North central Iowa provides a diverse camping landscape with numerous county and state park options for visitors to Floyd, Iowa. The region consists primarily of rolling prairie land, with elevations averaging 1100-1200 feet above sea level. Several river systems create natural corridors through the area, forming the foundation for many campgrounds. Most camping facilities operate from April through October, with limited winter availability at certain locations.
What to do
Fishing options: At Airport Lake Park Campground, visitors can fish from multiple designated jetties. "Small lake for fishing and swimming working walking distance," notes Paul W., who also mentions the "camper spots were huge with plenty of space between sites."
Cave exploration: Visit Mystery Cave at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park for underground adventures. "The cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in," recommends Kevin T. Tours cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12.
Biking trails: Extensive paved biking trails connect many parks in the region, including George Wyth State Park. One visitor described it as "part of 150 miles of bike trails in the Waterloo & Cedar Falls area." The park also offers "numerous soft bike trails throughout" for those seeking less paved options.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Several parks offer swimming options beyond traditional pools. At Cedar Bend Park, Mike R. appreciates "very nice shade, playground area, as well as nice trails. Clean restrooms and shower stall" alongside water access for cooling off during summer months.
Spacious campsites: Cedar Bridge County Park receives high marks for campsite layout. "Lots of space at each campsite. Good hiking and horse trails. Sitting right on the Cedar River, it's a great location to kayak and tube. Cheap at $20 a night," according to Tim M., who also noted the "clean bathrooms and showers."
Wildlife viewing: Many parks offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. At Myre-Big Island State Park, camper Dave E. reports "A bald eagle flew over the car on our way in... When we pulled up, there were 5 deer on our site." This state park provides a more isolated experience, as "our closest neighbors were 7-8 sites away."
What you should know
Varying hook-up availability: Pilot Knob State Park Campground offers a range of site types at different price points. "Non electric sites are $10.00 and electric are $18.00," notes Roger, making this an affordable option compared to private campgrounds in the region.
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds feature individual shower rooms rather than traditional open stall designs. At Pilot Knob, Lisa P. describes "bathhouse was clean and showers were individual room with timed lights, motion sensors kept the shower interesting!"
Cell coverage limitations: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Cedar Bridge County Park, service remains reliable, but at some locations like Forestville Mystery Cave, connectivity may be limited. Similarly, some yurt camping options near Floyd lack consistent cell service, so plan communications accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple parks feature modern play areas designed for various ages. At Airport Lake Park, Dustin B. shares, "We camped with family in the group circle site. The circle group site has a nice big area for the kids to play. The playground and lake was also fun for the kids too."
Educational opportunities: Consider scheduling cave tours for educational value. "Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy," explains TyAnn J., who recommends bringing fishing rods as "the rivers were full of trout!"
Yurt camping near Floyd: Several state parks within driving distance of Floyd offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional camping. These canvas structures provide more comfort than tents while maintaining an outdoor experience. Yurts typically include basic furnishings and cost between $35-65 per night depending on amenities and season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Clear Lake State Park, experienced campers recommend reserving well in advance. Victoria G. notes, "Sites not too level, but spacious. Camped in mid April and park was not very busy which was nice. Full hook up sites and W/E only sites."
Setup for new RV owners: First-time RV campers find Pilot Knob State Park ideal for initial experiences. Michael W. explains, "If you are picking up a camper from Lichtsinn RV in Forest City they offer to let you stay on their lot... But, we found it a little more private and less intimidating to set up camp down the road just a few miles at Pilot Knob State Park."
Dump station access: For those requiring dump stations, Cedar Bridge Park offers convenient facilities. "Dump station and dumpsters near the exit" are available according to reviews, making this an excellent option for extended stays when full hookups aren't available at other yurt camping locations near Floyd.
