Best Glamping near Central City, IA

Recent Glamping Reviews in Central City

81 Reviews of 15 Central City Campgrounds

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 18, 2025

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  Nice Park & CG off US-30

  Park offers lots of amenities and recreation opportunities. 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. Campground offers pads, firings, electric, tables, and there is a dump station. Restrooms, shelters, overflow parking, and a youth campsite is available. Sites include tent and RV sites.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 26, 2024

  Sleepy Hollow

  Short Jog to This Campground Outpost From I80

  If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to pull over for a decent escape to nature, then you may very well want to consider Sleepy Hollow, which is just a few minutes north of I80. Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped both the non-stop whir of incessant highway traffic and the unsightly view of a heavily trafficked main roadway. Add on top of this that you’ll find this location is perfectly suitable to the RV crowd as much as it is the tent-pitching bredren that belong to my tribe of outdoor enthusiasts.

  Here at this campground you’ll find RV and 5th Wheel sites offering both pull-thru and back-in sites complete with full hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage). There’s 7 tent sites that are very well shaded, have a decent patch of land and include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills. Whether you have a tent, an RV or not, this campground has a small handful of cozy cabins available to rent that come with running hot & cold water as well as electricity and are located close to the fishing pond. What I enjoyed most with the primitive camping area was the serenity offered by the abundance of new growth Oaks that shaded the place, along with unfettered views of the lake itself. Priceless.

  Sleepy Hollow offers a number of amenities including: ‘catch& release’ pond (both swimming and fishing potential), ball pit, kid’s playground, puppy park, designated dumpsters, fairly decent WiFi, community firepits, general market store, laundr-O-mat, shower facility, pavilion, horseshoes, game room, volleyball and basketball courts, artificial beachhead with swim area and windmills. There’s a lagoon with hundreds of ducks, but depending upon how you look at this, it may or may not be considered an amenity, but if you have kids like I do, it’s a great distraction that offers up a lot of duck-feeding fun.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a decent bit of hiking, there’s a nice slice of nature near here at Sleepy Hollow a bit NE called Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area where there’s plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching; (2) When you get tired trying to conjure up that next meal from your cooler or on-board fridge, then head over to nearby Renee’s Roadhouse where this roadside stand serves up standard Americana fare like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. For anything more substantial, you’ll have to take a longer drive east to Iowa City of which I recommend Steak & Shake, Back Berner Bar & Grill or Barrel House; (3) If you’d like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you’ll come across hand-made blankets and artisan-crafted cabinetry all while offering you some very warm Midwestern hospitality.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Ashley F.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 24, 2024

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  Great place for a short trip

  I’ll begin by saying this is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses. We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. Our site was also extremely dusty which wasn’t a problem at all just be prepared to be a little dirty. The campground was quiet except for the occasional train that rolled through those are quite loud due to how close they are to the campground. I would definitely come back to Nelson Dewey and stay again. There was not a ton to do in the area so a short weekend stay was perfect. A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites. There is 1 designated parking spot per walk to site as well. The walk to sites are small and only accommodated our one (6 person) tent which was not a problem for us as we knew this ahead of time.

• 

  Jerry H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 12, 2024

  Swiss Valley County Park

  Very nice experience

  Nice trails around. Camp was clean. Cool creek and bridge. Priced appropriately at $23 a night.

• 

  Jim C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 18, 2024

  Little Bear Campground

  Great week of camping

  This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

• 

  Big D.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 27, 2024

  Cedar River Campground

  Cedar river campground

  Camped there for years. Never again. Last 2 years under current owners\ management, I would not spend another dime there. They are nothing but drama. Behind office towards owners home looks like a salvage yard. They have removed families who have camped there for years. Only ones left are scared, no place to move to, or suck up to them for special privileges. Last two years were horrible. Will only return if sold to again new owners who care about campers vs money.

• 

  Avery Z.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 11, 2024

  Cedar River Campground

  Family friendly

  So many things to do for adults and kids!! Family fun, The owners are so helpful too.

• C

  Cedar R.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 11, 2024

  Cedar River Campground

  Camping fun

  Always working to keep the Campground an inviting fun place to come and enjoy some family time make some memories.

• 

  Family F.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 11, 2024

  Cedar River Campground

  Nice Campground

  Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 1, 2024

  Little Bear Campground

  Convenient EZ On- & Off-Highway Family-Style Campground Outpost

  It’s smaller than a football field and tucked behind one of those old-school gas stations that you see in the middle of a desert that looks permanently closed, but then you see old Jethro sitting on the corner around the bend from the fuel pumps smoking a cigarillo not worrying about whether the place blows up or not. That’s how I found Little Bear Campground. When I arrived, the place was closed, but thankfully there was a sign posted on the door to call Mike, so I did. And he couldn’t have been nicer, offering me up any open site in the place. 

