The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.

Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ottumwa, IA

2 Reviews

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Ottumwa, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Map showing campgrounds near Ottumwa, IowaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ottumwa, IA (2)

    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

    1. Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    •10 Photos•
    3 Saves
      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

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

      1 Review
      •5 Photos•
      17 Saves

      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)

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ottumwa

    2 Reviews of 2 Ottumwa Campgrounds

    • K
      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 Ottumwa

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

    What to do:

    • Fishing and boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a no-wake lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. One camper mentioned, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities" made their stay enjoyable.
    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. A reviewer shared, "Excellent hiking trails. Great area to explore around the park as well."
    • Playgrounds and family activities: Many campgrounds, like F. W. Kent Park, have playgrounds for kids. One parent noted, "New playground for the kids. Clean facilities."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Thousand Hills State Park Campground remarked, "The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities."
    • Spacious campsites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites at Whitebreast Campground. One reviewer said, "Sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road."
    • Natural beauty: Campers love the picturesque surroundings. A visitor at Diamond Lake County Park mentioned, "The lake is really clean and lovely, with lush grass and greenery all around."

    What you should know:

    • Self-registration: Most campgrounds, like Diamond Lake County Park, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper noted, "Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite."
    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park pointed out, "NO market" on-site, so plan accordingly.
    • Noise from highways: Campgrounds close to major roads, like Newton KOA, can be noisy. One camper mentioned, "The sounds of traffic wasn't too bad," but it's something to consider.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Look for places like F. W. Kent Park that offer kid-friendly amenities. A parent shared, "Nice campground with a lake" and activities for children.
    • Plan for activities: Bring along games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground enjoyed the "little store" for snacks and supplies.
    • Check for family-friendly events: Some parks host events or activities during the summer. A visitor at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park mentioned, "Great beach, and just close enough to town to grab some ice cream."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Kellogg RV Park offer full-service electric, water, and sewer. A reviewer said, "The sites are mostly pull through with full service electric, water, and sewer."
    • Choose quieter sites: Opt for spots away from busy roads. A camper at Newton KOA suggested, "The best sites are those in the lower valley."
    • Explore local dining options: Many campgrounds are near local eateries. A visitor at Kellogg RV Park recommended checking out "Iowa's Best Burger Café" nearby.

    With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Ottumwa, Iowa!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ottumwa, IA is Eldon Wildlife Management Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.