Searching for the best camping near Independence, IA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Independence, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.
Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.
The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.
Welcome to the Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, a fantastic spot near Waterloo, IA, that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you're rolling in with an RV, pitching a tent, or looking to stay in a cozy cabin, this place has got you covered.
One of the standout features here is the proximity to the Lost Island Waterpark, just across the road. Perfect for families looking to add some splashy fun to their camping trip. If waterparks aren't your thing, there's a lovely beach by a pond right on the campground where you can swim or just relax by the water.
The campground itself is well-maintained with plenty of pull-through sites, making it big-rig friendly. Each site comes with a picnic table and a grassy area, and most have full hookups. The staff here are known for being friendly and helpful, which always makes a stay more pleasant.
For those traveling with pets, there's a fenced dog park where your furry friends can run around freely. Kids will love the playground, and there's even a small boat rental if you want to paddle around the pond. The convenience store on-site is well-stocked with essentials like ice, beer, snacks, and even a milkshake machine.
Visitors have mentioned that the bathrooms and showers are generally clean and well-kept, though they can get a bit messy at times due to high usage. There's also a laundry room, though it might need a bit of attention occasionally.
Overall, the Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA is a great place to stay, whether you're just passing through or planning to explore the area. With its range of amenities and friendly atmosphere, it's a spot you'll likely want to return to.
George Wyth State Park Campground, nestled near Waterloo, IA, is a gem for those who love a mix of nature and convenience. This campground operates from April 1 to December 31 and offers a solid 4.0 rating from visitors. It's a great spot for both tent and RV camping, with options for glamping if you're feeling fancy.
One of the standout features here is the easy access to hiking and biking trails. The park connects to over 100 miles of interconnecting bike trails, making it a paradise for cyclists. If you're into water activities, you're in luck. The campground is situated along the Cedar River and has multiple lakes for fishing, kayaking, and even a beach for swimming. Maxx Rentals offers everything from float mats to double kayaks, so you won't run out of things to do.
For those who like to keep their creature comforts, the campground has electric hookups, drinking water, and clean shower houses with flush toilets. Pets are welcome, and there's a market on-site for any last-minute supplies. Firewood is available, and yes, you can enjoy a campfire under the stars.
Families will appreciate the large sand playground area with slides and swings, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. And if you're looking to explore beyond the park, Cedar Falls is just a stone's throw away, offering craft breweries and local dining spots like Diner 63, which comes highly recommended by campers.
Overall, George Wyth State Park Campground offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a fantastic base camp for exploring the Cedar Valley area. Whether you're here for a weekend or just passing through, it's a spot worth checking out.
$11 - $16 / night
BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres, has been under BEYONDER Camp management since August, 2022 and previously known as Lazy Acres Rv Park, has been in operation since 2016!
You will soon find that BEYONDER Getaway Lazy Acres is not just an overnight stop, but fun for the entire family. With entertainment such as a Miniature Golf Course, Splash Pad, Frisbee Golf, various Outdoor Games, and a Fishing Pond with Gazebo. For even more fun try our sand Volleyball Court, Basketball Court, Horseshoes, Paddle Boats, Turbo Bikes, Train Rides and Shopping Cart Rides (on Saturday) for the kids. There is a wide variety of custom made playground equipment throughout the park. Lazy Acres RV Park is built for family fun offering a wide variety of recreational fun for your entire family!
BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres is big rig friendly with a total of 92 long spacious sites. All sites have picnic tables and fire pits. Groups are welcome with a nice banquet/meeting room available and a covered pavilion. We have Group sites available that will hold 4 RVs parked in a circle with 4 picnic tables and a large fire pit in the center of the site.
Free WiFi is available throughout the park. Lazy Acres features sparkling clean handicap accessible restrooms with changing tables. Laundry facilities are provided for our guests and the park has a small store with a essentials. The park also offers 3 waterfront cabins on the banks of our gorgeous fishing pond and 3 tent sites are available with electric.
BEYONDER Getaway Lazy Acres is located near Urbana, Iowa with Easy I-380 On & Off Access at Exit #41. Urbana is mid-way between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Call (319) 443-4000 today to make your reservations.
$20 - $65 / night
$24 - $45 / night
$11 - $16 / night
Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.
The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.
