Best Dispersed Camping near New London, IA

Want to go dispersed camping near New London? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near New London. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New London, IA (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    1. Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    19 Saves
    Farmington, Iowa

    The White Oak Campground located in the Donnellson Unit is not available for reservations. All camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. (11 sites or less) and nonmodern.

    Shimek State Forest is located in Lee and Van Buren Counties in southeast Iowa near the town of Farmington. Although the forest's original and most important function is to serve as an example of forest management for Iowas citizens, recreational opportunities abound in the forest. Visitors come from a wide area to hunt, fish, hike, ride the equestrian trails, mountain bike, camp, picnic, study nature and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can expect to find oak-hickory forests and bottomland hardwood timber forests but will also find several areas where native prairie plants can be found and about 1,000 acres which have been planted to conifers. In this extremely varied habitat wildlife is abundant. Bring your camera or spotting scope! The forest is managed by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau and is comprised of five separate units with a total of 9,148 acres. The forest headquarters is located about one mile northeast of Farmington on county road J56. The four lakes in the Farmington and Donnellson Units are stocked with bass, channel catfish and panfish. There are no designated swimming areas. The entire forest is open to hiking and hunting (except in the camping areas).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in New London

3 Reviews of 2 New London Campgrounds


  • Rebecca W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    Quiet and Secluded

    We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    May. 12, 2024

    Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    Peaceful Paradise

    Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.



Guide to New London

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New London, Iowa, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the simplicity of camping.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near New London, Iowa

  • Many dispersed camping areas operate on an honor system for fees; for instance, Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground has a nominal fee of $10 per night, making it an affordable option for campers.

Secluded spots for nature enthusiasts

  • If you're looking for a quiet retreat, the Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers secluded camping next to cornfields, ensuring a peaceful experience away from road noise and crowds.

Activities while free camping near New London

Frequently Asked Questions