Best Campgrounds near Williamsburg, IA

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Campgrounds near Williamsburg, Iowa range from developed facilities to more basic sites with varied amenities. Lake Iowa County Park offers both tent and RV camping as well as cabin rentals approximately 15 miles southwest of Williamsburg, while Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow provides full-hookup sites and cabin accommodations a short distance from Interstate 80. The region includes multiple campgrounds with water access, electric hookups, and family-friendly amenities within a 20-mile radius, creating opportunities for both short overnight stays and extended camping trips.

Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though seasonal considerations affect facility availability and ground conditions. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow and Amana RV Park & Event Center offer full hookups, making them suitable for travelers seeking more developed camping options, while Lake Iowa County Park provides more natural surroundings with fewer amenities. Water access varies considerably between locations, with some providing lake access for fishing and swimming. Terrain throughout the region tends toward rolling hills with some uneven camping areas. A visitor commented, "This place is huge. We pulled in very late on a Wednesday night. Self registration at the front. Shower house and bathrooms were really nice."

Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities as a highlight of stays at Lake Iowa County Park. "Nice, quiet and affordable. Saw lots of deer and rabbits right outside our door," noted one visitor. Several campgrounds provide amenities like shower facilities, picnic tables, and fire pits, though quality and cleanliness vary between locations. The Amana Colonies area offers cultural attractions within proximity to camping facilities, providing day-trip opportunities for those staying nearby. Sites at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow tend to be situated on slopes, with multiple reviews noting leveling challenges. The region's campgrounds generally maintain a balance between natural settings and convenient access to highways and nearby towns, with most locations situated within a short drive of local amenities and services.

Best Camping Sites Near Williamsburg, Iowa (87)

    1. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    13 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 628-6900

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Given its proximity to a busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped the busy hustle and"

    "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"

    3. Amana RV Park & Event Center

    10 Reviews
    Amana, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 622-7616

    $25 - $42 / night

    "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"

    4. Lake Iowa County Park

    7 Reviews
    Williamsburg, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 655-8465

    "Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  "

    "The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife."

    5. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "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."

    7. Iowa Lake Co Park

    2 Reviews
    Williamsburg, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 655-8466

    "Well that was the case when I informed friends I was going to Iowa for a quick getaway. While there are a bunch of corn fields, the lakes and campgrounds are nice and good for an adventure."

    8. Hannen County Park

    4 Reviews
    Marengo, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 454-6382

    9. Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park

    1 Review
    Marengo, IA
    9 miles
    +1 (319) 642-5411

    "One of the few places around Cedar Rapids that is open in winter. 35$/night. Management is pleasant."

    10. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $22 - $28 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Williamsburg, IA

337 Reviews of 87 Williamsburg Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Kellogg RV Park

    Highway Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in rural Iowa.

    Highs: (1) Quick& EZ access from I-80 via Exit 173; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Very EZ check-in process; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are like brand new; (7) If you get hungry, this CG and fueling station has an imbedded Iowa’s Best Burger Café that does live up to its name; (8) There’s also an embedded Amoco gas station and mini-mart; (9) Spectacularly clean and recently refurbished bathrooms & shower facilities; (10) There’s a small launderette here, which was bonus; (11) Should you visit in the summer, you will benefit from being surrounded by 6 foot tall corn fields that will provide greater privacy and better scenery

    Lows: (1) You are just 30 seconds north of I-80, the busiest highway in Iowa;(2) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic from the highway into this place, so apart from the fact that you're clear out in the boondocks, you are next to the very heavily trafficked I80, so it’s difficult to feel 100% safe & secure here; (3) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees (welcome to corn country), bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (4) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so while this isn't exactly Florida, if you're here during the hot summer months, you should bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you are OK being surrounded by RVs with absolutely no privacy in the open interior; and (7) Apart from FHUs and a decent shower / restroom in the middle of the CG and a small laundry in the NW, there’s not much here in the way of amenities

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Little Bear Campground

    Cozy I-80 Oasis with Full Hookups and Flashback Vibes

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with fresh details, some new pics and a topline summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Full-hookup pull-through RV sites with 30 / 50 amp electric power, water, and sewer; (2) Dust-free gravel pads and flat grass spots, perfect for quick setups or longer rests with no leveling hassles; (3) Amenities galore: hot showers, clean restrooms, laundry, dump station, even a game room and refreshing pool (during warmer weather); (4) Friendly, helpful owner (Mike) on call 24/7, even for late arrivals– trust me, genuine hospitality in the middle of nowhere; and (5) Quiet enough to hear crickets, yet close enough to I-80 for that satisfying highway convenience without the roar

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Kiddie pool energy during peak season where the playground and pool are great for families, but can feel like summer camp at times; (2) Tiny tent sites clustered against cornfields with those looking for solitude may feel a little too close for comfort; (3) Not a wilderness escape for nature seekers, but more ‘pampered road stop’ than ‘forest retreat’; (4) No reservations online: you have to call or Facebook-message Mike for a spot, which works until your cell signal doesn’t; and (5) Lacks thematic glamour overall, as it’s both friendly and functional, but it won’t win any camping ambiance awards.

