Map showing campground location near Marion, Iowa

Camper submitted image from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available for half of Wanatee Park's sites, with the remainder held for first-come, first-served arrivals. Managed by the Linn County Conservation Board, this established campground in Marion, Iowa runs from April 15 to October 15, with nightly rates between $23 and $33. Full hookups are available, including electric, water, and sewer, and the campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet. A dump station is on-site for those who need it on arrival or departure.

Sites are spacious, with some shade from a mix of mature and younger trees, and each includes a fire ring and picnic table. A wildflower field runs through part of the park. Highway noise is audible from the campground, though reviewers generally describe the overall atmosphere as quiet. Colleen L. notes the bathhouse was "really nice," and multiple visitors confirm the shower facilities are clean with reliable hot water.

The surrounding area gives campers access to mountain bike singletrack, hiking trails in Wanatee Park and nearby Pinicon Ridge, and fishing on the Cedar River and Wapsipinicon. Groceries are within five miles, which makes resupply straightforward. Campers planning to explore campgrounds around Marion will find this one draws repeat visitors, with several reviewers noting they return regularly.

Wanatee Park works well for RV campers who want full hookups, outdoor recreation access, and easy proximity to town services.

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Map & DirectionsWanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) is located in Iowa near Marion

Public Campground

Directions

located on the southeast side of Marion, just west of Hwy. 13 off Hwy. 100, and south on Banner Drive.

Address

4305 Squaw Lane
Marion, IA 52302

Coordinates

42.0132521345713 N
91.56040232500038 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

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Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 9/1/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

14 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
30 min from Iowa City, IA
54 min from Waterloo, IA
59 min from Dubuque, IA

Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned spacious, well-shaded sites and consistently clean facilities with hot water. Some highway noise is present but most visitors found the campground peaceful and well-maintained.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Russell H.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2026

Very nice basic campground

Driving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35

SiteA14

Month of VisitAugust

Brett S.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 19, 2025

Awesome Place

This is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.

SiteA6

Month of VisitMay

Colleen L.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2024

Great location and amenities

I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

Month of VisitJuly

Kristy E.

Scout

Reviewed May. 2, 2024

Very well kept and quiet campground.

This is a newer campground so is a mixture of mature and young trees. It is very clean and well cared for. Lots of opportunity to ride the numerous bike trails nearby and hike in wanatee park and nearby pinicon. The Cedar river and the wapsicon for fishing. This area has something for everyone.

Site24A

Month of VisitApril

Clint G.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2021

A Gem in Linn County, IA

We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided. The nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water.

SiteB26

Month of VisitMay

Kris P.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Just on the edge of town country comfort

The best thing about this campground is it’s access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff.

Terry M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2018

Well maintained

Great facilitity

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for camping at Wanatee Park?

Wanatee Park offers a split reservation system. Half of the campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the other half requires reservations. To secure a spot in the reservation-only section, contact the park office directly. For the first-come section, simply arrive early to claim your spot, especially during peak season. The campground is popular among locals, making it a frequent go-to destination for many regular campers, so planning ahead is recommended.

Where is Wanatee Park located near Marion, Iowa?

Wanatee Park is conveniently located near Marion, Iowa, with excellent accessibility to town amenities. The campground is within 5 miles of the nearest grocery store, making supply runs easy. The park's location offers the perfect balance of natural surroundings while remaining close to urban conveniences. It provides access to numerous recreational opportunities including bike trails, hiking in both Wanatee Park and nearby Pinicon, plus fishing access to both the Cedar River and the Wapsipinicon River.

Is there a campground map available for Wanatee Park?

Yes, a campground map is available for Wanatee Park. You can obtain the map at the park entrance or from the park office when you arrive. The map shows the layout of the campground, including the distinction between the reservation-only section and the first-come, first-served area. For the most up-to-date campground map, contact the park office directly or check the county parks website before your visit. The map will help you navigate the various sites and locate amenities like bathrooms and shower facilities.

What amenities and facilities are available at Wanatee Park Campground?

Wanatee Park Campground offers water and electric hookups at sites, with a dump station available at the entrance/exit. Each spacious site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with many offering partial shade from a mix of mature and young trees. The campground features well-maintained shower houses and strategically placed bathrooms throughout the grounds for convenience. The park is clean and well-cared for, with beautiful wildflower fields to explore. Nearby access to single-track mountain bike trails makes it especially appealing to cycling enthusiasts.

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