Free Camping in Iowa
Discover 22 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Climate
Continental with hot summers and cold winters
Terrain
Prairie, Rivers
Free Spots
22 locations
Camping Spots (22)
Yellow River SF – Little Paint Creek
"Free dispersed camping at Yellow River SF – Little Paint Creek in Iowa. Steep wooded valleys and trout waters with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Little Paint. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Permit rules vary Arrive early
Yellow River SF – Paint Creek
"Free dispersed camping around Yellow River SF Iowa. Steep wooded valleys and trout waters with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Paint Creek Unit. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Permit rules vary Arrive early to claim a legal
Loess Hills State Forest – Primitive Camping
Primitive tent camping in Loess Hills State Forest. Unique terrain and quiet ridges; minimal services.
Yellow River State Forest – Primitive Camping
Primitive tent camping in Yellow River State Forest. Trails and river access; pack out waste.
Backbone State Park – Primitive Sites
Primitive tent sites near Backbone State Park. Rock features and trails nearby; minimal services.
Lacey-Keosauqua – Primitive Camping
Primitive tent camping along the Des Moines River corridor. Quiet woods; limited amenities.
Pine Lake State Park – Primitive Area
Primitive-style tent camping options at Pine Lake area. Some designated sites; check rules.
Elk Rock – Primitive Area
Primitive tent camping near Elk Rock State Park / Lake Red Rock region. Verify site rules.
Stone State Park – Backcountry Area
Primitive/backcountry-style tent camping near Stone State Park region. Check local regulations.
Waubonsie State Park – Primitive Sites
Primitive tent sites in Waubonsie State Park. Scenic overlooks and prairie edges.
Shimek State Forest – Primitive Camping
Primitive tent camping in Shimek State Forest. Rolling woods; minimal facilities.
Stephens State Forest – Primitive Camping
Primitive camping opportunities in Stephens State Forest. Quiet forest roads; pack out waste.
Shimek State Forest
Shimek State Forest is a state forest campground in Iowa, about 3.9 miles SE of Farmington. Reported amenities include dump station, showers, restrooms. Typical operating season: all year.
Stephens State Forest
Stephens State Forest is a state forest campground in Iowa, about 1.2 miles W of Lucas. Reported amenities include vault toilets, restrooms. Typical operating season: all year. Notes: 2 campgrounds.
Yellow River State Forest
Yellow River State Forest is a state forest campground in Iowa, about 4.1 miles SW of Harpers Ferry. It has approximately 150 campsites. Reported amenities include restrooms, laundry. Typical operating season: all year. Notes: 3 campgrounds.
Acorn Valley - Saylorville Lake
Acorn Valley - Saylorville Lake is a army corps of engineers campground in Iowa, about 11.2 miles NW of Des Moines. It has approximately 70 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: early jun-late aug.
Bob Shetler - Saylorville Lake
Bob Shetler - Saylorville Lake is a army corps of engineers campground in Iowa, about 8.0 miles NW of Des Moines. It has approximately 70 campsites. Reported amenities include water, electric and sewer hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: early may-late sep.
Bridgeview - Rathbun Lake
Bridgeview - Rathbun Lake is a army corps of engineers campground in Iowa, about 10.1 miles W of Moravia. It has approximately 110 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground, laundry. Typical operating season: early may-late sep.
Buck Creek - Rathbun Lake
Buck Creek - Rathbun Lake is a army corps of engineers campground in Iowa, about 3.8 miles SW of Moravia. It has approximately 40 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: early may-late sep.
Bulgers Hollow - Mississippi River
Bulgers Hollow - Mississippi River is a army corps of engineers campground in Iowa, about 6.2 miles N of Clinton. It has approximately 25 campsites. Reported amenities include dump station, laundry.
Cappy Russell Access
Cappy Russell Access is a army corps of engineers campground in Iowa, about 4.6 miles N of Oakville. Notes: no facilities.
Cherry Glen - Saylorville Lake
Cherry Glen - Saylorville Lake is a army corps of engineers campground in Iowa, about 9.8 miles N of Des Moines. It has approximately 125 campsites. Reported amenities include water, electric and sewer hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: mid apr-mid oct.
Popular Camping Areas
- Yellow River State Forest
- Stephens State Forest
- Shimek State Forest
Important Regulations
- Permits required for most areas
- Hunting season restrictions
- Fire safety protocols
Permits: Most camping requires permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Iowa
Iowa offers free camping in state forests and wildlife management areas with prairie landscapes, rivers, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Best Free Camping Areas in Iowa
Iowa offers diverse free camping opportunities across prairie, rivers, forests, hills. The most popular areas include Yellow River State Forest, Stephens State Forest, Shimek State Forest, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Iowa for Camping
The best times for free camping in Iowa are during spring, summer, fall. The state's continental with hot summers and cold winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Iowa Camping Regulations
Before camping in Iowa, it's important to understand local regulations. Most camping requires permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Iowa typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore prairie, rivers, forests, hills at your own pace.