Best Campgrounds near Cedar Falls, IA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Cedar Falls. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cedar Falls, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cedar Falls camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Cedar Falls, Iowa (119)

    1. George Wyth State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    22 Photos
    33 Saves
    Cedar Falls, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $11 - $16 / night

    2. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    10 Reviews
    18 Photos
    38 Saves
    Evansdale, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    3. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    114 Photos
    108 Saves
    Dundee, Iowa

    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.

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

    4. Big Woods Lake

    2 Reviews
    11 Saves
    Cedar Falls, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    5. Black Hawk County Park

    2 Reviews
    13 Saves
    Cedar Falls, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    6. Siggelkov County Park

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    60 Saves
    Oelwein, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Trash

    7. Pine Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    19 Photos
    45 Saves
    Steamboat Rock, Iowa

    Pine Lake State Park is a hidden gem with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views in the midst of Iowa’s rolling farmland. Historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) can be found throughout the park, including the Pine Lodge, beach house and stone cabins, which have been carefully restored. Pine Lake is filled with beautiful picnic areas to enjoy a quiet setting by the river or an overlook of the park’s lake. The park originally was home to Iowa’s southernmost stand of native pine trees which were wiped out by a severe hailstorm in August 2009; today hundreds of caged tree seedlings are scattered throughout the park as part of a reforestation effort.

    Stay overnight in one of four cozy cabins at Pine Lake, with stone fireplaces and outdoor fire rings. One cabin is ADA accessible, and all cabins include a full kitchen and bath, along with heating and air conditioning for year-round stays. The park’s campground offers electric sites with modern showers and restrooms and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pine Lake State Park.

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

    $18 / night

    8. Hickory Hills Park

    3 Reviews
    8 Saves
    Evansdale, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    9. Grundy County Lake and Campground

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    7 Saves
    Cedar Falls, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $15 / night

    10. Deerwood Park

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    14 Saves
    Evansdale, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
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Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cedar Falls, IA

211 Reviews of 119 Cedar Falls Campgrounds



Guide to Cedar Falls

Camping near Cedar Falls, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Backbone State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The scenery on the hiking trail was amazing," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Try your luck at Rock Creek State Park Campground, where one camper noted, "Fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Pine Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "The swimming beach was great for a hot day."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at George Wyth State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "The bathrooms and showers were very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Kellogg RV Park. A camper said, "The sites are mostly pull through with full service electric, water, and sewer."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers at Pinicon Ridge Park love the peaceful environment. One reviewer noted, "Great place to kick back and relax."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Eagle City County Park, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor mentioned, "Sites are first come first served with no reservations."
  • Limited Amenities: Campers at Beeds Lake State Park noted that while the lake is beautiful, "the campground is very 'campgroundy' with many RV sites close together."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs at George Wyth State Park Campground. One camper warned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Rock Creek State Park Campground has a new playground that kids will love, as noted by a reviewer who said, "New playground for the kids."
  • Activities: Choose a campground with various activities. At Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, one family enjoyed, "A lake with beach area and an area for fishing."
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has good facilities. A camper at Kellogg RV Park mentioned, "Felt very safe with my family."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A reviewer at Amana RV Park & Event Center said, "The sites are wide open and generally level."
  • Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise from nearby roads. A camper at Kellogg RV Park noted, "The sounds of traffic wasn't too bad."
  • Local Attractions: Explore nearby towns for food and supplies. One visitor at Amana RV Park & Event Center mentioned, "A bit of a walk to the bathroom and showers, but the sites were level with short grass."

Camping around Cedar Falls, Iowa, provides a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Cedar Falls, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Cedar Falls, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Cedar Falls, IA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Cedar Falls, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cedar Falls, IA is George Wyth State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cedar Falls, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Cedar Falls, IA.

  • What parks are near Cedar Falls, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Cedar Falls, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.