near Ferguson, IA

12 Reviews

The rural landscape surrounding Ferguson, Iowa features primitive camping options within a short drive, primarily centered around the Iowa River corridor. Eagle City County Park, located near Iowa Falls, offers secluded riverside camping with both upper and lower camping areas spread across 172 acres of natural terrain. Cross Ford River Access provides additional dispersed camping opportunities in the region. These sites generally cater to tent campers and smaller recreational vehicles seeking basic amenities and natural settings, with most campgrounds maintaining a rustic character that appeals to those looking for quieter outdoor experiences away from developed facilities.

Camping regulations have evolved in recent years, with Eagle City County Park now requiring a $10 permit fee for overnight stays, payable within 30 minutes of claiming a site. According to recent visitor reports, "Sites are first come first served with no reservations." Access to most camping areas involves traveling maintained gravel roads, generally accessible with standard vehicles. Seasonal considerations affect availability, as one camper noted, "The gates are closed all winter, often into late spring. The roads are not plowed in either campsite." Basic amenities vary between locations, with Eagle City providing fire rings, picnic tables, and a hand pump for water, though visitors report inconsistent maintenance of facilities.

Riverside locations constitute the primary draw for campers in the Ferguson area. Visitors consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere and water access as highlights of their experience. As one camper observed, "It has well maintained grounds and is right on the water. The spots aren't super clear, but for a free spot with picnic tables and fire pits, it's definitely 5/5." Wildlife viewing opportunities and fishing access enhance the camping experience. Campers frequently report having entire campgrounds to themselves, particularly during weekdays and shoulder seasons. Summer brings more visitors but rarely reaches capacity. Insect activity can be significant during warmer months, with one visitor noting, "Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ferguson, Iowa (2)

    1. Eagle City County Park

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361

    "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."

    "Sites are first come first served with no reservations. Cost is $10 and you can pay up to 30 min after claiming your site."

    2. Cross Ford River Access

    1 Review
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ferguson, IA

4 Photos of 2 Ferguson Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ferguson, IA

12 Reviews of 2 Ferguson 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.

  • 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!

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    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. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

Guide to Ferguson

Dispersed camping opportunities near Ferguson, Iowa are primarily concentrated along the Iowa River corridor. This rural area sits at approximately 1,050 feet elevation with a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Ferguson camping areas receive about 35 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush riverside environments that attract paddlers and anglers throughout the warmer months.

What to do

Paddling experiences: The Iowa River provides excellent paddling opportunities for campers at Eagle City County Park. The lower campground serves as a paddlers camp directly on the river. According to Kerry M., "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."

Wildlife observation: The natural areas surrounding camping spots offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Cross Ford River Access, campers report seeing various animals. Wayne H. noted, "Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all."

Seasonal hiking: The rural landscape provides hiking trails that can be enjoyed year-round. Kerry M. mentions that even when camping isn't available: "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."

What campers like

Seclusion and quiet: Campers consistently appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at dispersed sites near Ferguson. Chantal C. shares about Eagle City Park: "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."

Riverside locations: Direct water access is a major draw for free camping near Ferguson, Iowa. Jonathan found Eagle City's location ideal: "It has well maintained grounds and is right on the water. The spots aren't super clear, but for a free spot with picnic tables and fire pits, it's definitely 5/5."

Natural setting: The undeveloped character of camping areas appeals to those seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Megan C. was pleasantly surprised: "Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water."

What you should know

Payment requirements: Recent policy changes have affected camping fees. Brian notes, "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."

Limited facilities: Facilities at dispersed camping areas vary and may not be consistently maintained. Kerry M. cautions about Eagle City: "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."

Water availability: Water access can be unreliable at camping areas near Ferguson. Austin A. mentions: "Great camping spot! We'll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds. Water well isn't working though, only downside."

Tips for camping with families

Multiple camping areas: Families should know about the different camping zones available. Brian F. explains: "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."

Visitor frequency: Weekdays often provide more seclusion for family camping trips. Chantal C. reports, "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."

Ground maintenance: Areas around Ferguson are generally well-maintained but require typical outdoor preparations. Chantal C. advises: "Grounds are well maintained but not bug treated, so be prepared."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: RVers should be aware of space and access constraints. Jonathan advises: "You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long."

Weather considerations: RV campers should plan according to seasonal conditions. Chantal C. shares, "We have camped with an RV when its cooler and doesn't need an A/C but we love to tent camp out there."

Road access: Most camping areas near Ferguson are accessible via maintained gravel roads. Caleb S. notes: "It was also easy to find and access even with a low clearance car."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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