Dispersed camping near Klemme, Iowa centers around several wildlife management areas and county parks that permit primitive camping with minimal amenities. Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area offers roadside pull-off camping with water access suitable for kayaking, though sites lack privacy during winter months when vegetation is sparse. Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area provides similar primitive camping opportunities with dirt road access and a boat launch. These areas have no designated sites but include cleared areas where visitors commonly camp.
Access to most dispersed camping locations requires navigating gravel or dirt roads that may become challenging during wet conditions. Eagle City County Park features both upper and lower camping areas along the Iowa River, with the lower area primarily used by paddlers. Most sites lack amenities beyond the basics, with Eagle City offering picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though recent reviews note toilets may be poorly maintained. According to one visitor, "We love how quiet it is, we are quite often the only ones down there." Water is available via hand pump at Eagle City, but other locations like Eagle Lake and Lake Considine have no potable water sources.
These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking seclusion and basic outdoor experiences. Lake Considine is described by campers as "completely and gloriously primitive" with fishing opportunities but requiring visitors to bring their own tables and supplies. Most locations accommodate tent camping, with some areas like Eagle Lake suitable for larger vehicles. Cross Ford River Access provides riverside camping but with minimal facilities. One camper noted, "Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all." Gates Bridge County Park offers seasonal camping from May through September. While most locations previously offered free camping, recent reports indicate Eagle City County Park now requires a $10 permit fee that must be paid shortly after claiming a site.
"Winter/ early spring) It's about a 1/4 mile off of the dirt road and makes a left towards the end with water access that is great for a kayak."
"When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp."
"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)."
RangerThis spot is exposed with virtually no privacy. (Winter/ early spring) It's about a 1/4 mile off of the dirt road and makes a left towards the end with water access that is great for a kayak. During the summer, when the corn is in, it's looks like there would be plenty of privacy. There are NO amenities here. There's plenty of room here for any size rig.
GuideThis 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.
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.
RangerIt's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter. There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life.
There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook. There's also a spot there you could potentially park, but you'll be very exposed if there is any foot traffic.
GuideIf 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.
RangerEagle 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.
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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideWow! 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.
Primitive camping near Klemme, Iowa centers around wildlife management areas and county parks nestled in the prairie landscape of north-central Iowa. Most sites sit at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in terrain characterized by rolling hills, agricultural land, and river valleys. Seasonal variations affect access considerably, with spring often bringing muddy conditions to the gravel and dirt access roads leading to these remote camping locations.
Kayaking and boating: Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area offers boat launch facilities with fishing paths extending from each side of the launch area. One visitor noted, "There's a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook."
Riverside relaxation: Eagle City County Park provides direct river access with wildflower viewing opportunities. A camper reported, "Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Considine offers fishing access in a secluded setting. According to a visitor, "There is a nice lake that is great for fishing, there was access for small boats previously (think kayak/canoe)."
Seclusion from crowds: Many campers appreciate the isolation these primitive areas provide. At Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, visitors find "a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp."
Well-maintained grounds: Despite the primitive nature, some areas receive regular maintenance. A visitor to Eagle City County Park shared, "Great camping spot! We'll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds."
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings attract various wildlife. At Cross Ford River Access, one camper experienced "Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all."
Fee changes: Some previously free sites now require payment. A recent visitor to Eagle City County Park stated, "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."
Water availability issues: Water sources may be unreliable. One camper reported, "Water well isn't working though, only downside."
Site visibility varies by season: At Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area, a camper observed, "This spot is exposed with virtually no privacy. (Winter/early spring)... During the summer, when the corn is in, it looks like there would be plenty of privacy."
Safety considerations: Some locations may feel isolated enough to cause concern. One family at Eagle City County Park reported, "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."
Bring your own amenities: Pack all necessary camping equipment. A visitor to Lake Considine advised, "If you're coming out here plan to bring a table. It's that primitive."
Off-season camping advantages: Consider camping during less busy times. One regular visitor noted, "I tend to prefer off-season when I am (often) the only camper in either campground."
Size limitations: While some sites accommodate larger vehicles, space constraints exist at most locations. At Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, a visitor observed, "There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life."
Level parking locations: Look for flat areas to set up. Eagle City County Park offers "level spots for tent and vehicle camping with fire rings."
Road conditions: Be prepared for variable access roads. Even small vehicles can access some sites, as one camper at Eagle City County Park mentioned, "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 Klemme, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Klemme, IA is Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Klemme, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Klemme, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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