Best Dispersed Camping near Gilbert, IA
Dispersed camping options near Gilbert, Iowa include Eagle City County Park and Cross Ford River Access, both located approximately 30 miles northeast in the Iowa Falls area. Eagle City County Park spans 172 acres with primitive camping areas divided between upper and lower levels along the Iowa River. The park features established campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. As of 2024, a $10 permit fee is required, payable within 30 minutes of claiming a site. Several campers noted the park's secluded nature, with one visitor describing it as "feeling cut off, which is what I look for when camping."
Road access to Eagle City County Park involves traveling a couple miles on maintained gravel roads, accessible even with low-clearance vehicles. The campground provides basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and level spots suitable for tents and small RVs. A hand pump well supplies drinking water, though recent visitors report it may be non-operational at times. The park includes a vault toilet in the lower campground. Campers should pack out all trash as no receptacles are available on site.
The camping season typically runs from late spring through fall. Winter access is restricted with gates closed and roads unplowed. The lower campground area serves as a popular access point for kayakers and anglers using the Iowa River. Cross Ford River Access offers more primitive accommodations with no drinking water, toilets, or picnic tables. Both locations permit pets and alcohol. Visitors should prepare for insects during summer months as the grounds are well-maintained but not treated for bugs. Cell service may be limited in these rural locations.
