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Best Dispersed Camping near Mingo, IA

12 Reviews

Eagle City County Park offers free primitive camping on 172 acres near Iowa Falls, approximately 20 miles from Mingo. The park features both upper and lower camping areas adjacent to the Iowa River. Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available in the lower area, though recent reviews indicate they may be poorly maintained. A hand pump well provides drinking water, but functionality has been inconsistent according to visitors.

The park requires no reservations, operating on a first-come basis, though recent reviews indicate a $10 fee has been implemented as of 2024. The campground remains relatively uncrowded, with many visitors reporting they had the entire area to themselves. Access is via maintained gravel roads that accommodate standard vehicles. The area closes during winter months with gates locked and roads unplowed. A camper noted that "sites are fine with a couple of options for hammock camping," while another mentioned it has "well maintained grounds and is right on the water."

Map showing campgrounds near Mingo, IowaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mingo, Iowa (2)

    1. Eagle City County Park

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361

    "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."

    2. Cross Ford River Access

    1 Review
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mingo, IA

4 Photos of 2 Mingo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mingo, IA

12 Reviews of 2 Mingo 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.

  • 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!

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    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, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

Guide to Mingo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mingo, Iowa, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors while taking advantage of well-reviewed spots.

Scenic River Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy picturesque riverside camping at Eagle City County Park, where you can set up your tent right by the water and soak in the natural beauty.

Relaxing Activities While Free Camping Near Mingo

  • Engage in hammock camping at Eagle City County Park, which offers several options for hanging out and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Wildlife Watching Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience wildlife sightings at Cross Ford River Access, where you can immerse yourself in nature and observe local fauna during your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mingo, IA is Eagle City County Park with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.

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