Camping in Iowa suggestions
- Thread starter Cy94
- Start date
Try this website (http://www.mycountyparks.com/default.aspx). I'm sure you can find some county parks with primitive sites that aren't too close to RV's. One that comes to mind is Eden Valley Refuge in Clinton County. They have some hike in primitives that would fill your desire for seclusion. The DNR has information for all the state parks on their site, although those seem to be busier and a bit "louder" during peak camping season IMO.
Yeah, while I've never camped there, hiking only, Yellow River SF campgrounds are going to be pretty quiet.
Also, we camped at Backbone this weekend at the South Lake campground, and some in our group hiked up to the other campground (Six Pines) and said it was absolutely deserted. This is also primitive camping.
I think the thing is to look for the primitive campsites. I tried going to the reservation site and seeing if you can downselect for primitive campsites, but didn't find it quickly...
Lots of tent camping at Lake Wapello in Davis County. Also Shimek State Forest in SE Iowa...though you might be sharing with horses, at one of the grounds...and...chiggers. Got my best case of chiggers EVER while hiking in that park. My feet looked like two hand grenades for weeks.
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- Jun 20, 2006
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http://recserv.uiowa.edu/Apps/Facil...eationArea.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Yeah, its run by the UofI... but their Wolf campground is the best I've stayed in Iowa. I spent 4 days there over the Fourth of July, weather was wet and rainy, I saw a total of 5 people over 4 days. Perfect camping.
Primitive Sites. Carry In - Carry Out.
-keep
Yeah, its run by the UofI... but their Wolf campground is the best I've stayed in Iowa. I spent 4 days there over the Fourth of July, weather was wet and rainy, I saw a total of 5 people over 4 days. Perfect camping.
Primitive Sites. Carry In - Carry Out.
-keep
Been awhile since I have been there but Preparation Canyon in the Loess Hills used to have some good pack in campsites.
Yellow River as already mentioned is very nice. When I was doing some canoe camping very end of May I really enjoyed Eagle City Park(city no longer exists) on the Iowa River in Grundy County. Nice and secluded but had a hand pump for water, a pit toilet, a couple of picnic tables and fire grates.
Stephens State Forest, Lucas Unit has primitive sites with hiking trails only (ie. No horses). The Woodburn unit has some pretty remote walk-in sites as well.
Doesn't seem like you are looking very hard. Even Ledges near Boone/Ames has some quiet hike in spots. Just avoid the parking lot camping.
http://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/parks/campgroundmaps/ledgescg.pdf
I would imagine if you mentioned "within XX miles of Town Y" you would get even more options.
How about Acorn Valley at Saylorville Lake. It has 58 walk-in primitive sites. I've camped there before and it is quiet.
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/acorn-valley/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73056
It might be a bummer for those planning to camp and boat over the 4th of July this year at various campgrounds this year. Especially in central Iowa as major flood control at Saylorville Lake will likely close most/all ramps for the week... The lake isn't forecasted to begin falling until July 3rd when it crests at 44 feet above normal levels
http://rivergages.mvr.usace.army.mil/WaterControl/Districts/MVR/Forecast/sayforecast.html
https://www.weareiowa.com/news/loca...-at-saylorville-lake-cause-concern/1252702245
http://rivergages.mvr.usace.army.mil/WaterControl/Districts/MVR/Forecast/sayforecast.html
https://www.weareiowa.com/news/loca...-at-saylorville-lake-cause-concern/1252702245
