East Gooseberry Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

East Gooseberry Campground in Iowa offers established campsites within Shimek State Forest’s Lick Creek Unit, ideal for tent and equestrian campers.


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Summary

Reservations are not required; sites are first-come, first-served, with a small nightly fee. Amenities include pit toilets, non-potable water (bring your own), fire rings, picnic tables, and hitching posts. No RV hookups are available, though small trailers can access the area. The campground sits in a quiet, wooded setting with direct access to scenic equestrian and hiking trails. Best visited in spring through fall, it’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and horseback riders seeking a rustic, forested escape in southeast Iowa.

       

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Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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