Spencer, Iowa area campgrounds offer limited equestrian facilities, though several parks accommodate outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural surroundings. The region features multiple county and state parks within driving distance where campers can experience Iowa's prairie landscape and Minnesota's nearby lake country. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to electrical hookups for RVs with varying levels of amenities and terrain.
What to do
Hiking trails: Fort Defiance State Park provides forest hiking with creek crossings. One visitor notes, "There are plenty of trails in the park. The big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in. It is not deep but it's water. There are some other small little creeks too" (Fort Defiance State Park Campground).
Wildlife viewing: Early risers at Fort Defiance have opportunities for wildlife spotting. A camper reports, "Depending on the time of day, generally in the morning you can cruise through at day break and find deer on the roads to watch out!"
Primitive camping: For those seeking a more rustic experience away from developed sites, Martin Area County Park offers back-to-basics camping. A visitor simply states, "Primitive camping was awesome" (Martin Area County Park).
What campers like
Uncrowded camping: Many campsites in the region remain relatively quiet even during peak season. At Fort Defiance, a camper noted, "It is Memorial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday."
Spacious sites: Brown County Park provides ample room between campsites. A visitor observed, "Sites had ample space. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite 'flat area'" (Brown County Park).
Lake views: Bright Lake County Park offers camping with partial lake visibility. A camper shared, "Really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees), had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents!" (Bright Lake Co Park).
What you should know
Limited water access: Water sources can be restricted at some campgrounds. At Fort Defiance, a camper points out, "There is only one water spot in the campground. We drank the water and didn't die."
Rustic facilities: Expect basic amenities at most campgrounds in the region. A Fort Defiance visitor warns, "The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit. They are very rustic."
First-come availability: Many sites operate without reservations. One Brown County Park visitor noted, "But was only first come first served and not all the sites have electric" (Brown County Park).
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Fort Defiance offers family-friendly biking opportunities. A camper shared, "Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family."
Water play: Smaller creeks provide safe water play for children. As mentioned by a Fort Defiance visitor, "The big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in. It is not deep but it's water."
Multiple tent setup: Some sites accommodate larger family groups. At Bright Lake County Park, a visitor mentioned, "Had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents! For me and my family it was perfect!"
Tips from RVers
Electrical options: RVers should note the available power connections. At Fort Defiance State Park, a camper specified, "Our site had electricity with 50, 30, & 20 amps" (Fort Defiance State Park Campground).
Site conditions: Be prepared for natural, unimproved surfaces. A Fort Defiance visitor pointed out, "The camp site are dirt."
Park size considerations: Some parks require significant driving between amenities. A Brown County visitor cautioned, "This place is HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were. We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere."
