Best Campgrounds near Amana, IA

Camping options near Amana, Iowa encompass several established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and natural settings. The Amana RV Park & Event Center, situated just one mile from the historic Amana Colonies, provides spacious sites primarily designed for recreational vehicles with full hookups, though tent camping is also accommodated along the perimeter. Other nearby options include Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, which features a small lake, tent sites, RV spots, and cabin rentals approximately 10 miles south of Amana.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many closing between late October and early April due to Iowa's winter conditions. The Amana RV Park specifically operates from April 1 through October 31, while some facilities like Lake Macbride State Park maintain year-round accessibility. "Great place, 1 mile from Amana. Our second stay here, from Louisiana. Good food in Amana. Really nice folks," noted one visitor about the Amana RV Park. Access roads throughout the region are typically well-maintained gravel, though some sites may present leveling challenges, particularly at Beyonder Getaway where several reviewers mentioned the uneven terrain requiring additional leveling blocks.

The camping experience in this area balances natural settings with proximity to cultural attractions. Campers consistently highlight the convenience of staying near the Amana Colonies, a collection of historic German-inspired villages known for traditional crafts, restaurants, and shops. Sites at the Amana RV Park provide open layouts with minimal shade but excellent access to town amenities. One camper remarked, "We tent camped here for two nights so we could visit the Amana Colonies. The bathrooms and showers were very clean, and everyone was extremely friendly." For those seeking more natural surroundings, the nearby Lake Macbride State Park and F.W. Kent Park offer camping with better tree coverage and water access, though they require driving slightly farther from the Amana Colonies attractions. Several mixed-use campgrounds in the area provide accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to cabins with modern amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Amana, Iowa (91)

    1. F. W. Kent Park

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

    $20 / night

    "It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."

    "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."

    2. Amana RV Park & Event Center

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

    $25 - $42 / night

    "Great place, 1 mile from Amana. Our second stay here, from Louisiana. Good food in Amana. Really nice folks, ground squirrels too 😁"

    "Great all around park. Grass and gravel sites with plenty of room for your rig. The sites are wide open and generally level, in and out is a breeze. 30 minute walk to the idyllic town of Amaña."

    3. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

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

    $45 - $65 / night

    "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"

    "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"

    4. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    16 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."

    5. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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"

    6. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    18 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."

    7. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    10 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    17 miles
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $12 - $25 / night

    "You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."

    "This 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."

    8. Hannen County Park

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

    9. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

    4 Reviews
    Coralville Lake, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 665-3474

    "The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake. Other than that I had a blast."

    "Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar."

    10. Calyx Creek, Creekside Treehouse

    1 Review
    Oxford, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 900-5992

    $275 - $295 / night

    "Treehouse is located near lavender farm store and offers: heated floors, internet, loft sleeping, heat/AC, kitchen, views."

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Recent Reviews near Amana, IA

335 Reviews of 91 Amana Campgrounds


  • 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

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.

  • 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.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Neat place but it's not flat

    Super nice staff.  We stayed here for a few weeks while working in the area. The land is not flat.  The spots are good and most are pull-throughs but some are too short for a 30' camper.  Would definitely stay there again. 

    We stayed there in October, 2017

  • Chad R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    Great Experience

    This is a great campground.  The camp sites were nice and the restrooms were not bad.  There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    West Overlook Campground

    Amazing Iowa stop for 2 nights

    On our way across the state and was concerned about needing power. Was able to find 1 spot for 2 nights only a day early. Very popular place. E/W with dump station in the campground. Water access by beach and boat. Next to the dam on lake side. Spacious sites. Well maintained. Concrete pad with picnic table and fire pit. Close to town if needing shopping.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Rock Creek State Park Campground

    Sites close together

    RV sites are close and busy. Grass and shade. Tenting area had a much quieter vibe. Lots of dogs. Ranger was helpful. It was a Sunday.


Guide to Amana

Camping near Amana, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Fishing: Explore the trails and enjoy fishing at Palisades-Kepler State Park. One visitor mentioned, "Lots of intense trails to explore but some trees were in the way due to a past storm. Close to Cedar River for awesome fishing!"
  • Swimming and Relaxing: Spend a day at the beach or pool at Sugar Bottom Campground. A camper shared, "The beach was a plus for the kids as well. Great place to relax and enjoy mother nature grounding."
  • Exploring Local History: Visit the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, just a short drive from Wapsipinicon State Park. One reviewer noted, "Anamosa is a very sweet little town with a lot to offer for dining and local culture."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Lake Macbride State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Had a bathroom with showers and multiple water wells spread out."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Pinicon Ridge Park. One camper mentioned, "Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the peaceful environment at F. W. Kent Park. A review stated, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet."

What you should know:

  • Site Levels Vary: Some campgrounds, like Wapsipinicon State Park, have uneven sites. A camper noted, "Not a level site to be had. Significant slope at all RV/camper sites."
  • Limited Amenities: Certain campgrounds, such as Sugar Bottom Campground, may not have markets nearby. One visitor advised, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Amana RV Park & Event Center can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper mentioned, "Easy reservations. Made online about 9 PM and pulled in around 10 PM."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Little Bear Campground. One parent said, "There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters that had definitely seen better days."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby grocery stores. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "Easy to get to amenities and grocery stores."
  • Pack for All Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if camping in spring or fall. A camper at Palisades-Kepler State Park noted, "It was cool and rainy, but I had a great trip."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at places like Lake Macbride State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Many sites may require leveling blocks for RVs. A camper at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow advised, "Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes."
  • Stay Connected: Check for cell service availability at campgrounds like Sugar Bottom Campground. A visitor mentioned, "We got 2 bars on Verizon and could put out our Starlink."

Camping near Amana, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV facilities are available in Amana, Iowa?

Amana, Iowa offers several RV-friendly facilities for travelers. West Overlook Campground, maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, provides electric hookups with convenient dump and water stations at the park entrance. It's located near Lake Coralville and is just a couple miles off I-80. Sugar Bottom Campground is another excellent option north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area with various site options for RVs. Additional RV facilities in the region include Scales Pointe Camping and Boating near North Liberty, which accommodates big rigs, and Lake Macbride State Park's Modern North Campground, which offers drive-in access with electric hookups. Most RV parks in the area feature level sites, clean facilities, and are within easy driving distance to Amana Colonies attractions.

Where are the campgrounds located near Amana Colonies?

Several campgrounds are conveniently located near the Amana Colonies. The Amana RV Park & Event Center is just 1 mile from Amana, offering easy access to the colonies. F. W. Kent Park provides an ideal camping destination between Amana Colonies and Iowa City, making it perfect for visitors looking to explore both areas. Other nearby options include West Overlook Campground and Diamond Lake County Park, which are within a reasonable driving distance. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow is located just a few minutes north of I-80, providing a convenient stop for travelers. Most campgrounds in the area are within a 20-30 minute drive of the Amana Colonies, making them excellent base camps for exploring this historic area.

What amenities are offered at the Amana RV Park and Event Center?

Amana RV Park & Event Center offers a comprehensive range of amenities for campers. The park features grass and gravel sites with plenty of room for rigs of all sizes. Sites are wide open, generally level, and provide easy in-and-out access. The facility includes clean bathrooms and showers, though tent campers should note these facilities may be a bit of a walk from perimeter sites. Laundry facilities are available on-site. The park provides strong WiFi connectivity throughout. While there's limited shade with only scattered trees throughout the grounds, the park accommodates everything from tents to big rigs. Its location offers convenient access to the Amana Colonies, either via a 30-minute walk or a nice bike ride. The staff maintains efficient check-in protocols and is known for being extremely friendly and helpful.