Eagle City County Park offers rustic camping near Slater, Iowa along the Iowa River. The 172-acre park includes both upper and lower camping areas accessible via maintained gravel roads. Recent policy changes have introduced a $10 camping permit requirement payable online shortly after arrival, replacing the previous free camping arrangement. Sites accommodate both tent and small vehicle camping with varying levels of seclusion.
What to do
River activities: Paddlers frequently use Eagle City Park's lower area for Iowa River access. As Megan C. notes, "Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water."
Seasonal exploration: The park offers different experiences throughout the camping season. According to Chantal C. of Eagle City County Park, "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."
Winter hiking: While camping isn't available during winter months, the park remains accessible for day use when roads aren't snow-covered. Kerry M. mentions, "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."
What campers like
Seclusion and tranquility: Many campers appreciate the remote feel despite relatively close proximity to towns. Brian F. describes Cross Ford River Access as "Quiet camping in the middle of nowhere."
Riverside settings: The lower camping area at Eagle City offers direct river access with level spots. Caleb S. shared his experience: "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."
Uncrowded camping: Even during peak season, the campground rarely fills completely. Kerry M. notes, "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."
What you should know
Water availability concerns: The hand pump water source at Eagle City County Park is unreliable. Austin A. reported, "Water well isn't working though, only downside. Will definitely come again." Bringing your own water supply is recommended.
Sanitation facilities: The vault toilet in the lower campground receives mixed reviews regarding maintenance. Kerry M. observed, "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."
Trash management: With no designated trash receptacles, visitors must pack out all waste. Kerry notes, "As there are no trash containers, it is not uncommon to find the firepits full of burned or unburned trash."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Families can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities but should prepare for insects. Wayne H. of Cross Ford River Access shared, "Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all."
Playground access: Eagle City Park includes playground equipment for children. Brian F. mentions the park "has an enclosed picnic shelter, hand pump well, vault rest rooms, primitive camping, and 2 swing sets."
Safety awareness: Some visitors have noted occasional concerns about other park users. Kara S. cautions, "Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: While Eagle City Park can accommodate smaller recreational vehicles, larger RVs may find access challenging. Jonathan notes, "You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long."
Hookup information: Neither Eagle City Park nor Cross Ford River Access offer electric, water, or sewer hookups. Campers requiring these amenities should prepare accordingly with self-contained systems and sufficient battery power.
Leveling considerations: The camping areas feature relatively level spots suitable for RV parking. Caleb S. mentions that Eagle City provides "level spots for tent and vehicle camping with fire rings" and notes that "it was also easy to find and access even with a low clearance car."
