122 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campers near Cedar Rapids have several good state parks to choose from. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground draws people who want to explore its cave systems and hike the trails through the woods. Lake Macbride State Park Campground splits its sites between modern areas with electricity and more basic options, plus you can fish or take boats out on the water. Palisades-Kepler State Park sits along the Cedar River, where many campers bring kayaks or canoes for paddling, and the hiking paths wind through rocky areas with good views. Anyone with an RV might prefer Amana RV Park & Event Center, which has full hookups and puts you close to the historic Amana Colonies buildings and shops. You should make reservations for most places, particularly in summer and during fall color season. Sugar Bottom Campground and others let you book ahead online, which is smart since the best spots go quickly. Bathroom facilities range from newer buildings with hot showers to basic vault toilets, depending on which campground you pick. Weekend camping fills up faster than weekdays, especially around holidays when locals head out. While camping, you can take day trips to interesting places like the Devonian Fossil Gorge or spend time exploring the Amana Colonies' restaurants and craft shops. The Cedar Rapids area works well for both tent and RV camping trips.
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"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, and Macbride State Park as well."
from $14 - $260 / night
Check Availability"My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "
"Close access to boating and town"
from $26 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."
"Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."
from $18 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."
"LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."
from $22 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Did a quick overnight here before a race in Cedar Rapids. Nice campgrounds. The modern campground has electric hookups and nice showers, the other campground (much quieter!) has nice toilets."
"You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."
from $14 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained."
"Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp"
from $25 - $42 / night
Check Availability"Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway."
"Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping expirence but still have work or other things to get done."
from $23 - $40 / night
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ScoutThe campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
GuideGrass sites, plenty of space. Some sites have great views of the lake. Nice walking trails. Wild life to watch. If you are camped under a hickory tree you will need to brush off the Hickory nuts off your slide outs. Plenty of parking for guset to visit. Peaceful. We love camping in Hickory hils.
ScoutI have visited this park many times. It is small and has beautiful views and nice short hike trails on the other side , across the bridge, of the park. Old camping site is located among old trees. There is rescued animal display in there as well.
GuideGood spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
TravelerWe really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
GuideJust an overnight stay but I want to return to Firefly. There are lots of fireflies at night so easy to see why it got the name. All the pads are concrete in this new park. Full hookups that are easy to use. Great playground for the kids.
ScoutI would give it a zero if I could. Uneven pads for camper, right next to interstate and loud, neighbors so close it is unreal. Do not believe the pictures online posted those are campsites for permanent seasonal campers in the back. I was told the cost was $650 a month then charged $718 on my card. Campers are placed tongue to the back of your neighbor in front of you camper. so if one wants to move out you have to pack up your camper and move yours to a temporary spot for a couple of days so they can get out then pack up your camper again and move it again. They broke the contract doing that with us so instead of signing a new contract on a new spot we went ahead and went to another campground. Owner (which you never see, never picks up phone or has an office you can go to) continually tries to charge my credit card a large sum of money because she is mad. Update three weeks later still trying to charge my credit card various amounts. We didn’t even complete the whole month we paid for and did not ask for a refund for the days not stayed so technically they owe us money. Also you are not allowed to have any mail sent to you if renting monthly' and there was a lot of trash and illicit drug use going on in the campground.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
Cedar Rapids camping options blend diverse landscapes within a 30-minute drive from the city. The area transitions from prairie to woodland ecosystems, with most campgrounds situated between 700-900 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with cooler nights even during peak season.
Hiking diverse terrain: F.W. Kent Park offers walking paths around a landscaped lake with educational features. "There is about a two mile trail circumventing the entire lake. Great shower house. I was there in early October so the weather was too chilly to use the nice beach," notes Lisa S.
Wildlife viewing: Palisades-Kepler State Park provides opportunities to spot native Iowa species. "Fun beginner hikes, as a local to the area it's a park I visit often," shares Ryan. The park's location along the Cedar River creates habitat for various birds and mammals.
Fossil exploration: West Overlook Campground serves as an access point to geological interests. "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," explains Janet R.
Affordability: Primitive South Campground at Lake Macbride State Park offers basic sites at budget-friendly rates. "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!!!" reports Jeff A.
Clean facilities: Morgan Creek County Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Great little campground. Beautiful park with trails and playgrounds. Site was great and had everything we needed. Bathrooms were very well kept. Love this park," writes Kristin B.
