From the state’s western bluffs near Sioux City and Sioux Center to the cliffs along the Mississippi River near Dubuque and Muscatine, you will find plenty of excellent Boondocking in Iowa. Mild spring and summer temperatures make Iowa a perfect state to explore during these seasons, and with so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, Iowa camping is always a blast.
Here are the best spots for boondocking in Iowa.
Boondocking Sites in Iowa
Brad Niewoehner Memorial Park
Brad Niewoehner Memorial Park in Fredericksburg, Iowa, is a fantastic free camping in Iowa location. Each campsite comes with water and sewer hookups, so it isn’t true boondocking, but it is an excellent deal. Take a stroll on the 5-mile Plum Creek Bike and Nature Trail to enjoy northeast Iowa’s beautiful scenery.
Grant Park
Follow the hiking trails after settling in your camping spot at Grant Park near Swan, Iowa. The secluded pond is a great place to go fishing. You will find a pit latrine but no other facilities at this campground. You may have this little plot of land all to yourself, making it the ideal getaway for those who like solitude.
White Oak Campground
The White Oak Campground is in the Donnellson Unit of Shimek State Forest near Farmington, Iowa and offers dry campsites for a small fee. You can find lots to do in this state forest, including hiking on the 6.2 miles of trails or strolling along the nature trail. Shagbark Lake is nearby and has a boat ramp. This southeast Iowa location is a great place to go hunting seasonally.
Echo Valley State Park
Echo Valley State Park offers primitive camping with no water, electric, or sewer hookups. The sites are small, so a campervan or pop up trailer is best. The park is near West Union, Iowa and is administered by the Fayette County Conservation Board. Go hiking to see many historical sites, including part of a dam built by the CCC in the 1930s. Glover’s and Otter Creek make terrific places to go fishing. You can often catch trout from the shores on these creeks. They also make outstanding canoeing locations, especially in the fall when the leaves are turning color.
Frenchtown Campground
Camp along the Mississippi River’s shores at Frenchtown Campground near Guttenberg, Iowa. A boat ramp at this park makes it easy to launch your vessel onto the river. This campground is open from May until October. Guttenberg is a fun, artsy community to visit, and you may want to include a stop at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Aquarium and Fish Hatchery on your trip.
Where to Boondock in Iowa
- The majority of Iowa’s boondocking sites sit near the state’s remote farming communities.
- You can find spots along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
- There are also sites available in the middle of the state, especially in the Okoboji Lakes region.
- Some state parks, state forests, and county parks offer free and low cost dry camping.
Iowa is a friendly state to go camping in. You will love exploring the state’s diverse terrain. Pack up your RV, and get ready for an amazing time. Don’t have an RV? Rent one!