  So, I took a spin around the joint, which I would describe as ‘intimate’ with all of the very level grassy spots being fairly close to one another, interspersed with plenty of cover shadow from all of the trees that you’ll find this place populated by. The place was half empty, so I guess whatever crowdedness might actually exist in reality was somewhat lost on me. That said, if you are driving an RV or hauling a 5th Wheeler, I would certainly be less than impressed by seemingly the great proximity you will have to your fellow neighbor. Maybe that matters to you or maybe it doesn’t as many of the RV locations I have seen over the past year all land on more intimate quarters than not. The sites for RV / 5th Wheelers are small rock / gravel, which I gather from my mobile home hauling friends is that it is the preferred surface when concrete is not available. 

  While we showed up the last week of the season to encounter that the community pool was closed, apart from this, there really wasn’t a ton of other amenities to speak of although there was a community hall where I understand that group activities like bingo, euchre and other family-friendly games are played. Of course, there were the basics of in-ground fire ring and standard-issued picnic tables. There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters that had definitely seen better days. Apart from the main office, which I presume served also as a mini-market and as I understand has both showers and laundry facilities (although I wouldn’t know as it was locked up) there isn’t much here. 

  The few primitive camping sites that do exist here are located on the western side of the property up against the corn fields, which I actually appreciated, and had very good mature trees growing around the area, but one would definitely feel like a ‘second class citizen’ here. As a tent pitcher myself I was absolutely bummed by the lack of privacy, where seemingly you would be on full display for the rest of the RV parking crowd having full view of your campsite. In all, there’s 45 RV slots here with all of the basic hook-ups including water, sewage and 30 / 50 electric amp. By my count, there was 5 or so individual primitive camping sites. And for $22/night for tent camping and $33/night for RV parking, you really can’t beat the prices. 

  Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be looking for some place to try out the local fare, while there’s Taste of India (which by the look of the place I would steer you away from), there’s only just a handful of other joints nearby that might be of interest like Saap Saap, a Loatian joint (yeah, I just said that, a Loatian joint in the middle of nowhere, Iowa) that is actually quite good in the little town of West Liberty, which is, ironically, south of here (not west) and offers up a few other culinary finds like JB’s Grub & Pub, Shanghai Chinese, Puebla Mexican Restaurant and El Patio; (2) If you are looking to marinate in some good US history, then you are in luck as there is a museum near here to little known / revered President Herbert Hoover that has a bunch of exhibits and other dusty things; and (3) Should you be wanting to embrace nature, then head west to Hickory Hill Park that offers up some really nice hiking, biking and walking trails on 185 acres of pristine Midwest prairieland. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Laura

  Scout

  

  Mar. 16, 2024

  Bailey Ford Delaware County Park

  Great park and campground

  Bailey's Ford has everything you need for a night or a week. It's clean and beautiful. Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 1, 2024

  Camp Liberty

  Wonderful camp with many amenities

  Camp offers site for all tastes: primitive and modern cabins and lodges, tents for small or large groups and couples. Hard roads, fire pits, tables, water, showers, supplies. Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake.Trails, and even guided activities.

• C

  Chip M.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 14, 2023

  Central Park

  Very nice park

  We love this place , very quiet

• 

  Patrick B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 5, 2023

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Ok site

  The tent area is on a small mound, not a very level area. But was able to make it work. $18 a night for tents

• 

  Elizabeth K.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Chelsie W.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 12, 2023

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  Delightful Dewey

  There are 4 walk-in campsites that overlook the Mississippi River (A, B, C, & D). We stayed at campsite D, which had the most incredible view! The trails were enchanting and abundant in life. It flash stormed around sunset, which is not uncommon for summer in the Midwest. The sunset seemed to last for hours as the light danced in the storm clouds. It was one of those, “wow I am grateful to be alive” experiences. Couldn’t have asked for a better bedtime show than a powerful and beautiful display of nature, it was such an unexpected delight. As the storm dissipated, the pitter-patter of the raindrops was the perfect audio to fall asleep to. Despite the humidity, we managed to get a fire going pre-storm and cooked some nice grub. There is a shed with firewood on the way into the campsite, you can pick some up for a small fee. Be prepared for humidity and bugs, it’s right by the river so it’s kind of inevitable during the summer. Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable. There’s a train track right next to the river, which you may hear toot it’s horn occasionally, but it didn’t really bother us. The lovely small town of Cassville is close by may you need any creature comforts. Overall, an amazing place to camp and I can’t wait to go back!

