Best Dispersed Camping near Marshalltown, IA
Dispersed camping options near Marshalltown, Iowa include several primitive sites within a short drive. Eagle City County Park, located on 172 acres with upper and lower camping areas, sits alongside the Iowa River. Cross Ford River Access provides basic river-adjacent camping, while Lake Considine offers a more secluded experience with fishing opportunities. These sites feature varying levels of amenities but all provide primitive camping experiences typical of Iowa's county-managed public lands.
Eagle City County Park now requires a $10 permit fee, payable within 30 minutes of claiming a site. The park features level spots for tents and vehicles, fire rings, and picnic tables. According to recent reviews, the hand pump well for drinking water may be unreliable, so campers should bring their own water supply. The park includes both an upper and lower section, with the lower area providing direct river access popular with paddlers and anglers.
Road access to these sites is generally good, with Eagle City accessible via maintained gravel roads that accommodate standard vehicles. Several campers noted that even low-clearance cars can reach the sites without difficulty. The camping season typically runs from late spring through fall, with gates closed during winter months. No trash receptacles are available at these locations, so visitors must pack out all waste. Insect protection is advisable, particularly during summer months, as the grounds are not treated for bugs. Wildlife sightings are common, adding to the natural experience these primitive camping areas provide.
