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Eagle City County Park offers primitive camping along the Iowa River in two distinct areas - a lower campground serving as a paddlers camp and an upper section with secluded sites. Located approximately two miles down maintained gravel roads near Iowa Falls, the park spans 172 acres of land. Most sites include fire pits and picnic tables. The grounds are regularly mowed and provide level spots for both tent and vehicle camping. A hand pump well provides water, though recent reviews indicate it may not always be functioning.
The park typically has plenty of available sites and often feels quite secluded. "We love how quiet it is, we are quite often the only ones down there," one camper shared. While previously free, recent reviews indicate a $10 fee is now required, payable via a website after claiming a site. The park includes a vault toilet in the lower campground, though maintenance may be inconsistent. Fire restrictions are minimal, with fires allowed at designated sites. Eagle City Park is suitable for smaller vehicles and possibly small trailers, but not recommended for large RVs.
"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."
"Sites are first come first served with no reservations. Cost is $10 and you can pay up to 30 min after claiming your site."
"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."
RangerThis 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideNote 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.
RangerEagle 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.
ScoutFirst, 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideWow! 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.
ScoutCouldn’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.
ScoutHad 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!
Eagle City County Park offers primitive camping near Thor, Iowa, across 172 acres along the Iowa River. The park features two distinct camping areas - a lower section serving as a paddler's camp and an upper area with more secluded sites. Located down gravel roads approximately two miles from Iowa Falls, the park provides level spots for both tent and vehicle camping. A $10 fee is now required, payable via website after claiming a site.
Fishing access: The Iowa River provides fishing opportunities at Eagle City County Park. "We go to Eagle City at 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," reports Chantal C.
Kayaking: The river access point makes this area popular with paddlers. "Kayakers frequent the river access on the lower side as well as some equestrian use for river access," notes one camper. Cross Ford River Access provides another put-in option for paddlers exploring the Iowa River.
Wildlife viewing: Wildlife observation is common at dispersed camping locations in this region. Wayne H. reported from Cross Ford River Access: "Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all."
Seclusion: Many visitors appreciate the quiet environment at primitive camping sites near Thor. Jonathan notes about Eagle City County Park: "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."
Riverside camping: Campers enjoy the proximity to water at these sites. "Wow! This campground surprised us! Not only is it directly on a river with wildflowers, it has a pit toilet and hand pump water," writes Megan C. about her experience at Eagle City.
Well-maintained grounds: Despite being primitive, campsites are regularly cared for. "Great camping spot! We'll maintain camp sites. I was the only one on grounds," writes Austin A. Caleb S. agrees: "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."
Fee changes: While previously free, Eagle City Park now requires payment. "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," reports Brian.
Water availability: The hand pump at Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area may not always function. "There are NO amenities here," writes Skip H. Similarly at Eagle City Park, Austin A. notes: "Water well isn't working though, only downside."
Limited facilities: Be prepared for basic accommodations. Kerry M. writes about Eagle City Park: "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."
Seasonal considerations: Families should note accessibility changes throughout the year. "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," advises Kerry M.
Playground equipment: Eagle City Park offers limited recreation facilities for children. Brian F. notes: "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."
Safety awareness: Some campers have reported concerns about isolated locations. Kara S. shares about her visit to Eagle City Park: "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 and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left."
Site accessibility: RV camping options are limited but possible with smaller units. Jonathan advises: "You could easily park a van here, and probably a small trailer but nothing all that long."
Level parking: Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area provides flat surfaces for larger vehicles. "Level spot but it's really just an oversized boat launch," notes Mike M. Skip H. adds: "There's plenty of room here for any size rig."
Seasonal privacy: Vegetation changes affect privacy levels for RVers. "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 looks like there would be plenty of privacy," explains Skip H.
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 City County Park with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.
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