    Happy Camping!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife and I met friends here in August 2025.  This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY.  The campground was very well maintained.  Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional.  We really enjoyed the long weekend here.  Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August.  Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did.  Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees.  Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.


Guide to Williamsburg

F.W. Kent Park offers spacious camping sites near Williamsburg, Iowa about 18 miles north of town. The park features 89 campsites spread across multiple loops with varied terrain and amenities. Sites cost $20 for RV spots with electric hookups and have concrete or gravel pads. Temperatures typically range from mid-20s in winter to upper 80s in summer, with humidity levels often exceeding 80% in late summer months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Iowa County Park's 115-acre lake provides fishing access within 15 miles southwest of Williamsburg. "Plenty of campsite offerings with good amenities. Paddling, fishing, hiking, swimming, to name a few. Firewood available. Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered," notes James M. about Lake Iowa County Park.

Hiking trails: F.W. Kent Park offers multiple hiking paths through wooded areas. "Great hike around the lake on trail that connects to the campground. Look for trail maps on the parks website," recommends Chris J. about F.W. Kent Park.

Cultural exploration: The Amana Colonies offer German-influenced attractions 18 miles north of Williamsburg. "We camp here every year for Scouts. Nice easy hiking paths and beautiful grounds," shares Robert F. from F.W. Kent Park, which provides convenient access to the colonies area.

What campers like

Beach access: West Overlook Campground provides swimming opportunities on Coralville Lake. "The dam and the lake are cool, there's a decent beach, two playgrounds, and lots of sites to choose from," explains Greg S. about West Overlook Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Hannen County Park offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Beautiful relaxing spot. We were in a spot on a hill top," mentions Leslie P. about Hannen County Park, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Williamsburg.

Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. "Shower house and bathrooms were really nice," notes Clifton B. about Lake Iowa County Park. "Very clean camp ground. Clean bathrooms and showers!" adds Sadie S. about Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow.

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Many camping sites near Williamsburg have uneven terrain. "The land is not flat. The spots are good and most are pull-throughs but some are too short for a 30' camper," warns Erik W. about Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow.

Seasonal water levels: Local lakes and ponds can fluctuate significantly with rainfall. "They currently have their lake drained. Estimated to be filled some time summer 2019," noted Desiree R. about F.W. Kent Park in a past review.

Weather considerations: Summer humidity can be challenging for visitors from drier regions. "We were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes we didn't expect the humidity to affect us as it did," cautions Clifton B.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several parks offer play structures for children. "There were also a few playgrounds that my grandkids loved," shares Sue K. about F.W. Kent Park's recreational options for young campers.

Fall camping advantages: Consider camping during autumn for moderate temperatures and fall foliage. "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors," recommends joelle V. about West Overlook Campground.

Site selection for privacy: Choose secluded sites for family camping when possible. "We highly recommend W-38, where we set up our tent. It was a gravel pull-in that could have handled a small trailer. It was the most secluded site in the campground, facing right out onto a leafy forest," suggests Thomas B.

Tips from RVers

Spacing considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly in the Williamsburg region. "The campground is wide open and generally level, in and out is a breeze," explains Dan L. about Amana RV Park & Event Center, located approximately 18 miles north of Williamsburg.

Winter camping options: Limited facilities remain open during winter months. "One of the few places around Cedar Rapids that is open in winter. $35/night. Management is pleasant," notes Anna C. about Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park in Marengo.

Self-registration processes: Many parks offer after-hours check-in. "Easy self check in process and self pay for firewood. Make sure you bring cash for site and firewood," advises Chris J. about camping at F.W. Kent Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Williamsburg, Iowa?

Several excellent campgrounds are available within a short drive of Williamsburg. Lake Iowa County Park near Ladora is approximately 15 minutes south and offers water access and basic facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Diamond Lake County Park is about 30 minutes southwest near Montezuma, featuring a freshwater lake and convenient access from I-80. Other options within a 30-40 minute radius include Hannen County Park near Blairstown with drive-in sites and big-rig-friendly facilities, and Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park near Marengo for travelers seeking more amenities.

How far is Williamsburg from Des Moines and is it worth the drive for camping?

Williamsburg is approximately 85-90 miles east of Des Moines, which translates to about a 1.5-hour drive via I-80. The drive is definitely worthwhile for camping enthusiasts seeking diverse outdoor experiences. The Iowa City/Coralville area, just 25 minutes from Williamsburg, offers exceptional camping options like West Overlook Campground and Sugar Bottom Campground, both featuring beautiful lake settings, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. For a unique experience closer to Williamsburg, Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow is just a few minutes north of I-80 and provides a family-friendly nature escape that makes the journey from Des Moines worthwhile.

Which is the most popular campground near Williamsburg, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Williamsburg, IA is F. W. Kent Park with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.