Top Tent Camping near Cedar Falls, IA

Looking for tent camping near Cedar Falls? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Cedar Falls campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Cedar Falls, IA (29)

Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Cedar Falls

177 Reviews of 29 Cedar Falls Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar View Park
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Cedar View Park

    Beautiful park, gross bath house

    This is a lovely park. It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad. 

    Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.

    There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake. There is a swimming beach and a dock. There is a city park adjacent to the campground with a playground and picnic shelter.

    I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up.

    The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There are camp hosts on site but I guess their duties do not include ever cleaning the restroom. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash including used condoms.

    I would stay in this campground again because I have a self contained unit and do not need to use the on-site shower house.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oelwein City Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Oelwein City Park

    This is a beautiful city park campground

    I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.

    There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.

    The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

    There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.

    I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fontana County Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Fontana County Park

    New, clean, no trees

    There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.

    I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Klocks Island Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Klocks Island Park

    Crowded and quiet

    This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.

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

    Union Grove State Park

    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)

  • Niki S.
    Camper-submitted photo from R Campground, Inc
    Jul. 15, 2024

    R Campground, Inc

    Very clean, friendly owners, great co-campers

    Randy was amazing and very attentive to my questions. Check in was super easy and the directions for check in were clearly spelled out. Everything was mapped out and the website was easy to use as well. The pond itself was pretty to look at and made for great photos, however it was loaded with geese which made it not user friendly. I would recommend this campground, and I will definitely go back to camp again!

  • 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.

  • I
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Acres RV Park
    May. 25, 2024

    Lazy Acres RV Park

    Don’t recommend

    We stayed here towards the end of May. They hadn’t cut the grass but was in the process of cutting it. This caused swarms of bugs. We are from Ky backwoods and are use to bugs but this was awful. The bathhouse was clean. The campground is right off the main highway so easy getting off and right back on.

  • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alden riverview campground
    May. 5, 2024

    Alden riverview campground

    15$! Alden Riverview Campground

    30/50/110 power. Drinking water and dump onsite but not on sites. Wifi! Hot showers, playground,boat launch,fire pits,grills,good camp host.town is right there 2 bars and restaurants. Gas station I think was 8 blocks up to the right. Been hard to find all this for 15 bucks a day!

  • Lisa T.
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
    Nov. 10, 2023

    George Wyth State Park

    Good local camping

    Easy in and out late fall camping.  I got a great tent spot next to the river.  This is a fine campground that I much prefer during the off season (it gets too busy during the warm season for my liking).  The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bend Park
    Sep. 7, 2023

    Cedar Bend Park

    Peaceful place

    It was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful.

  • v
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar View Park
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Cedar View Park

    Wonderful Find!

    Great find! We thought we would be dry camping because it was Labor Day weekend. We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It’s first come first serve. I really never thought there would be any hookups because of what I had read, but they had electric and water! We found a spot right on the Lake! Very busy but wonderful view, location and was only $20.00!

  • Matthew S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    Nice Park/Clean Bathrooms

    This is a quiet and nice park. Lots of pull through lots. I am missing a swimming pool but they do have a beach by a pond if that interests you. Bathrooms are cleaned daily but at times are quite nasty. Not their fault people are just nasty.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Park Campground
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Riverview Park Campground

    Clean open Campground

    There’s a bit of road noise, but there’s lot of room here on a Tuesday. The grounds are well kept. Was able to get a clear view to the north for excellent Starlink reception.

  • Elizabeth K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Delaware County Coffins Grove Park
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Delaware County Coffins Grove Park

    Quiet, peaceful family campground

    Nice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together (we camp here every year for our family reunion). Newer playground that my kids love, sand so that’s an extra play optional. Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Jun. 22, 2023

    Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    Great place to stay

    We stayed at started at the Lost Island water park KOA for just one night while passing through the area. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a playground, beach and fenced dog area. Cost was very good for the amenities provided.

    The campground had a store, gas station and propane available.

    We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Six Pine - Backbone State Park

    Hidden treasure

    Stayed in march it was cold but very nice park , restrooms were nice shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing

  • Nicolas N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lime Creek Park
    Jun. 14, 2023

    Lime Creek Park

    Can’t go wrong for $15

    Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway. It might not have the views and whatnot but can’t beat that for convenience!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerwood Park
    May. 30, 2023

    Deerwood Park

    Great we spot

    Quiet, camp host was nice. Firewood available for purchase for $1. Nice lake very close to the campground.

  • Jeannie D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
    May. 25, 2023

    Six Pine - Backbone State Park

    Just stunning

    This campground was large. The lake reminded me of a puzzle I did with my grandma as a kid. It was fall, and it was just gorgeous. There was a wedding the weekend we were there, but we were lucky to explore the tower the day prior. The nearby communities offer ameneties, which were needed as I sprained a knee hiking the backbone trail my third go. Absolutely adored the weekend we spent here. Wonderful neighbors, great spacious, level sites. I want to say we had electric only, and service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp. We used Verizon, and could not hulu.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilder City Park
    Oct. 5, 2022

    Wilder City Park

    Beautiful city park

    Wilder Park is a beautiful city park. Very much a gem, quiet and peaceful . 50 + sites with about half of them full hook up. Costs for a full hook up in 2022 was under $25 a night. The park has two fishing areas, a dog park,pickle ball, volleyball mini golf, basketball and two playgrounds. A beautiful walking and bike path connects the parks to the neighboring cities. A free dump is also available. We highly recommend this park. 1

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Timmons Grove County Park
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Timmons Grove County Park

    Necessities okay, loud road noise

    A very functional camp. I was solo on the grounds mid week. 18$ seemed steep, but there was electric and scattered water pumps. Potable toilet no showers or wash rooms. Nice playground if you have kids. Nice and flat with a fair amount of shade.



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

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cedar Falls, IA is Roadman Roadside Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Cedar Falls, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Cedar Falls, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.