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Best Dispersed Camping near Janesville, IA

13 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Janesville, Iowa primarily consists of a few primitive sites situated along rivers and in natural areas within driving distance. Lake Considine offers completely primitive camping with no facilities, situated on a small lake suitable for fishing and non-motorized boating. Eagle City County Park provides another dispersed camping option approximately 25 miles southwest of Janesville along the Iowa River, while Gates Bridge County Park and Cross Ford River Access offer additional primitive camping locations within the region.

Most access roads to these dispersed sites are gravel or dirt, requiring careful navigation during wet conditions. Lake Considine features the most primitive experience with no amenities whatsoever, while Eagle City County Park provides basic facilities including pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and a hand pump for water. Recent policy changes have implemented a $10 fee at Eagle City County Park, despite it previously being free. Gates Bridge County Park operates seasonally from May to September. None of these areas provide electric hookups, showers, or sanitary dump stations.

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking seclusion and basic outdoor experiences. Eagle City County Park receives positive feedback for its riverside location and maintained grounds. According to one visitor, "It's close to home but feels cut off which is what I look for when camping." Another noted, "We love how quiet it is, we are quite often the only ones down there." Lake Considine provides even greater seclusion, described as "completely and gloriously primitive" with visitors advised to bring their own table. The grounds at Eagle City are regularly mowed, and the sites accommodate tents, small trailers, and vans, though not large RVs. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at these locations, particularly Cross Ford River Access, where campers report good wildlife sightings during extended stays.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Janesville, Iowa (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Janesville, IA

4 Photos of 4 Janesville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Janesville, IA

13 Reviews of 4 Janesville 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.

  • Chantal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2021

    Lake Considine

    Completely and Gloriously Primitive

    If you're coming out here plan to bring a table. It's that primitive. For us that's great though!! 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 with a cleared out area that you could set a tent or bring a camper if you're ok with no hookups. We love the simplicity and seclusion this area provides. We have never been charged to camp here.

  • 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!

Guide to Janesville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Janesville, Iowa, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the serene landscapes.

Secluded Spots for Peaceful Retreats

  • For those seeking solitude, Siggelkov County Park offers a quiet environment along the Wapsi River, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.
  • If you prefer a more primitive experience, Lake Considine is nestled in a secluded area surrounded by trees, ideal for tent camping and fishing.
  • Gates Bridge County Park provides a tranquil setting for those who enjoy a rustic camping experience, with the added bonus of being accessible from May to September.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Janesville, Iowa

  • Always check for amenities before heading out; for instance, Eagle City County Park has drinking water and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • Be prepared for a lack of facilities at places like Cross Ford River Access, which offers a more rugged experience without drinking water or toilets.
  • Remember to bring your own firewood and supplies, as many spots, including Lake Considine, do not provide these amenities.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Janesville

  • Kayaking and canoeing are popular at Siggelkov County Park, where you can enjoy the calm waters of the Wapsi River.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Lake Considine, known for its serene lake surrounded by nature.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, Gates Bridge County Park offers trails that lead to beautiful views and a chance to explore the local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Janesville, IA is Lake Considine with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Janesville, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Janesville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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