• 

  Steph P.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 9, 2022

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  Walk-in sites or bust!

  We stayed in walk-in site C, which the furthest site from the parking lot. Arrive before dark!! The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver, the trail to the site is manageable until the last 50 feet, which is steep and rocky.

  It is a smaller site and mostly slanted so we had to use our backpacking tent (90"x70") on the small patch that's sort of level, as our car camping tent (10'x14') was entirely too huge.

  The views are stunning. There was a pair of bald eagles in a nest down by the river - bring binoculars!

  HUGE caveat - this site sits on a ridge above a county highway and freight train tracks. There are also train tracks on the other side of the river. When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud! I was amazed at the racket - we live in Chicago on a busy street, a block from the L and the Metra tracks. 

  Bring ear plugs, trains rolled through until just after midnight and started up around 5am (that I noticed anyway).

  While Site C is incredibly difficult to reserve (best dates I could find were a Mon-Wed in October which I booked in APRIL), it's worth the views and the privacy.

  Site D is the first of the four walk-ins, huge, level, has a wide view, and  a bend in it's trail so isn't exposed. A great choice if C is booked.

  Site A is next, least amount of privacy, medium sized, looked level. Sites B was occupied our entire time there so wasn't able to check it out, but it's a bit more private.

  Pit toilet by the walk-in sites was as nice as pit toilet gets, it even has a urinal. Water is conveniently located near the parking.

  Shower house with flush toilets was really nice, 2-3 shower stalls and 4 toilets. No pay, just have to push the button over and over since the water only stays on for 10 seconds.

  The electric and non-electric sites are well spaced and on the larger side. A nice campground overall.

  For supplies and firewood, I recommend the Okey Market. It's convenient and has everything you need, huge beer cave too. If you want some local flavor, stop into the Silver Spigot Saloon, cheap beer, tasty fries, and they have a dog-friendly patio.

• C

  Cassie K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 5, 2022

  Sleepy Hollow

  No Pets?

  Was looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 21, 2022

  Central Park

  Very well maintained County Park with lake

  This park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas.

• 

  Khenia F.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2022

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  First time, one night

  Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it. It was our only night there and we heard a lot of movements by the woods that it creeped us out but we were hearing haunted stories before arriving so the Halloween vibes was definitely there. Loads of shade and quiet nice neighbors.

• 

  David S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2022

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Nice clean and generally spacious

  Stayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.

• 

  Lyla W.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 4, 2022

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  Neat overlook!

  Passing though the area and this park was on my list to check out. Drove though and found a pretty amazing overlook view. There were wildflowers that smelled amazing. It was really cool to see the hawks flying below the overlook. Driving through the campsites they do look pretty nice and larger than normal. Some do look like the have a “mound” on them, which was interesting. I did get great cell service, LTE with us cellular. Overall, I would visit again!

• C

  Chelsie H.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 24, 2022

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  Beautiful sippi

  This was our 2nd time camping here and it did not disappoint. It’s a lovely state park with some beautiful lil trails. Campsite Ds views were unbeatable. A storm rolled in over the Mississippi as we were heading to bed; it was a magical experience

• J

  Jenny

  Scout

  

  Jul. 3, 2022

  Cedar River Campground

  Perfect getaway!

  Recently under new ownership, you can tell they’ve been working hard getting the place going again. Yes, you hear traffic, but it didn’t bother us. They had a great fireworks display for the fourth. Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again.

• A

  Ashley S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 1, 2022

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Pinicon Ridge Linn County

  This park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keep the kids entertained all day. The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating. Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing.

• 

  Christie Z.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2022

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  Incredible Views

  Just south of Wyalusing near the Mississippi. Far less people (which we prefer) with great sights and incredible views of the Mississippi. We did switch sites once we got there bc the electric was on the opposite side, but if you have an extension cord, not a big deal. We were there early in the season so everything was incredibly clean! We drove up to Wyalusing to check out for future camping and it was a lot more crowded. Nelson Dewey is also in the town of Cassville which looks to have an incredible swimming pool if you are there in season.

  There were bugs but we use a fan at the campsite which really kept most of them away. I think it’s to be expected when you’re that close to the Mississippi.

• 

  Jp M.

  Traveler

  

  May. 16, 2022

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  Great weekend get away.

  Beautiful weekend getaway at a very quiet and great state park! Bath house was clean the park was clean, the park was extremely quiet. Only complain would be the mosquitoes, however that’s just nature and a part of camping!!