Best Campgrounds near Bernard, IA

The campground is very pretty. Being on the water is beautiful and from what I saw I’m sure it’s nice. However the weekend we went it was not. The weather wasn’t the problem. The problem is how the weather was handled. If you need ANY assistance or guidance from the host, good luck. I was met with attitude and zero empathy on where, how or what to do when our camp site was ankle deep in water. No help at all. Zero. When our camp was destroyed the next night from the storm - not one person came to see if we were ok, needed assistance or anything. Only thing we got was they we could NOT leave the metal from our pop ups and had to get them to the dumpster. When all my daughter and I wanted to do was leave as it was still storming and there were employees EVERYWHERE with skids. They cleared a path to our spot from a tree down in less than 2 minutes. There was zero reason to not let us leave under the circumstances and knowing we had a long drive home in the storm on top of.
I contacted the board and was told they will use this for further training. And they were sorry. I have read several reviews on other online platforms and all is wonderful ASIDE- the host. They have a big problem and until it’s fully addressed- stay clear. It’s simply not safe.
It will be a wonderful weekend for you as long as you need no assistance. I don’t think they like to be bothered.

If you find yourself near the Quad Cities, you’ll definitely want to check out Scott County Park, which boasts 6 different CGs to choose from. Wilderness campground, as the name suggests, puts you smack-dab in the middle of the forest, and of all the campgrounds, is definitely one of my favorites as a tent pitchin’ outdoors enthusiast. Unlike either nearby Woodside or Bald Eagle campgrounds, which are more geared for the RV driving and 5th Wheel hauling camping community, Wilderness CG isn’t very level, has decent natural barriers like tree roots, forest boundaries like thick brush and space constraints to consider, yet this CG still offers near equal amenities as the other CGs.

The surroundings here are thick and lush, providing you with a real authentic experience in nature and offers real amazing solitude, peace & quiet as well as substantial privacy, where you and your camping exploits won’t be on full display with the entire campground that you are surrounded by. This lone fact makes Wilderness unlike any of the other campgrounds here at Scott County Park. The individual camping sites are incredibly spacious, fairly uneven land with all spaces offering substantial shade, thick backdrop behind each spot and tons of foliage. Because of all the trees and brush, the grounds don’t feel as well-kept as some of the other CGs, but that’s really just a result of fallen leaves and branches – so not the worst outcome (and if it bothers you that much, just bring a rake). Like all of the other campgrounds here, you’ll experience impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and decent – not great– space in the shower.

Incredibly different from either Bald Eagle or Woodside campgrounds, there is no nearby lake here at Wilderness, so if you do want to get your oaring in, you’ll have to drive to one of the park’s lakes, which isn’t the most difficult thing to accomplish here. While there is no dedicated shelter in or near Wilderness CG, there is a designated picnic area just due west called Prairie Sun, which is great for a game of football, hosting a BBQ or playing cards on one of the several picnic tables you’ll find here. You’ll discover that there’s a total of 3 restroom facilities, but only one with shower capabilities – all of which are incredibly well-maintained. Lastly, one of the things that make Wilderness differentiated here in Scott County Park is that a ton of the best hiking trails converge at this CG, so if you’re tent camper and want to be located right in the thick of nature, while having direct access to prize hiking above just about anything else, then this is your haven.

Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. The rangers here are incredibly friendly, professional and very helpful by constantly being on patrol and keeping this beautiful park in full working order.

Happy Camping!