Eagle City County Park near Iowa Falls offers free, primitive camping with options in both upper and lower campgrounds along the Iowa River. The lower area features several sites directly on the riverbank, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables on well-maintained grounds. The 172-acre park includes vault toilets, though recent visitors report mixed experiences with their maintenance. A hand pump provides drinking water, but campers note it doesn't always function reliably.
Recent policy changes have introduced a $10 fee requirement, payable online after claiming a first-come, first-served site. The campground provides good access for most vehicles, including small trailers and vans, though nothing too large. As one camper shared, "You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long." The area remains relatively undiscovered, with visitors frequently reporting having the entire campground to themselves, especially during off-peak seasons. Additional dispersed options include Cross Ford River Access in Iowa Falls and Lake Considine near Dumont, both offering primitive camping with no facilities or hookups.
"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."
"There is a nice lake that is great for fishing, there was access for small boats previously (think kayak/canoe)."
"Lake Considine, IA. 5 out of 5. 10/28/26 Would recommend. Free. Friendly passerby’s. Gravel road no potholes. Fish galore. Pull in is nice and smooth. Quiet. Saw deer. Coyotes in distance."
RangerLake Considine, IA. 5 out of 5. 10/28/26
Would recommend. Free. Friendly passerby’s. Gravel road no potholes. Fish galore. Pull in is nice and smooth. Quiet. Saw deer. Coyotes in distance. Fire pit area. Worn out table there. Boat load in. Beautiful scenery.
RangerNot free $10 a night.
RangerNot free. $10 a night. Haven’t been here yet just writing a review to let everyone know it’s not free.
GuideNice spot, $10 fee “required” but the QR code is in disrepair so it may as well be free until they fix it, lol. The review that says someone followed them is weird, first of all it’s not even a lake, it’s the Iowa River, and maybe they just wanted a place to get it on? There’s a house right at the beginning of the trail, it didn’t feel unsafe at all solo camping there. Plus, there is quite obvious pit toilets, but I don’t think they’re maintained at all. Still, it’s a place to poop.
ScoutPulled up right on the lake! A local fisherman came by was quiet and respectful. No, bathroom - there is a Kwik Star about 8 minutes away though!
TravelerComing in from the west there is a large u-shaped pull-off to the left just before a gate that is used to close the road for flooding. There are no signs. The lot area appears to be mowed annually. I parked along the lake/river shore without issues and popped up my truck tent. Over 40 bird species and a curious bald eagle dropped in and observed me through sunset.
GuideLiked 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.
ScoutFirst, 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.
GuideNote 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.
Eagle City County Park's 172-acre landscape provides dispersed camping opportunities along the Iowa River, with seasonal considerations affecting site availability. The lower campground features riverside spots while the upper area offers more secluded options. During spring and fall, campers frequently report having the entire area to themselves. Several other free camping near Garwin, Iowa locations exist within reasonable driving distance, providing alternatives when Eagle City reaches capacity.
River activities: Kayakers frequent Eagle City County Park for river access. The lower campground provides direct access to the Iowa River for paddling and fishing. "The Iowa River runs next to this campground. The campground is down a couple miles of maintained gravel Rd," notes Brian F.
Wildlife watching: The natural surroundings support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all," reports Wayne H. about his stay at Cross Ford River Access.
Fishing: Lake Considine offers fishing opportunities in a primitive setting. "There is a nice lake that is great for fishing, there was access for small boats previously (think kayak/canoe)," explains Chantal C., highlighting the area's angling potential.
Seclusion: Many visitors appreciate the quiet, undeveloped nature of these campgrounds. "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," shares Chantal C. about her experiences at Eagle City.
Riverside spots: Direct access to water ranks highly among camper preferences. "Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water," reports Megan C. about her time at Eagle City County Park.
Low traffic: The remote nature ensures limited crowds even during peak seasons. "I needed a place to stay between Wisconsin and Colorado and this place fit the bill. I had the entire campground to myself the night I stayed here," notes Jonathan about Eagle City, highlighting its value for travelers seeking solitude.
Recent fee changes: Several formerly free sites now require payment. "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," explains Brian about Eagle City County Park.
Facility limitations: Services vary significantly between sites. "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," reports Jason K. about Eagle City Park.
Seasonal closures: Winter accessibility can be restricted. "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," warns Kerry M.
Safety considerations: Some locations may feel isolated, affecting comfort levels. "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," reports Kara S. about her experience at Eagle City County Park.
Water reliability: Hand pump functionality varies throughout the season. "Water well isn't working though, only downside," mentions Austin A., suggesting families bring sufficient water supplies regardless of listed amenities.
Trash management: Pack out policies require planning. "As there are no trash containers, it is not uncommon to find the firepits full of burned or unburned trash," observes Kerry M., highlighting the importance of bringing garbage bags and teaching children leave-no-trace principles.
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping near Garwin accommodates smaller rigs only. "It's that primitive. For us that's great though!! 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," explains Chantal C. about Lake Considine.
Level sites: Some areas provide suitable parking for vehicles. "Great camping spot! We'll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds," reports Austin A. about his experience at Eagle City, where grounds maintenance includes keeping sites reasonably level.
Low clearance access: Vehicle accessibility remains good despite primitive conditions. "It was also easy to find and access even with a low clearance car," notes Caleb S., indicating that specialized off-road vehicles aren't necessary to reach most sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Garwin, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Garwin, IA is Eagle City County Park with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.
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