Best Campgrounds near Evansdale, IA

Evansdale, Iowa and surrounding areas offer multiple camping options ranging from established campgrounds to more primitive sites. Deerwood Park in Evansdale provides year-round camping with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Within a short drive, campers can access George Wyth State Park Campground in Waterloo, which features boat-in access and accommodations for tents, RVs, and glamping from April through December. The Waterloo-Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers cabin camping in addition to tent and RV sites, operating throughout the year with full hookup amenities.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences in the region, with most campgrounds operating year-round but offering different amenities depending on the season. "This campground is near home so I know it well," noted one camper about a nearby state park. "This is a great place to stay but make sure you get your reservations in early if you plan on staying on the weekend." Many campgrounds in the area are situated along rivers or lakes, making flooding a potential concern during heavy rain periods. The Iowa River runs adjacent to several camping areas, providing recreational opportunities but occasionally causing site closures due to high water. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most established campgrounds offering basic amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and toilet facilities.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the Evansdale area, with several campgrounds positioned along the Iowa River, Cedar River, and various lakes. A camper described one nearby park as "located on the Iowa river near a takeout, so you can put in upstream and paddle down, or do as I do and paddle upstream and then back down." Fishing opportunities abound in the region's waterways, with trout streams available in some areas. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to natural areas, though they tend to be less extensive than those found in more mountainous regions. Noise levels vary by location, with some campgrounds reporting occasional disruptions from nearby highways or shooting ranges, while others offer more secluded experiences. Wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching, represents another popular activity, with deer and turkey sightings common in the more remote camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Evansdale, Iowa (125)

    1. George Wyth State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 232-5505

    $15 - $23 / night

    "**

    • Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"

    "On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"

    2. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    10 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 233-3485

    "Just stayed one night passing through Iowa. Very pretty Campground with colorful Kabin’s and a lake for swimming or paddle boats. Level sites but not much shade."

    "Played a bit of lake-side volleyball in the evening. Beautiful sunset!"

    3. Deerwood Park

    4 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 493-0655

    "Nice lake very close to the campground."

    4. Big Woods Lake

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    10 miles
    +1 (319) 266-6813

    "Nice park with a bike path around the lake. A few nature trails, but nothing I would call hiking. Two vault toilets placed on the bike path. One modern bathroom with showers in the campground."

    "The lake is small, no wake lake - but great for using your SUP or kayaks."

    5. Siggelkov County Park

    4 Reviews
    Oelwein, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 433-7275

    "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."

    "Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience.. also good kyack location."

    6. Hickory Hills Park

    3 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 342-3350

    7. Black Hawk County Park

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 433-7275

    8. McFarlane Park

    2 Reviews
    Vinton, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 342-3844

    "The playground was impressive and the Cedar Valley nature trail was very well kept."

    "Volleyball net, frisbee golf, bike trail, and playground!

    Be prepared for mosquitoes though! Lots of standing water and lots of mosquitoes!"

    9. Big Woods Lake Campground and Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Cedar Falls, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 266-6813

    "Nice County camp ground (Black Hawk), Electric and non-electric sites. campground sits on edge of lake."

    10. Lime Creek Park

    2 Reviews
    Independence, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 636-2617

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want."

    "Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway."

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Recent Reviews near Evansdale, IA

253 Reviews of 125 Evansdale Campgrounds


  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • 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.

  • b
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Klocks Island Park

    Klocks island

    Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    George Wyth State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    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. I’m not giving it a 5 star rating for two reasons: one there are a lot of mosquitoes (I get that it is their home), and two the showers are the type that don’t allow you to mix your own water temperature, and they only stay on for a few seconds every time you press the button. The water was a comfortable temperature for me though. Also, the park does occasionally close for flooding.

  • Jon C.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    A parking lot would be more welcoming

    I had a seasonal spot at deerwood and was constantly harassed by the camp hosts, I had my reviews removed (only to be reposted by the city attorney), and was told to trim the trees as round my spot. I've been full time for 7 years and this was by far the worst experience I've had at a campground.

    If the metal bolts sticking out of the speed bumps don't get you..... The sewage plant 200 yards away will.

    This place is CHEAP. and you get what you pay for.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park

    Backbone Southlake Camp review

    Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    Convenient County Park family site.

    The 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.

  • Brett S.
    May. 19, 2025

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Awesome Place

    This 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.


Guide to Evansdale

Camping near Evansdale, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails at Backbone State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The scenery on the hiking trail was amazing," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Try your luck at Rock Creek State Park, where one camper noted, "Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails."
  • Swimming: Relax at the beach area in Sugar Bottom Campground, which has been described as "a hot spot" for families looking to cool off.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Macbride State Park highlighted, "Clean bathrooms and good Starlink north clearing."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Pinicon Ridge Park, offer generous grassy sites. One visitor said, "Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of places like F. W. Kent Park, where one reviewer remarked, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Lake Macbride State Park, require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper noted, "Doesn't feel like a bunch of campers crammed together."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. For instance, Sugar Bottom Campground lacks a market, so it's best to come prepared.
  • Mosquitoes: Be aware that some areas, like George Wyth State Park, can have a lot of mosquitoes during certain seasons. One camper mentioned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Pinicon Ridge Park has a fantastic playground that keeps kids entertained all day, as one parent shared.
  • Swimming Areas: Choose campgrounds with swimming options, like Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, where kids can enjoy the beach area.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities like canoe rentals. A review for Rock Creek State Park mentioned, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Site Selection: When staying at Sugar Bottom Campground, be mindful of site sizes. One RVer noted, "The biggest downside: hard to tell until you see your site if you have water pump close enough!"
  • Connectivity: Check for cell service before booking. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park mentioned, "Service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations, like F. W. Kent Park, which has a dump available on entrance/exit.

Camping near Evansdale, 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 camping is available near Evansdale, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Evansdale, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Evansdale, IA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Evansdale, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Evansdale, IA is George Wyth State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Evansdale, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Evansdale, IA.