Camping options near Floyd, Iowa concentrate along waterways with sites available from spring through fall. Winter camping is limited to year-round facilities like George Wyatt City Park in Rockford and Camp At The Woods in Charles City. Most campgrounds in the region offer varying levels of accessibility with several requiring navigation on gravel roads leading to sites suitable for different camping styles.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Cedar Bridge County Park provides access to the Cedar River with multiple fishing spots. "There are about 20 self-serve sites with electric and water. Self serve firewood. Dump station and dumpsters near the exit... Sitting right on the Cedar River, it's a great location to kayak and tube," notes Tim M.
Visit historic sites: While camping at George Wyatt City Park, take a day trip to nearby Fossil and Prairie Park for fossil hunting. "We stayed for one night so we could go fossil hunting at nearby Fossil and Prairie park. This campground has full hookups and gravel pads in what is basically a small town park," shares Karla J.B.
Explore nature trails: Spring Park offers primitive camping near two nature trails. "Quiet, primitive camping. Two nice nature trails. And a constant flowing spring in the park," according to Brandon, making it a good base for hikers.
What campers like
Lakefront camping: Cedar View Park in Nashua provides waterfront sites with convenient amenities. "Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring. There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake," explains Ryan S.
Free camping options: Shellrock River County Preserve offers no-cost camping in a natural setting. "Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river. Trees everywhere so bring bug spray. Quiet, peaceful. Not private but worth it. Free, 3 day max stay," reports Ax H.
Small town atmosphere: Many campgrounds near Floyd maintain a local, community feel. "It's small but well kept blacktopped camper spots, a shelter house, electric and a dumping station are all available. The kids are not forgotten because there is a nice pond with a beach and jetties for fishing," writes Lisa B. about Rudd Eastside Park.
What you should know
Site selection timing: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly on weekends, especially at popular locations. "We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It's first come first serve. I really never thought there would be any hookups because of what I had read, but they had electric and water!" shares Vickie about Cedar View Park.
Payment systems: Many campgrounds use self-pay envelopes. "It's $10.00 per night last we stayed, placed into a self pay pole," notes Chantal C. about Chickasaw Park. At George Wyatt City Park, "There are no reservations, just pay cash in an envelope at the info sign."
Cellular connectivity: Service varies by location and provider. At Cedar View Park, Ryan S. reports, "I had 3 bars on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up." At Shellrock River Preserve, Tammie C. notes, "My AT&T service worked enough for a podcast but not streaming."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming opportunities: Rudd Eastside Park offers family-friendly water activities. "Loved camping here, we have 4-5 times already this year! We tent camped but they've got lots of spaces for campers and tents as well, bathrooms are close, there is a nice lake near with play equipment located at the lake and at the campground," says Nichole M.
Recreational amenities: Several campgrounds include playgrounds and bike options. "The campground has old bikes for the kids to use, everyone there is so nice! We love it," adds Nichole M. about Rudd Eastside Park.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies widely between campgrounds. At Cedar View Park, Ryan notes, "The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty." At Chickasaw Park, Chantal C. reports, "I won't walk into the pit style restrooms let alone use them."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Camp At The Woods accommodates RVs but requires preparation. "Our spot was on an incline but the water worked when temp was below freezing," reports Corey, who stayed during winter.
Hookup positioning: Check hookup locations before setting up. "We had full hook up, but the sewer connection was at the front of the site and was up hill kind of," notes Jeremiah B. about Camp At The Woods.
Site surfaces: Campgrounds offer various pad materials. "Interior roads and sites are gravel, many with 50 amp full hook ups," describes Tom D. about R Campground, while George Wyatt City Park has "gravel pads in what is basically a small town park."
