Dispersed camping sites near Hampton, Iowa offer a mix of free and fee-based options with varying levels of amenities. Franklin County features multiple lake-based camping areas while adjacent counties provide river access points for paddlers and anglers. Most camping in this region operates seasonally from April through October, with a few locations extending into late fall depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Eagle City County Park provides direct access to the Iowa River with designated river entry points. As one camper notes, "We go to Eagle City at least once a year to just get away from it all... Kayakers frequent the river access on the lower side as well as some equestrian use for river access."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Considine offers completely free primitive camping with good fishing access. According to a visitor, "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."
Disc golf and recreation: Prairie Bridges Park in nearby Ackley combines camping with multiple recreational options. A visitor describes, "Has 3 playgrounds, a volley ball pit, disk golf, fishing, basketball court, shuffle board, clean shower houses, nice size sites... they have events and bands that play on a stage."
Trail exploration: Pine Lake State Park Campground offers extensive hiking opportunities with trails circling the lakes. As one camper reports, "Quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds in the area offer low-cost or free camping. Alden Riverview Campground provides excellent value as noted by a camper: "30/50/110 power. Drinking water and dump onsite but not on sites. Wifi! Hot showers, playground, boat launch, fire pits, grills, good camp host... Been hard to find all this for 15 bucks a day!"
Secluded experiences: Eagle City County Park provides a genuine sense of remoteness despite being relatively accessible. A visitor shares, "We love how quiet it is, we are quite often the only ones down there... Grounds are well maintained but not bug treated, so be prepared."
Clean facilities: Clear Lake State Park Campground maintains well-kept shower facilities. According to a camper, "This campground is clean, the shower house is nice... Paved roads are great for bike riding. Great shaded spots. DNR cruises the park daily which is nice to see."
Small-town amenities: Proximity to local towns provides convenient access to supplies. At Prairie Bridges Park, a camper notes, "Great small town campground. Very quiet, especially on weekdays. Great place to take long walks with great paths and scenery. Small town Iowa with convenience store close by."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most state park campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. At Clear Lake State Park Campground, a camper advises, "Reserve early!" while another notes, "It being full more than a week before the holiday shows how great it is."
Site spacing varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Lake Considine, a visitor describes, "It's that primitive. For us that's great though!! There is a nice lake that is great for fishing... We have never been charged to camp here."
Seasonal changes: Many campgrounds transition to reduced services in fall. Inglebretson Park County offers seasonal rate adjustments as noted by a camper: "Believe the cost was only $15 on our summer early September rate and drops to $10 basically in October for a few months."
Water access types: Lakes and rivers in the area have different entry points and recreational options. At Pine Lake State Park, a visitor details the variety: "Paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake, fishing, shore or boat (lake, stream, or river), bicycle trails, hiking trails, beach swimming."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: L. Brandt's Crazy Acres Campground & Cabin Rental offers multiple kid-friendly amenities. A visitor shares, "The kids had fun playing mini golf, swimming at the beach and playing at the playgrounds... the weekend we camped there was their Halloween trick or treating and all the campers were very nice."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas. At Clear Lake State Park, a camper mentions, "The trail to the beach is clear, the playground has nice, safe equipment for the little kids."
Bathroom facilities: Consider campgrounds with updated restrooms for family comfort. At Pine Lake State Park, a visitor notes, "They've recently updated the bathroom/shower houses to be shared bathroom spaces with individual shower 'closets' on the opposite side of the building. Excellent upgrade!"
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have regular patrol presence. As mentioned about Clear Lake State Park, "DNR cruises the park daily which is nice to see," providing additional security for families.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Dows Pool Park & Campground provides essential services for RVers at reasonable prices. A camper notes, "Large, open spaces equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Electric hookups and water also available. Reasonable rates (I think we paid $15) for one night."
Site layouts: Pay attention to how RV sites are arranged. At Beed's Lake State Park Campground, many sites follow a parallel parking design which affects privacy and setup.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies across campgrounds. At Clear Lake State Park, a visitor notes, "Sites not too level, but spacious. Camped in mid April and park was not very busy which was nice. Full hook up sites and W/E only sites."
Internet connectivity: While less commonly mentioned, some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi access. At Alden Riverview, they specifically note "Wifi!" as an available amenity, which can be important for RVers needing to stay connected.
