Top Free Dispersed Camping near Nora Springs, IA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Nora Springs, IA (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Nora Springs

14 Reviews of 5 Nora Springs Campgrounds


  • Jason K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area

    Good spot, but not exactly private

    It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter. There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life.

    There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook. There's also a spot there you could potentially park, but you'll be very exposed if there is any foot traffic.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area
    Mar. 29, 2024

    Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area

    Nice spot at the end of the dirt road

    This spot is exposed with virtually no privacy. (Winter/ early spring) It's about a 1/4 mile off of the dirt road and makes a left towards the end with water access that is great for a kayak. During the summer, when the corn is in, it's looks like there would be plenty of privacy. There are NO amenities here. There's plenty of room here for any size rig.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Eagle City County Park

    Great stay

    Great camping spot! We’ll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds. Water well isn’t working though, only downside. Will definitely come again

  • Megan C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    Aug. 12, 2022

    Eagle City County Park

    Nice secluded spot

    I needed a place to stay between Wisconsin and Colorado and this place fit the bill. I had the entire campground to myself the night I stayed here. It has well maintained grounds and is right on the water. The spots aren’t super clear, but for a free spot with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s definitely 5/5. I wish more municipalities had these types of campgrounds! You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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!

  • Chantal C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Considine
    Sep. 22, 2021

    Lake Considine

    Completely and Gloriously Primitive

    If you're coming out here plan to bring a table. It's that primitive. For us that's great though!! There is a nice lake that is great for fishing, there was access for small boats previously (think kayak/canoe). It is located out literally in the middle of nowhere wrapped by trees on both sides with a cleared out area that you could set a tent or bring a camper if you're ok with no hookups. We love the simplicity and seclusion this area provides. We have never been charged to camp here.

  • Chantal C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • Kerry M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • Brian F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.



Guide to Nora Springs

Camping near Nora Springs, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "The trails were in great shape and beautiful with past-peak grasses and developing colors in the trees" at Myre-Big Island State Park.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. A visitor at Pine Lake State Park said, "Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails."
  • Cave Tours: Check out the cave tours at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. One reviewer shared, "Love the cave tours! Some trails in the park are horse trails also."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Big Island Campground noted, "The bathrooms and showers are ultra modern and clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Maple Springs Campground mentioned, "Really nice campground. Well maintained and level sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A guest at Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA said, "Staff was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Bug Season: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at George Wyth State Park warned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, "There was only one site available when we made the reservation."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Eagle City County Park noted, "There is no pit toilet."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. A camper at Clear Lake State Park mentioned, "The playground was fun for the kids, nice beach access!"
  • Group Sites: Consider campgrounds that offer group sites for family gatherings. A visitor at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park said, "Campsites are flat and grassy. They back up to each other so good for groups camping together."
  • Activities for Kids: Choose campgrounds with activities like fishing or swimming. A reviewer at Pine Lake State Park shared, "Paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A camper at Big Island Campground noted, "Site 7E was larger with a good size and distance from others."
  • Dump Stations: Check if the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Maple Springs Campground mentioned, "The dump station was in an odd spot."
  • Cell Service: Be aware of cell service availability. A reviewer at Pulpit Rock Campground noted, "Cell signal was good-2 bars most of the time."

Camping near Nora Springs, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nora Springs, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nora Springs, IA is Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Nora Springs, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Nora Springs, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.