Spaciousness: Sugar Bottom Campground provides campers with room to spread out. "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites. It was very quiet, lots of wildlife and amenities like a boat ramp, beach, playground, walking trails, recycling (!) and an amphitheater (!)," shares Steve B.
Seasonal closures: Several camping sites near Cedar Rapids, Iowa have limited operating seasons. Palisades-Kepler State Park operates from "April 1 to December 31" according to park information, while Wanatee Park runs from "April 15 to October 15."
Reservation systems vary: West Overlook Campground requires advance planning. "Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). This large COE has a variety of sites, with the 300 loop being full hook-ups," notes MickandKarla W.
Weekend congestion: "This is an average campground. Parts are more like an open field. It's nice, on a popular lake with a restaurant near by. The people are friendly and it's close to town," shares Sara P. about Sugar Bottom, reflecting typical weekend occupancy patterns at camping areas near Cedar Rapids.
Playground access: Modern North Campground at Lake Macbride State Park offers recreational facilities for children. "This is our favorite place to be in the summer. Great trails for hiking and walking and my kids love swimming here as well. The beach area is usually well maintained. Great place to take the family for summer fun," says Jessica P.
Swimming options: F.W. Kent Park features a swimming beach that's popular with families. "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," reports Steve T.
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational opportunities for children. "Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered. Forest, prairie, wetland habitats," James M. mentions about F.W. Kent Park.
Leveling considerations: Morgan Creek presents some challenges for vehicle setup. "Site was pretty level, but we did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires. We could back far enough in our site to park our F-450 in front of our rig at an angle and still put our back deck out," explains MickandKarla W.
Utilities access: Amana RV Park & Event Center provides comprehensive hookups for larger vehicles. "Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained," reports Mike C.
Weather concerns: During wet periods, some campgrounds experience drainage issues. "Only minus is that most roads are gravel and if it rains a lot, there are puddles everywhere and it is pretty soft coming in and out of sites," Julie G. cautions about Amana RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any RV parks in Cedar Rapids with full hookups?
Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park is one of the few RV parks in Cedar Rapids that remains open year-round, including winter months. It costs approximately $35 per night, and management is known to be pleasant and accommodating. For those needing overnight options, Walmart — Coralville Supercenter offers a large parking lot that's conveniently located near I-80, though this is for overnight parking rather than a full-service RV park. In the broader area, several county parks provide electric hookups for RVs, including Morgan Creek County Park and Wanatee Park. RV campers should call ahead to confirm current hookup availability and reservation requirements, especially during peak camping season.
Is primitive tent camping available within 20 miles of Cedar Rapids?
Yes, there are several primitive tent camping options within 20 miles of Cedar Rapids. Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay offers a primitive and private camping experience with dark skies perfect for stargazing, campfires, and a pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Cottonwood Campground provides tent areas among trees with fire rings, with showers and restrooms onsite. Walk-in sites are available, and the campground is close to the Iowa River and Coralville Lake for fishing. Additionally, Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) near Marion offers drive-in and walk-in tent camping options with basic amenities. For those seeking a more developed experience but still wanting to tent camp, F.W. Kent Park provides tent sites with access to water and toilets.
What state parks offer camping near Cedar Rapids?
Lake Macbride State Park is one of the best state parks near Cedar Rapids, offering two distinct camping areas. The Modern North Campground provides electric hookups and nice shower facilities, while the Primitive South Campground offers a quieter experience with basic toilet facilities. The park surrounds Lake MacBride, created by the Coralville Dam. Another excellent option is Palisades-Kepler State Park near Mount Vernon, which features drive-in, walk-in, and even boat-in camping options. Backbone State Park is also within driving distance of Cedar Rapids, with its Six Pines Campground offering access to beautiful natural areas and outdoor activities.
What are the best campgrounds near Cedar Rapids, Iowa?
Cedar Rapids offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. West Overlook Campground is a top choice, maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers along the Iowa River. This campground features electric sites, a convenient dump station, and access to Coralville Lake with boat ramps and hiking trails. Another excellent option is Sugar Bottom Campground, a beautiful COE campground with numerous site options, abundant wildlife, and access to Lake Coralville. Both locations are close to I-80, making them convenient for travelers. Other noteworthy campgrounds in the area include Cottonwood Campground and Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, which offer different experiences ranging from lakeside camping to family-friendly settings with varied amenities.
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