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Best Dispersed Camping near Mason City, IA

15 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist within a 30-mile radius of Mason City, Iowa, providing free or low-cost primitive camping options. Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area and Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area offer basic sites with drive-in access but minimal amenities. Eagle Lake features enough space for larger vehicles and water access suitable for kayaking, though sites are exposed with little privacy outside the summer corn growing season.

Eagle City County Park, located near Iowa Falls, provides primitive camping along the Iowa River with more amenities than other dispersed sites. The park features both upper and lower camping areas, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a hand pump for water. A recent review noted "it's close to home but feels cut off which is what I look for when camping." Though historically free, recent reviews indicate a $10 fee is now required through an online payment system. Lake Considine near Dumont offers completely primitive camping with lake access suitable for fishing and small watercraft. Cross Ford River Access provides basic river-adjacent sites with drive-in access but no facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mason City, Iowa (6)

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Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mason City, IA

4 Photos of 6 Mason City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mason City, IA

15 Reviews of 6 Mason City 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 Mason City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mason City, Iowa, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mason City, Iowa

  • Many areas, like Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, allow camping without the need for permits, making it easy to enjoy a spontaneous getaway.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; for instance, Lake Considine offers no amenities, so bringing your own supplies is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • Always check for specific rules regarding fires and alcohol; at Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area, fires are allowed, but alcohol is prohibited.

Fishing and water activities while free camping near Mason City

Dispersed campers should check out Gates Bridge County Park

  • Located in Marble Rock, Gates Bridge County Park allows campfires and is a great spot for those who enjoy a more social camping experience.
  • This area is pet-friendly, making it an ideal choice for families traveling with furry companions.
  • While it lacks drinking water, the park provides a rustic atmosphere that many campers find appealing, especially during the summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mason City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mason City, 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 Mason City, IA?

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

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