Top Free Dispersed Camping near Waterloo, IA
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Waterloo? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Waterloo, IA (5)
1.
Siggelkov County Park
Oelwein, Iowa4 Reviews7 Photos57 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Trash
2.
Eagle City County Park
Steamboat Rock, Iowa10 Reviews17 Photos131 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
3.
Lake Considine
Clarksville, Iowa1 Review6 SavesFormerly a popular camping area, the primary use today is for hunting and fishing. Most of the Lake Considine area is heavily forested and provides excellent opportunities for deer, turkey, squirrel hunting, while the West Fork River and small pond provide fishing opportunities for a wide variety of fish species and pass shooting for early season ducks. Since most of the pond is privately owned, we ask that you respect private property in this area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4.
Cross Ford River Access
Steamboat Rock, Iowa1 Review9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5.
Gates Bridge County Park
Be the first to review!Rockford, Iowa1 Photo12 SavesGates Bridge Access is 4 acres of land located 4 miles south of Marble Rock, along the Shell Rock River. This park invites visitors to enjoy fishing, water recreation and picnicking. Primitive camping is also available for campers.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Waterloo
16 Reviews of 5 Waterloo Campgrounds
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.
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.
Cross Ford River Access
Good
Had a good 2 weeks here. Some wildlife and lots of bugs but we didn't have a problem with mosquitoes at all. Would come back.
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.
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
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.
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.
Siggelkov County Park
Quiet
Good little quiet park has dump station a water source. Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience.. also good kyack location.
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!
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.
Siggelkov County Park
Simple and Secluded
Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot. Has electric sites and also places to tent camp (my favorite kind 😁) right on the Wapsi River.
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.
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.
Siggelkov County Park
park is barren
camped her for years and the park has lost its camp host. soooo honesty pay system is in effect. the park has a nice primitive spot along the river
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.
Siggelkov County Park
Hello
Awesome
Guide to Waterloo
Camping near Waterloo, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the trails at George Wyth State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic.” You can enjoy nature while getting some exercise.
- Fishing: Head to Rock Creek State Park Campground for a relaxing day by the water. A reviewer said, “Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails.” It’s a great spot for both fishing and hiking.
- Swimming: If you’re looking to cool off, check out Lake Macbride State Park Campground. One visitor noted, “The beach area is nice for swimming.” Perfect for a hot summer day!
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for F. W. Kent Park stated, “The bathrooms and shower were very clean with lots of hot water.” Clean facilities make for a more enjoyable stay.
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A camper at Pinicon Ridge Park mentioned, “The sites were decent in size, with some shade.” This allows for a more comfortable camping experience.
- Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA said, “Staff was very friendly and helpful.” Good service can make a big difference.
What you should know:
- Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Pulpit Rock Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper noted, “Sites are first come first served with no reservations.” It’s best to arrive early, especially during peak season.
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A review for Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, “There’s no place to buy firewood nearby, so come prepared.” Bring what you need to avoid any inconveniences.
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at George Wyth State Park Campground warned, “There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground.” Bring bug spray to keep them at bay.
Tips for camping with families:
- Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One camper at Pinicon Ridge Park said, “The playground is fantastic and keeps the kids entertained all day.” It’s a great way to keep the little ones busy.
- Water activities: Choose campgrounds near water for swimming and fishing. A review for Rock Creek State Park Campground highlighted, “The lake is pretty, and boat rentals seemed reasonable.” This adds extra fun for the family.
- Quiet spots: Look for campgrounds that offer a peaceful atmosphere. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, “A nice out-of-the-way campground. Very quiet.” Perfect for family bonding time.
Tips from RVers:
- Level sites: Make sure to check the site’s levelness before parking. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground noted, “The higher up the hill you are, the flatter the campsite is.” This can make a big difference in comfort.
- Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric and water hookups. A review for Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA stated, “Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained.” This makes RV camping much easier.
- Dump stations: Check if the campground has a dump station available. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “Dump available on entrance/exit.” This is essential for RVers to know.
Camping around Waterloo, Iowa, has something for everyone. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Waterloo, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Waterloo, IA is Siggelkov County Park with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Waterloo, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Waterloo, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.