Top Free Dispersed Camping near Thor, IA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Thor, IA (2)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Thor

12 Reviews of 2 Thor Campgrounds


  • Jason K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area
    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Eagle City County Park

    Amazing spot

    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. It was also easy to find and access even with a low clearance car.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Eagle City County Park

    Great stay

    Great camping spot! We’ll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds. Water well isn’t working though, only downside. Will definitely come again

  • Megan C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    Aug. 12, 2022

    Eagle City County Park

    Nice secluded spot

    I needed a place to stay between Wisconsin and Colorado and this place fit the bill. I had the entire campground to myself the night I stayed here. It has well maintained grounds and is right on the water. The spots aren’t super clear, but for a free spot with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s definitely 5/5. I wish more municipalities had these types of campgrounds! You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    Nov. 29, 2021

    Eagle City County Park

    Great spot!

    Had a nice time here on the first night of a long road trip, no one else was around except some coon hunter came and went a couple times which was a little spooky until I figured out what was going on, would definitely return!

  • Chantal C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • Kerry M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.

  • Brian F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
    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.



Guide to Thor

Camping near Thor, Iowa, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: There are plenty of trails to explore. At Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "The hiking is so good, it'd be silly to worry about much of anything down here." The scenic trails are perfect for both hiking and biking.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Briggs Woods Park, offer access to lakes and rivers. A visitor shared, "Boone River, Briggs Woods Lake good for paddling with rentals available, fishing, beach."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Campgrounds like North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area have playgrounds for kids. One review noted, "There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well-maintained, large, grassy area."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground said, "Clean restrooms & shower stalls. Water. Playground."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Briggs Woods Park mentioned, "Very quiet park, we stayed in the back. We had water/power but no sewer hookup."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer at Little Wall Lake County Park said, "Spacious sites along a gorgeous lake..quiet..wish every campground was this nice!"

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Kennedy County Park noted, "There is no cell service provider that functions in this park."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Beeds Lake State Park mentioned, "You can reserve a spot by going online, though they do keep some as FCFS."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Pilot Knob State Park shared, "Got to see turtles laying eggs and deer were all around."

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. At North Equestrian Campground, one reviewer said, "There was also a nice playground for the kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A camper at Spring Lake County Park mentioned, "Bike/hiking trail, disc golf, kayak/paddle boat rentals, swimming beach."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes it easier to enjoy the outdoors. A visitor at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground noted, "If you have anything you'd like to listen to or watch, download it before going in."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Briggs Woods Park said, "Site with full hook-ups was only $30."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have close sites. A visitor at Pilot Knob State Park mentioned, "The sites are somewhat modest in size and the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, it's good to have extra water and food. A camper at Eagle City County Park noted, "The grounds are peaceful and there's lots of great plant and flower spotting."

Camping near Thor, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Thor, IA is Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.