Welcome to the Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, a fantastic spot near Waterloo, IA, that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you're rolling in with an RV, pitching a tent, or looking to stay in a cozy cabin, this place has got you covered.
One of the standout features here is the proximity to the Lost Island Waterpark, just across the road. Perfect for families looking to add some splashy fun to their camping trip. If waterparks aren't your thing, there's a lovely beach by a pond right on the campground where you can swim or just relax by the water.
The campground itself is well-maintained with plenty of pull-through sites, making it big-rig friendly. Each site comes with a picnic table and a grassy area, and most have full hookups. The staff here are known for being friendly and helpful, which always makes a stay more pleasant.
For those traveling with pets, there's a fenced dog park where your furry friends can run around freely. Kids will love the playground, and there's even a small boat rental if you want to paddle around the pond. The convenience store on-site is well-stocked with essentials like ice, beer, snacks, and even a milkshake machine.
Visitors have mentioned that the bathrooms and showers are generally clean and well-kept, though they can get a bit messy at times due to high usage. There's also a laundry room, though it might need a bit of attention occasionally.
Overall, the Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA is a great place to stay, whether you're just passing through or planning to explore the area. With its range of amenities and friendly atmosphere, it's a spot you'll likely want to return to.
George Wyth State Park Campground, nestled near Waterloo, IA, is a gem for those who love a mix of nature and convenience. This campground operates from April 1 to December 31 and offers a solid 4.0 rating from visitors. It's a great spot for both tent and RV camping, with options for glamping if you're feeling fancy.
One of the standout features here is the easy access to hiking and biking trails. The park connects to over 100 miles of interconnecting bike trails, making it a paradise for cyclists. If you're into water activities, you're in luck. The campground is situated along the Cedar River and has multiple lakes for fishing, kayaking, and even a beach for swimming. Maxx Rentals offers everything from float mats to double kayaks, so you won't run out of things to do.
For those who like to keep their creature comforts, the campground has electric hookups, drinking water, and clean shower houses with flush toilets. Pets are welcome, and there's a market on-site for any last-minute supplies. Firewood is available, and yes, you can enjoy a campfire under the stars.
Families will appreciate the large sand playground area with slides and swings, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. And if you're looking to explore beyond the park, Cedar Falls is just a stone's throw away, offering craft breweries and local dining spots like Diner 63, which comes highly recommended by campers.
Overall, George Wyth State Park Campground offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a fantastic base camp for exploring the Cedar Valley area. Whether you're here for a weekend or just passing through, it's a spot worth checking out.
$11 - $16 / night
Request to BookBEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres, has been under BEYONDER Camp management since August, 2022 and previously known as Lazy Acres Rv Park, has been in operation since 2016!
You will soon find that BEYONDER Getaway Lazy Acres is not just an overnight stop, but fun for the entire family. With entertainment such as a Miniature Golf Course, Splash Pad, Frisbee Golf, various Outdoor Games, and a Fishing Pond with Gazebo. For even more fun try our sand Volleyball Court, Basketball Court, Horseshoes, Paddle Boats, Turbo Bikes, Train Rides and Shopping Cart Rides (on Saturday) for the kids. There is a wide variety of custom made playground equipment throughout the park. Lazy Acres RV Park is built for family fun offering a wide variety of recreational fun for your entire family!
BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres is big rig friendly with a total of 92 long spacious sites. All sites have picnic tables and fire pits. Groups are welcome with a nice banquet/meeting room available and a covered pavilion. We have Group sites available that will hold 4 RVs parked in a circle with 4 picnic tables and a large fire pit in the center of the site.
Free WiFi is available throughout the park. Lazy Acres features sparkling clean handicap accessible restrooms with changing tables. Laundry facilities are provided for our guests and the park has a small store with a essentials. The park also offers 3 waterfront cabins on the banks of our gorgeous fishing pond and 3 tent sites are available with electric.
BEYONDER Getaway Lazy Acres is located near Urbana, Iowa with Easy I-380 On & Off Access at Exit #41. Urbana is mid-way between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Call (319) 443-4000 today to make your reservations.
$20 - $65 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Independence, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Independence, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Independence, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Independence, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Independence, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Independence, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Independence, IA.
What parks are near Independence, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Independence, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
