Join the fun near Central City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Central City, reviewed by campers like you.
"Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing."
"Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "
$23 - $33 / night
"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."
"Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."
"Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."
$10 - $36 / night
"The RV sites aren’t really out of the ordinary but the park sits upon a slight rise above the Missouri River and the road around the campground leads down to the river."
"It is a short drive to the river to hike, picnic, paddle, fish. There are 2 boat ramps, one just above the dam. This site is a Registered Historic site."
$12 - $60 / night
"We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing. I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years. I have not had any issues at all. "
"It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster."
$12 - $200 / night
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.
There are two campgrounds."
"The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."
$12 - $80 / night
"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."
$35 - $50 / night
"Near the highway so it has truck noise"
"Near the highway but road noise is minimal."
"The RV/pull behind spots here fill up VERY fast. This was no big deal for us since we went for a long tent camping weekend, there are plenty of sites if you are ok without all the hookups."
"The tent camping sites are quiet, well shaded and good access to the fishing stream. Running water Bathrooms closed due to covid but the vault toilets are fine."
LegendThe site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby. Along the trail into the site, you will find a large play area for families.
LegendThe dam and the lake are cool, there's a decent beach, two playgrounds, and lots of sites to choose from. Overall though, it felt a bit... Trashy? We are not spoiled high falutin campers at all, but compared to the COE campgrounds we are used to in GA this one is lacking a bit in tree cover, site spacing, and water cleanliness. Not terrible but not great.
TravelerGreat 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.
TravelerClean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night
TravelerThis is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.
LegendThis campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River. The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay. The 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.
This review is for the West Overlook campground located on the lakeside upstream of the dam. This is one of the larger campgrounds at Coralville Lake, and is popular due to the large sandy beach, the modern boatlaunch area, and options for a variety of kinds of campsites in separate loops. Some of the loops are close to the lake or in various heights overlooking the lake, some loops are tucked into beautiful shady woods further inland. As a tent camper I chose one of the loops in the woods as the sites are larger and quieter and more spacious. All of the loops seem family friendly and pretty quiet even though pretty full. There are new modern bath houses with showers, and hiking trails all around. There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating. This seems to be a camping destination for a lot of folks in the area, but is also an easy stopover right off Interstate 80 for folks on road trips. It is also a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa, only about a 15-20 minute drive away. My most recent time camping here was this month, May 2025, but I have camped here many times in the past as far back as 1964, and the campground improvements and recreation opportunities have just gotten better and better over the years. Its a popular location, so Spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then.
GuideGreat place, 1 mile from Amana. Our second stay here, from Louisiana. Good food in Amana. Really nice folks, ground squirrels too 😁
TravelerThis is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful. Two views of the lake, a modern bathroom and a pit style bathroom as well, no showers though. Plenty of wildlife, great for fishing, or just relaxing. The only cons: Shower house 8 miles away at north campsite, may need your own toilet paper as not always restocked quickly. Expect the usual run ins with raccoons, coyotes, and other wild life and guard your food from them. Pros: the view, spacious sites, peaceful, fishing
ScoutAll reservable spots...clean bathrooms, showers and spots. Beautiful park!
Camping near Central City, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to fun activities, there’s something for everyone in this area.
Camping near Central City, Iowa, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Central City, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Central City, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Central City, IA is Pinicon Ridge Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Central City, IA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Central City, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
Keep Exploring
