Camping areas around Ely, Iowa sit within the gently rolling landscape of eastern Iowa where elevations range between 730-850 feet above sea level. The Cedar River and several reservoirs create water-focused recreation options within a 15-mile radius. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs typically reaching 80-90°F during July and August.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: F.W. Kent Park offers a scenic lake loop approximately two miles in length. "Beautiful park, spacious campsite, $20 for electric hookups. Love this park!!" reports one camper at F.W. Kent Park. The park combines forest, prairie, and wetland habitats with well-maintained pathways suitable for beginners and experienced hikers.
Fossil exploration: Visit the Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Overlook Campground, exposed during the 1993 flood. The geological site displays fossils from 375 million years ago. A camper notes, "This recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993."
Water activities: Multiple boat launches provide access for fishing and paddling. "We have great food at the bar that's on the water called bobbers. They have boat rental, firewood, propane, etc," explains a visitor at Scales Pointe Camping and Boating. Rentals typically cost $20-50 depending on watercraft type and rental duration.
Cycling opportunities: Wanatee Park connects to regional bike paths. "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," mentions one reviewer about Wanatee Park.
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Non-electric primitive sites at Lake Macbride State Park cost as little as $9-11 per night. A camper reports, "Clean sites right on the lake.. Peaceful nights with other friends & other campers.. Good place to launch kayaks from.. We had cell service.. Free firewood for campers was a plus!!! $9.00/night!!!" The primitive campground provides basic amenities with significant cost savings.
Accessibility to cultural attractions: Amana Colonies are within 20 minutes of several campgrounds. "We used our bikes and biked around the colonies. Place was clean, showers and bathroom great. We were there after Labor Day and had section to our selves," shares a camper at Amana RV Park & Event Center. The seven historic villages offer German-inspired dining and crafts.
Lakeside camping views: Many campgrounds offer direct water access and views. "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors," notes a visitor about West Overlook Campground. Some waterfront sites fill quickly during summer weekends and require reservations 2-3 months in advance.
Modern facilities: Despite rural locations, many campgrounds offer clean bathrooms and modern amenities. "Nice campground. Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place," says one reviewer about Palisades-Kepler State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal water level changes: The Cedar River and reservoir levels fluctuate significantly. In drought conditions, some boat ramps may become unusable. After heavy rainfall, flooding can impact low-lying campsites at West Overlook and Sugar Bottom campgrounds.
Campground size variations: Site spacing differs dramatically between locations. "This campground has two campgrounds. The modern side on the north end of the park with full hookups, and the primitive side on the south side of the park with no electricity or water hookups," explains a camper at Lake Macbride State Park. Some areas allow more separation and privacy than others.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "Reservations are a must," notes one camper about West Overlook Campground. Holiday weekends often sell out 3-4 months in advance, with some campgrounds requiring minimum stays.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). We were one and done on what we thought might be a more difficult back-in, but there was enough level ditch in front to allow an easy swing," reports a visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature modern play areas. "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," shares a visitor about Wanatee Park.
Swimming beaches: Sugar Bottom Campground offers a designated swimming area with beach access. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," notes one visitor.
Educational opportunities: The Raptor Center near Lake Macbride provides wildlife education programs. "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors," reports a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Kent Park offers excellent wildlife spotting with minimal light pollution. One visitor shares: "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. It is a very nice campground located right on the lake. Most sites are shady and fairly good sized."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds offer sewer connections or dump stations. "Dump station, drinking water, filling station, trash dumpsters and fish cleaning station are on the right just before the campground entrance," explains a visitor about West Overlook Campground.
Electric service variations: Amperages vary between campgrounds. "We stayed at site 48 and it's a perfect spot just off the lake with great views. Only drawback is it's kinda of a walk from a bathroom and the beach but that is more than ok to deal with...with a pop up," mentions a Sugar Bottom camper.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate big rigs better than others. "Spacious, quiet, calm...The locale is beautiful, just on the lake. All of the internal roads are paved and the spaces are nicely paved or graveled. The sites are spacious and angled for ease of backing into," notes a West Overlook visitor.
Winter camping limitations: Most campgrounds reduce services during winter months. "Winter camping is limited, with only select campgrounds operating year-round, though with reduced services," explains a park representative.
