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Best Dispersed Camping near Nora Springs, IA

15 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Nora Springs, Iowa provides several primitive options on county-managed lands within driving distance. Campers seeking free or low-cost sites can access locations like Eagle City County Park, Lake Considine, Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, and Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area. These areas feature minimal development and limited amenities, serving as alternatives to established campgrounds. Most sites are situated along waterways, with the Iowa River access at Eagle City Park and lakefront options at Considine, Rice Lake, and Eagle Lake providing water-adjacent camping experiences.

Access varies significantly between locations, with most sites reachable via gravel or dirt roads that may become difficult during wet conditions. While Eagle City County Park now requires a $10 permit fee for overnight stays, Lake Considine remains free to use. Primitive camping amenities are sparse, with Eagle City offering the most facilities including pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a hand pump for water. Most other locations have no toilets, tables, or drinking water, requiring campers to pack in all necessities and practice leave-no-trace principles. Vehicle accessibility ranges from big-rig friendly at Eagle Lake to more limited access at smaller sites.

The dispersed camping experience near Nora Springs provides seclusion and natural settings characteristic of primitive camping. Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, with boat launches available at Rice Lake and river access points at Eagle City Park. Wildlife viewing is common, particularly at the management areas. Campers should expect varying levels of privacy depending on season and location. According to one visitor at Lake Considine, the area offers "completely and gloriously primitive" camping with "simplicity and seclusion." Another camper noted that Eagle City Park features "well maintained camp sites" with "5-6 nice spots right on a river." Winter camping is limited as gates close seasonally at some locations, and summer brings more visitors but sites rarely reach capacity.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Nora Springs, Iowa (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Nora Springs, IA

4 Photos of 6 Nora Springs Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Nora Springs, IA

15 Reviews of 6 Nora Springs Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Chantal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

Guide to Nora Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Nora Springs, Iowa, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the simplicity of primitive camping.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Nora Springs, Iowa

  • Many areas, like Gates Bridge County Park, allow for fires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Just remember to bring your own firewood.
  • If you're looking for a secluded experience, Lake Considine is surrounded by trees and offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Always check for amenities before heading out; for instance, Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area has no drinking water or toilets, so come prepared with your own supplies.

Top activities while free camping near Nora Springs

Dispersed campers should check out Eagle City County Park

  • Eagle City County Park offers a riverside view and well-maintained sites, making it a great choice for those who enjoy scenic surroundings.
  • This area features picnic tables and fire pits, providing a comfortable setting for meals and evening gatherings.
  • While it requires a small fee for camping, the experience of staying right by the river is well worth it for many visitors.

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 Gates Bridge County Park with a 0-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Nora Springs, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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