Stieneke Area Campground

For Iowans seeking a peaceful and authentic outdoor experience, Stieneke Area Campground in Washta offers a quiet retreat into nature. This primitive campground is a hidden gem for those who appreciate simplicity and the serene beauty of the Iowa landscape. It’s a place where the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife, providing an ideal setting for a tranquil escape.

Stieneke Area Campground is designed for campers who prefer a more rustic approach to their outdoor adventures. With its focus on essential amenities and a natural setting, it encourages visitors to disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with the environment. Whether you're looking to spend a quiet night under the stars, enjoy a picnic with loved ones, or try your hand at fishing in the Little Sioux River, this campground provides a backdrop for genuine outdoor enjoyment. While it may not boast elaborate facilities, its charm lies in its simplicity and the undisturbed natural beauty it offers.

Located within Cherokee County, Stieneke Area is managed by the local conservation board, ensuring that the area is preserved for recreational use. This commitment to maintaining a natural environment is evident in the quiet atmosphere and the opportunities it provides for observing local flora and fauna. For Iowa locals, Stieneke Area Campground represents an accessible opportunity to experience the peace and quiet of the state's beautiful outdoors without venturing too far from home.

Stieneke Area Campground is located at 1055-1005 628th St, Washta, IA 51061, USA. More specifically, it is often referenced with the address 1010 628th St, Quimby, Iowa, indicating its placement between the communities of Quimby and Washta. This location is within Cherokee County in northwest Iowa, a region characterized by its agricultural landscapes and a network of county parks and conservation areas along its rivers.

The accessibility of Stieneke Area Campground is relatively straightforward for Iowans. It's situated off local county roads, making it reachable by personal vehicle. While it provides a sense of seclusion, it's not overly remote, allowing for a manageable drive from nearby towns and even larger population centers in Iowa. For example, it's approximately 42 minutes from Sioux City. The "right off the road" aspect noted in some contexts, or being "about a half mile from a well traveled road," implies ease of access while still offering a peaceful remove from direct traffic noise. This balance makes it a convenient option for those looking for a quick overnight stop or a longer, quiet stay without extensive travel planning. The Cherokee County Conservation Board manages the area, and their contact information can provide specific directions or details on accessing the campground.

Stieneke Area Campground offers a range of services and facilities characteristic of a primitive county park campground, focusing on essential needs for a natural camping experience.

• Primitive Campsites: The campground provides five primitive campsites. These sites are generally non-electric, offering a more traditional camping experience. The cost is typically around $10 per night per site.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Pits/Rings: Individual fire pits or rings are provided at each campsite, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available, typically from a hand pump well. Visitors may need to pump it a dozen times to get it flowing.
• Restroom Facilities: Pit toilets are provided for convenience, with some being handicapped-accessible. It is noted that these are primitive toilets, implying no running water.
• Picnic Shelter: A picnic shelter is available, which can be ideal for group gatherings, birthday parties, or family reunions, especially a new group shelter was put up in 2023.
• River Access: Located on the east side of the Little Sioux River, the campground offers access to the river. While fishing is popular for catfish and walleye, some reviews mention the access itself can be swampy.
• Hunting Access: Hunting is permitted in the area from October 1 through April 30, providing an additional recreational opportunity.
• Wildflower and Birdwatching Opportunities: The area is suitable for observing wildflowers blooming from April to October and offers birdwatching, including wintering eagles and migrating warblers.

Stieneke Area Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it an attractive option for Iowans seeking a particular kind of outdoor experience.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: This is consistently highlighted as a major feature. The campground is known for its quiet environment, allowing visitors to truly relax and enjoy the sounds of nature, away from urban disturbances. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking serenity.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For campers who prefer a more rustic, back-to-basics approach, the primitive campsites with limited amenities offer an authentic outdoor adventure. This appeals to those who enjoy roughing it slightly while still having essential facilities like fire pits and picnic tables.
• Affordable Camping: With a nightly rate of approximately $10 per site, Stieneke Area Campground offers a highly affordable option for camping, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets for Iowa families and individuals.
• Little Sioux River Access: The campground's location on the Little Sioux River provides opportunities for fishing, particularly for catfish and walleye. While the river access itself might be challenging (described as a "swamp" in one review), the presence of the river is a draw for anglers and those who appreciate riverside scenery.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The 15.5-acre area features a blend of forested and prairie areas. Visitors can enjoy wildflowers blooming throughout much of the year and engage in birdwatching, with opportunities to see various bird species, including eagles.
• Picnic Facilities and Group Shelter: The availability of individual picnic tables and a group picnic shelter (including a new one installed in 2023) enhances the utility of the campground for day use, family gatherings, or larger events, even for those not staying overnight.
• Hunting Opportunities: The designated hunting season from October 1 to April 30 adds another layer of recreational appeal for hunters in Iowa.
• Accessibility from Road: While offering a quiet experience, the campground is not overly remote, being located "about a half mile from a well traveled road," making it relatively easy to access for a quick stop or a longer stay.

For inquiries or more information regarding Stieneke Area Campground, which is managed by the Cherokee County Conservation Board, please use the following contact details.

Address: 1055-1005 628th St, Washta, IA 51061, USA (Also sometimes listed as 1010 628th St, Quimby, IA).

Phone: (712) 225-6709 (This is the phone number for the Cherokee County Conservation Board, which manages Stieneke Area).

Email: cherokeeccb@gmail.com (Email for Cherokee County Conservation Board).

It is always advisable for prospective campers to contact the Cherokee County Conservation Board directly for the most current information regarding campsite availability (as sites are primitive and often first-come, first-served), specific river access conditions, and any seasonal updates or park regulations.

Stieneke Area Campground is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Iowa, particularly those seeking an accessible, quiet, and authentic outdoor experience without the frills of a highly developed campground. For residents across the state, its location in Cherokee County provides a convenient escape into nature, minimizing travel time and maximizing the opportunity for relaxation. The affordable nightly rate of approximately $10 makes it a budget-friendly option, ensuring that a natural retreat is accessible to a wide range of Iowans.

The campground’s peaceful atmosphere is a significant draw. For those looking to escape the noise and bustle of daily life, Stieneke Area offers a serene environment where the primary sounds are those of the natural world. This quietude makes it ideal for individuals or families who cherish unplugging, reading, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a tranquil campfire under the Iowa sky. While the river access may present some challenges, the Little Sioux River remains a valuable resource for fishing enthusiasts, adding another layer of recreational appeal.

Furthermore, the primitive nature of the campsites, complete with picnic tables and fire pits, provides a true camping experience for those who enjoy a more rustic approach. The availability of a group picnic shelter, including a newer one, also makes it suitable for local gatherings and events, blending individual camping with community opportunities. Stieneke Area Campground embodies the simplicity and natural beauty of Iowa's outdoors, offering a genuine and accessible retreat for local residents seeking peace, affordability, and a direct connection with the environment. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found in the simplest of settings.

Stieneke Area Campground

1055-1005 628th St, Washta, IA 51061, USA