Camping spots near Evansdale, Iowa offer a mix of riverfront settings and lake access in the relatively flat eastern Iowa terrain. The area sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in the Cedar River watershed, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 85°F. Seasonal flooding can impact camping availability, particularly at riverfront campgrounds during spring and after heavy rainfall events.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Hickory Hills Park features a complete disc golf course alongside its camping facilities. "This is a 700+ acre park with hiking, fishing, and disc golf. It also has modern amenities and a small zoo of animals from birds to buffalo," notes one camper.
Biking the Cedar Valley trail system: Black Hawk County Park provides direct access to extensive bike routes. "Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp," shares one visitor. Another notes there's "plenty of fishing access archery gun range. Boat access."
Kayaking on quiet waters: For paddlers, Siggelkov County Park offers river access for kayaking. "Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot. Has electric sites and also places to tent camp right on the Wapsi River," explains one reviewer.
Animal encounters: Some parks offer unique wildlife experiences beyond typical camping. "This is a great quiet park with animals for visiting and a very clean shower house," mentions a camper about Hickory Hills Park, referencing the small zoo that houses various animals.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Camping near Evansdale often costs less than other regions. "This campground is $10 fee ($15 electric), campground seems well maintained; no one here but us, the sound of the running Creek is soothing, vault toilet is probably the cleanest I've seen," reports a visitor to Lime Creek Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower facilities. "This is a clean and well kept campground. There are great paved trails, and it is close to the free John Deere Museum, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum," writes one camper about George Wyth State Park.
Lake activities: Big Woods Lake Campground offers multiple water-based options. "Nice County camp ground, Electric and non-electric sites. Campground sits on edge of lake. Bike trail runs by campground and connects to the Cedar Valley Trail (100+ miles of interconnecting hard surface bike trails)," states a reviewer.
Family amenities: Many parks include playgrounds and recreational facilities. "Very nice setting! The site layout was a bit confusing but the whole area was very nice. There was a big pavilion for a group gathering and even a frisbee golf course. The playground was impressive," notes a visitor to McFarlane Park.
What you should know
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to major routes. A camper at Lime Creek Park notes: "Highway traffic noise is easily heard and doesn't seem to stop for more than a few seconds (though the crickets/bug sounds and the creek sound is sometimes louder so you hear that instead)."
Cash payment systems: Deerwood Park in Evansdale has specific payment requirements. "Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!" mentions one visitor.
Seasonal closures and flooding: Parks along rivers may close periodically. "The park does occasionally close for flooding," cautions one camper about George Wyth State Park.
Insect populations: Mosquitoes can be problematic in warmer months. "Very nice campground! Friendly and helpful ranger. Not crowded even the weekend immediately after the 4th of July. Be prepared for mosquitoes though! Lots of standing water and lots of mosquitoes!" warns a McFarlane Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers numerous water options. "Decent sites with full hook ups. Little shade with small trees next to about each site. Gas, propane, laundry room, beach area, small boat rentals, good sized convenience store with ice, beer, snacks, milkshake machine, etc. Enough to do for a day or two without going to the water park," explains one visitor.
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Many campgrounds feature play areas. "Quiet well kept campground. Showers were nice, sites were decent in size, with some shade. Kids had fun at the swimming pond," shares a visitor about the Waterloo KOA.
Pet-friendly options: For families traveling with dogs, some campgrounds offer specialized areas. "Great RV park. Lots of room and cabin rentals for folks that don't have an RV. The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs. A lake with beach area and an area for fishing founded it out!"
Cabin alternatives: For families without camping equipment, cabin rentals provide an entry point. "Campsite and facilities were very nice and clean, though the restroom/shower house is in desperate need of ventilation. Only visited for one night, but would recommend for families," notes a KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: Big Woods Lake offers well-designed RV sites. "As far as RV parks go, this one is young and the lack of shade is only evidence of that. Sites are well planned out though, giving each camper plenty of space. Several buddy set ups, allowing two campers to set up with main doors facing each other."
Hookup quality: Utility connections vary between parks. "We stayed at the Lost Island water park KOA for just one night while passing through the area. Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table."
Cell service: Connectivity is important for many RVers. "ATT cell service was 3 bars 5G" notes a Lime Creek visitor, while another KOA camper reports, "We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well."
Dump station access: For RVers without full hookups, dump stations are essential. "Good little quiet park has dump station a water source. Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience," reports a Siggelkov County Park visitor.
