Best Dispersed Camping near New London, IA

Dispersed camping near New London, Iowa primarily centers around wildlife management areas and county parks with basic facilities. The terrain features rolling hills with oak-hickory forests interspersed with agricultural land, and camping areas sit at elevations between 650-750 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-75°F.

What to do

**Hunting opportunities: Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers public hunting areas that double as camping sites. The area provides habitat for deer, turkey, and various small game species in seasons regulated by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

**Wildlife observation: Areas surrounding New London attract diverse bird species, particularly during spring and fall migrations. One camper at Eldon Wildlife Management Area noted, "We saw several deer at dusk and countless bird species throughout our stay."

**Fishing access: Several streams and small lakes near primitive camping spots provide fishing opportunities. Access points may require short hikes from camping areas, with species including bass, catfish, and panfish depending on the water body.

What campers like

**Natural solitude: The primitive camping areas around New London offer exceptional privacy. Campers frequently mention the quietness as a primary benefit of staying in these locations.

**Stargazing conditions: Low light pollution in rural areas creates excellent night sky viewing. Clear nights offer visibility of the Milky Way and meteor showers during peak seasons.

**Cost-free camping: Most dispersed camping options near New London have no fees. A visitor to Eldon Wildlife Management Area commented, "Small lot for hunters to park and go. For a secluded spot, good enough to camp. As long as you don't need any utilities."

What you should know

**Limited facilities: Prepare for fully self-contained camping. Dispersed sites typically have no water sources, restrooms, or trash collection. Campers need to pack in all necessities and pack out all waste.

**Seasonal conditions: Late spring through early summer brings heavy mosquito activity in wooded areas. Fall offers more comfortable camping conditions with fewer insects and moderate temperatures.

**Access considerations: Many dispersed camping locations have unpaved access roads that may become difficult to navigate during or after rain. Four-wheel drive vehicles provide an advantage during wet conditions, particularly in early spring.

Tips for camping with families

**Safety preparations: When camping with children near New London, bring extra water and first aid supplies. The remote nature of these sites means emergency services may take longer to reach you if needed.

**Activity planning: Pack games and nature exploration materials for children, as these sites lack developed recreational facilities. Scavenger hunts focused on local plants and wildlife keep younger campers engaged.

**Site selection: Choose locations with natural boundaries for younger children. A reviewer at Eldon Wildlife Management Area recommended, "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."

Tips from RVers

**Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas near New London accommodate smaller RVs or trailers only. Roads often narrow with limited turnaround space, making larger rigs impractical.

**Ground conditions: Scout locations before attempting to park RVs, especially after rain. Some access points have soft shoulders or uneven terrain that can cause difficulties for wheeled camping units.

**Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks as natural sites rarely offer perfectly flat parking areas. Experienced RV campers recommend spending extra time finding the most level spot available to avoid comfort issues during extended stays.