Best Camping near Amana, IA

Amana is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Amana, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Amana, IA (92)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    1. Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    86 Photos
    83 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    Named after Thomas Macbride, the “father” of Iowa conservation, Lake Macbride State Park is a popular lakeside destination with family friendly outdoor activities. Several multi-use trails wind around the lake, featuring the sights and sounds of Iowa’s native birds. In the summer, soak up the sun by kayaking, paddling or swimming in the lake. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Lake Macbride features numerous amenities to enjoy year round.

    Camp in one of the two campgrounds at Lake Macbride. A modern campground is located in the northern unit of the park with full and electric hookups, a shower and restroom, and a trailer dump station. One non modern campground can be found in the southern unit of the park with a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $9 - $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground

    2. Sugar Bottom Campground

    23 Reviews
    64 Photos
    86 Saves
    North Liberty, Iowa

    Overview

    The Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking, and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in Sugar Bottom. Several trails are within Sugar Bottom, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, and a barrier-free asphalt trail.The Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers 18 partially wooded and open holes. The Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers beginner to expert trails.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Sugar Bottom Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the east side of the lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Devonian Fossil Gorge is 10 miles away, just below the Coralville Dam. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty Discovery Points can be found throughout the site. Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the ?????Quilt Capital of Iowa__????? and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park

    3. F. W. Kent Park

    16 Reviews
    57 Photos
    102 Saves
    Oxford, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground

    4. West Overlook Campground

    15 Reviews
    56 Photos
    45 Saves
    Coralville, Iowa

    Overview

    The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail.The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The West Overlook Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center

    5. Amana RV Park & Event Center

    9 Reviews
    23 Photos
    12 Saves
    Amana, Iowa

    The Amana RV Park& Event Center is a quiet place for a scenic getaway or long term stay. Offering large, level sites, free wi-fi, laundry facilities, LP service and close proximity to shops and restaurants, the park is a great location for your visit to the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids area. Plenty of festivals and events close by all season to keep you entertained! Open April 1st to November 1st.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $42 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    6. BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    26 Saves
    Oxford, Iowa

    Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground will offer you a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. Fishing in the pond, swimming in the in-ground pool, making sand castles on the beach or exploring local festivals --these are just a few of the things that make camping at Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground such a fun experience. Join us for kid-focused themed activities most Saturday's during the peak season. With our nearby shopping malls, fun cities, lakes, and attractions like the Kalona Amish Community, Amana Colonies, Coralville Reservoir, Iowa City and the University of Iowa, you're going to love your stay in Eastern Iowa!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $25 - $48 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades-Kepler State Park

    7. Palisades-Kepler State Park

    8 Reviews
    1 Photo
    78 Saves
    Ely, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hannen County Park

    8. Hannen County Park

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    13 Saves
    Marengo, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park

    9. Lake Iowa County Park

    6 Reviews
    14 Photos
    23 Saves
    Williamsburg, Iowa

    Lake Iowa Park offers a quiet, safe and beautifully-maintained campground that includes 120 rocked pads with electricity, shower houses and a dump station. There are water hydrants with rural water spread throughout the campground to fill your camper tanks. There are two non-electric areas suitable for tents which are within a short walk to the shower house. Currently there are no reservations for camping, it is all first come first served.

    2 cabins are available for rent. Each cabin has a full kitchen and ADA compliant bathroom and will sleep 8 people.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

    10. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

    4 Reviews
    10 Photos
    12 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 92 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Amana

Recent Reviews in Amana

308 Reviews of 92 Amana Campgrounds


  • Misty B.
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Nov. 12, 2024

    BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

    Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. The swimming water is right next to the beach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy)

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Lake and Park
    Nov. 6, 2024

    Otter Creek Lake and Park

    Nice County CG along lake

    CG has basic amenities- fire ring, table, gravel pad, electric, and water though shower houses are closed for season. Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc.

  • Leslie K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Outback Campground & Resort
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Outback Campground & Resort

    Wallaby Cabin Review

    This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Bennett Park

    Nice small County CG with pond

    Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.

  • Jeff and Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Wildcat Bluff County Park

    Nice small park

    Small quite county park with electricity at most sites. First come sites. On Labor Day weekend only 5 campers there out of 21 sites. We found one with mostly shade. There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service.

  • Evan G.
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Aug. 22, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    The perfect weekend get away

    My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

  • Jim C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Little Bear Campground

    Great week of camping

    This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park Campground
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Union Grove State Park Campground

    Loved it!

    Loved this campground! We just stayed for one night, but wish it had been two. Small and quiet. A few trails to hike and a horse camp that I didn’t have time to explore. Nice lending library as well. Bathroom/shower combos are nice (1 is ADA). Not far off the interstate. Some sites are off with level & weird (ie stairs/door open on an incline and away from the table), and our picnic table was sloped. So pick your site carefully. 19E was ok - table not level and high stairs required from TT but good for Starlink connection and close water spigot (elec only at these sites)

  • Evan G.
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Aug. 12, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    The perfect Amana colonies campsite

    Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

    Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

  • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Windmill Ridge Campground

    Hidden little gem

    Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Caylx Creek, Shepard Hut
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Caylx Creek, Shepard Hut

    Neat cabin tucked in woods

    New! Has everything you need to get away-kitchenette, queen bed, AC, trails, large lavender farm! Farm store offers foods, drinks, lavender harvesting.

