Best Dispersed Camping near Lehigh, IA
Eagle City County Park near Iowa Falls offers primitive dispersed camping with two distinct areas: an upper and lower campground. The lower campground sits directly on the Iowa River across 172 acres of public land. Cross Ford River Access provides an additional dispersed camping option in the area, though with fewer amenities. Both locations allow drive-in access and are situated on maintained gravel roads, providing opportunities for campers seeking basic, natural settings without developed facilities.
Camping at Eagle City County Park now requires a $10 permit fee, payable up to 30 minutes after claiming a site. The park features fire rings, picnic tables, and a hand pump well for water, though recent reviews indicate the well may not always be operational. A vault toilet is available in the lower campground, but maintenance appears inconsistent. Cross Ford River Access offers more primitive conditions with no drinking water, toilets, or picnic tables. Both locations accommodate tents and small vehicles, though large RVs may find access challenging.
The riverside setting at Eagle City County Park creates opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. The grounds are regularly mowed but not treated for insects, so campers should prepare accordingly. Visitors frequently note the secluded nature of these sites. "We go to Eagle City at 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," one camper shared. Another noted, "Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water." Weekday visitors often report having the entire area to themselves, making these locations ideal for those seeking quiet, natural camping experiences.
