This area offers free primitive camping with no amenities(no toilet, no drinking water, no fire rings). It does offer a chance to get away to see a little wildlife. The first thing I heard when I got out of the car was the call of a pileated woodpecker, which flew away before I could take the photo.

There are two possible spots to camp. A small grassy area above the ramp offers a flat spot to put up a tent, but there is no fire ring or even makeshift rock circle. I recommend not building a fire in this spot.

Below the ramp, you can camp right on the bank of the Iowa river. Note that this is coarse gravel and tent camping may require the use of a heavy tarp below the tent. There are places here for a campfire. This place would be perfect for a small, off-road teardrop camper(I will be back when my custom camper is finished next year). For this time, I just stayed in a tent.

Also, the lower campsite I mentioned may not be possible if the river is high or even a normal depth. During my only visit, the water level in the Iowa river was a little low. The river itself was still beautiful from this spot, which would make a good take-out if you went for a paddle. Beware of a heavy rain! If it starts raining heavily, move your campsite!

In either spot, expect solitude. This is not a heavily camped site. Bring your own“luggable loo” and be responsible… carry out all of your trash and waste.

It is not suitable for RVs due to the small size as well as the tight road on the way in. While 4x4 is not necessary, a long RV would have difficulty and would have no way to turn around.

I would give this 5 stars for campers such as myself who want the backwoods experience, but I am giving in 3 stars as most campers will not like the lack of any toilet.