  • Robert P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Inn Campground
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Blue Inn Campground

    Reservations

    I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Jun. 24, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    Great County park with lake

    Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.

  • Nick B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tailwater West Campground
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Tailwater West Campground

    Fishing excursion

    Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lime Creek Park
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Lime Creek Park

    Nice campground with a Quirk

    The pros: $10 fee ($15 electric), campground seems well maintained (grass is mown, security light works, tables in good repair, gravel access road in good shape, etc); no one here but us, the sound of the running Creek is soothing, vault toilet is probably the cleanest I've seen; ATT cell service was 3bars 5G The unusual: no specific site, no specific place to pull into, no site numbers or designation except on the electric pedestals. It's all grass. Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want. The cons: highway traffic noise is easily heard and doesn't seem to stop for more than a few seconds (though the crickets/bug sounds and the creek sound is sometimes louder so you hear that instead), dust from vehicles passing on nearby dirt road filters thru the trees (due to dry weather?), and, well, it is, after all, a vault toilet-not my fav,

  • Nick B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Wildcat Bluff County Park

    Quiet with good trails

    Very nice little park if you like hiking or Frisbee golf. There is not much to the park besides campsites and the Frisbee golf course. It has a small playground with just a few swings and a slide. Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
    May. 31, 2024

    Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    Clean park warm showers

    $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10

  • Lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    May. 28, 2024

    BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    I'll never stay here again.

    I will start by saying the staff was very friendly. Outside of that this was the worst place we have ever camped. Not only did it look like EVERY site was uneven this place was extremely outdated. When you look at the website it makes it sound like they have kid activities(the kid activities was kite making with dollar tree plastic kites and a"mud pit" that was a kiddie pool they added some dirt to and water.) Their kid activies are definitely for ages 7 and under. They had no activities for pre teen/teen age other than cornhole/bags on Sunday afternoon at 5pm when most people would be checking out at 2pm if they only came for the weekend. The golfcart rentals are$60 per day or$100 for two days which seems extreme but there isn't much reason to rent one unless you just want to drive around the pothole filled roads in the park. We drove all around the park and never seen a water trampoline, the pool is being built not sure how long that has been in progress, the live music they had NO live music in a huge camping weekend(memorial day weekend). The showers/bathrooms are extremely outdated gross. We have had this location saved since last year on our must camp list but wanted to make it a time the entire family could join and it was a huge let down! At over$200 for three nights(which was required for a holiday weekend) you would expect this place to be nice. Unfortunately the places we have stayed for$15-$20 a night are by far way nicer than this place. I would not recommend this location to anyone. Attached are the lovely playground photos. I cropped the kids out so one swing does look like it's missing but it is not.



Guide to Amana

Camping near Amana, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Fishing: Explore the trails and enjoy fishing at Palisades-Kepler State Park. One visitor mentioned, "Lots of intense trails to explore but some trees were in the way due to a past storm. Close to Cedar River for awesome fishing!"
  • Swimming and Relaxing: Spend a day at the beach or pool at Sugar Bottom Campground. A camper shared, "The beach was a plus for the kids as well. Great place to relax and enjoy mother nature grounding."
  • Exploring Local History: Visit the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, just a short drive from Wapsipinicon State Park. One reviewer noted, "Anamosa is a very sweet little town with a lot to offer for dining and local culture."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Lake Macbride State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Had a bathroom with showers and multiple water wells spread out."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Pinicon Ridge Park. One camper mentioned, "Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the peaceful environment at F. W. Kent Park. A review stated, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet."

What you should know:

  • Site Levels Vary: Some campgrounds, like Wapsipinicon State Park, have uneven sites. A camper noted, "Not a level site to be had. Significant slope at all RV/camper sites."
  • Limited Amenities: Certain campgrounds, such as Sugar Bottom Campground, may not have markets nearby. One visitor advised, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Amana RV Park & Event Center can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper mentioned, "Easy reservations. Made online about 9 PM and pulled in around 10 PM."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Little Bear Campground. One parent said, "There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters that had definitely seen better days."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby grocery stores. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "Easy to get to amenities and grocery stores."
  • Pack for All Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if camping in spring or fall. A camper at Palisades-Kepler State Park noted, "It was cool and rainy, but I had a great trip."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at places like Lake Macbride State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Many sites may require leveling blocks for RVs. A camper at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow advised, "Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes."
  • Stay Connected: Check for cell service availability at campgrounds like Sugar Bottom Campground. A visitor mentioned, "We got 2 bars on Verizon and could put out our Starlink."

Camping near Amana, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions