Campgrounds near Hiawatha, Iowa provide access to both county and state-managed facilities within a 30-minute drive. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offer established camping with various amenities for tent and RV campers. Several locations feature cabin options, including Pleasant Creek and Pinicon Ridge Park. The region contains a mix of developed campgrounds with electric hookups, shower facilities, and primitive sites like Wickiup Hill that cater to tent campers seeking a more natural experience. Most campgrounds are situated near bodies of water, offering recreational opportunities beyond camping.
Seasonal considerations impact availability, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Wanatee Park, Morgan Creek Park, and Linn County's Morgan Creek Campground typically open mid-April and close by mid-October. Year-round options include Pinicon Ridge Park and several state recreation areas. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Half of Wanatee Park operates on a first-come, first-serve basis while the other half requires reservations. Water and electric hookups are common at most established sites, though amenities vary by location. According to one visitor, "Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping experience but still have work or other things to get done."
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront options and trails near many of the campgrounds. Pinicon Ridge Park receives positive reviews for its hiking trails, lookout tower, and family-friendly amenities. A visitor noted it as "a top notch County park and campground" with well-marked trails throughout the park. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offers excellent water recreation with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating. Tent sites at Pleasant Creek feature prairie flowers between sites for added privacy. Primitive camping at Wickiup Hill provides a more secluded experience with a short hike-in requirement. The campgrounds in the region typically provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathroom facilities, with most developed sites offering showers. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available on nearby trails and natural areas.
$23 - $33 / night
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
$60 / night
"We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing. I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years. I have not had any issues at all. "
"There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat."
"Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "
"Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."
$80 / night
"Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."
"Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."
"Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway."
"Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping expirence but still have work or other things to get done."
$14 - $260 / 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."
"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"
$54 / night
"Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee, nature center just yards away, trails, forested"
"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."
$20 / night
"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."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
LegendThis seasonal campground offers picnic tables, fire rings, play area, restrooms, and fire hydrants for water with dump station. The park offers trails, a nature center, shelter, and lake. Situated near convenience stores for Supplies as well.
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional reflections and tips as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this camp loop near the remarkable cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground is nestled under a dense canopy of tall trees, offering shade, peace and a deep-woods feel rarely found so close to a major trail and cave network; (2) It’s just a short walk from the trailhead of the park’s famed 13-cave system, making it ideal for early morning spelunkers or families wanting adventure without long drives; (3) Campsites are reasonably spacious and include essential hookups with 24 of the roughly 28 sites featuring 20 / 30 / 50-amp electric and many are well separated from neighbors; (4) The modern bathhouse and showers are clean and appreciated, especially after muddy hikes through the caves; (5) Wildlife and geology lovers will be delighted, where you can expect to see deer, turkey, and perhaps even a bat fluttering near dusk, with cave formations and hiking trails that are genuinely outstanding; and (6) The campground here really is one of the best I’ve ever come across, where it is nicely tucked away AFTER you pass by the tourist trappings that these bat caves produce, but what you will enjoy most is the serenity of the place, watching as the thick mist lifts from the campground area as the sun rises higher during the day giving off a very cool vibe to this place.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some of the access roads and pads are packed sand and gravel rather than smooth pavement, which can challenge level setup for larger rigs after rain; (2) Trail signage can be minimal and navigating the caves may get confusing without a good flashlight or headlamp; (3) Although the hookups exist, this campground is still basic compared to full-service resorts (which, TBH is why I love it here so much), so no big clubhouse or elaborate amenities; (4) Sites closer to the entrance (like #1-#3 or #27-#28) can register more traffic and less tranquility than those deeper in the loop; and (5) Bee and mosquito activity near the creek and cave edges can pick up at dusk in the summer, so a bit of bug protection goes a long way.
Happy Camping!
LegendI’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated feedback, some additional pics and a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground offers full-hookup RV sites, including pull-throughs and back-ins, along with tent and cabin options that altogether works for a wide range of camping styles; (2) The atmosphere is very family-oriented, with play areas for kids, golf cart rentals, weekend activities and even a communal fire pit near the pond; (3) Amenities are plentiful, with laundry, a small on-site store, free WiFi, kid’s playground, horseshoe pits, a basketball court and plans for a pool; (4) The views are attractive, with sunsets over the pond that create an easygoing, picture-perfect backdrop for evening campfires and s’mores; and (5) The park is Good Sam verified, has a history of positive impressions, and promotes eco-friendly practices.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) There are definitely sites that are uneven or in a few cases, poorly maintained, requiring extra leveling work or creative parking to get set up properly; (2) A few of the facilities feel worn down, with issues like broken water hookups, muddy access points or bathrooms that could use more attention; (3) Inconsistency of maintenance and site quality – sometimes it just depends upon what day of the week you show up to find out whether or not things are organized and in good condition; (4) The beach area near the pond is not especially inviting, as it can be covered in goose and duck doo-doo, which detracts from the idea of relaxing at the shoreline; and (5) Reservations are handled by phone rather than online, which works for some people, but I find it inconvenient and very 1983.
Happy Camping!
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed look at this warm, unpretentious, and delightfully layered campground just east of Maquoketa Caves State Park.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground’s two-tiered design offers a unique blend of rustic seclusion and riverside serenity where the upper plateau caters to tent campers with grassy lawns, mature shade trees and well-maintained fire rings, while the lower level hugs the slow-moving Maquoketa River and is more suited to the RV camping tribe; (2) Karen Townsend, who manages the place, and her welcoming crew embody true Midwestern hospitality – you know, the kind that makes strangers feel like locals; (3) The lower section features spacious riverfront sites with water and 30-amp hookups, plus a small boat ramp, diving platform and calm waters for kayaking or just floating; (4) The peace and quiet are unbeatable, with the only background noise being a chorus of crickets and the soft babble of the river; and (5) Location-wise, it’s hard to top, being just minutes from Maquoketa Caves State Park, and surrounded by scenic farmland with zero city intrusion.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The campground operates strictly on cash, money order, or check, so if you’re the ‘tap-to-pay’ type, plan ahead or you’ll be driving back into town for funds; (2) The gravel descent to the river level can be tricky for longer trailers or heavy rigs, particularly after a good Iowa rain; (3) Amenities are minimal here with no frills, no WiFi, no clubhouse… but that’s exactly what keeps this place authentic and peaceful.
Happy Camping!
TravelerWe visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways. The park’s rugged cliffs and shaded trails made it feel like a real adventure without being too challenging for little legs. The Backbone Trail was a hit– the kids loved scrambling over rocks and exploring the forest, and we loved that the scenery kept all of us engaged.
The campground was perfect for our family. Our site was spacious and tucked among the trees, giving the kids plenty of room to play while still feeling safe and close by. The restrooms were clean, the campground was quiet at night, and having a mix of electric and non-electric sites made it easy to choose what fit our setup. We could walk straight from our campsite to the lake and several trailheads, which made the trip feel super low-stress.
Overall, Backbone State Park gave us that great balance of adventure and ease— a beautiful spot where the kids could explore, and we could unwind together. It’s definitely a place we’ll return to.
LegendThis county park offers wonderful hiking trails, and the campground has sites that include gravel pads, fire rings, electricity, tables, and a dump station. Shower house is seasonal at the campground, but the nature center has codes for showers. Nature center is seasonal as well. Seasonal hosts and a Ranger live on site.
LegendI’m following up on my review from over a year ago with fresh details, some new pics and a topline summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Full-hookup pull-through RV sites with 30 / 50 amp electric power, water, and sewer; (2) Dust-free gravel pads and flat grass spots, perfect for quick setups or longer rests with no leveling hassles; (3) Amenities galore: hot showers, clean restrooms, laundry, dump station, even a game room and refreshing pool (during warmer weather); (4) Friendly, helpful owner (Mike) on call 24/7, even for late arrivals– trust me, genuine hospitality in the middle of nowhere; and (5) Quiet enough to hear crickets, yet close enough to I-80 for that satisfying highway convenience without the roar
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Kiddie pool energy during peak season where the playground and pool are great for families, but can feel like summer camp at times; (2) Tiny tent sites clustered against cornfields with those looking for solitude may feel a little too close for comfort; (3) Not a wilderness escape for nature seekers, but more ‘pampered road stop’ than ‘forest retreat’; (4) No reservations online: you have to call or Facebook-message Mike for a spot, which works until your cell signal doesn’t; and (5) Lacks thematic glamour overall, as it’s both friendly and functional, but it won’t win any camping ambiance awards.
Happy Camping!
TravelerGreat weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!
TravelerNatural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.
Linn County, Iowa provides a range of camping experiences within a short drive of Hiawatha, with several established campgrounds offering varied accommodation options. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) in nearby Marion features both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground, approximately 20 miles west of Hiawatha, offers more diverse options including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Morgan Creek County Park and Pinicon Ridge Park round out the selection with camping areas accessible via drive-in, boat-in, and walk-in options.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some like Pinicon Ridge Park remain open year-round. Reservation requirements vary by location, with some parks like Wanatee Park offering a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Water and electric hookups are standard at most developed campgrounds, and sanitary dump stations are available for RVs. Shower facilities and modern restrooms are common amenities, though primitive sites with fewer services can be found at locations like Wickiup Hill. According to one visitor, "Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping experience but still have work or other things to get done."
Campers consistently rate the region's parks highly for their blend of natural features and convenient amenities. The proximity to water is a significant draw, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers ideal for fishing, kayaking, and other water recreation. Hiking trails are prominent features at many parks, with Pleasant Creek offering an 8-mile loop around its lake. Family-friendly facilities are common, including playgrounds and open spaces. A review mentioned that Pinicon Ridge Park has an "awesome playground for kids of all ages" and "hiking trails [that] are well marked and all over the park." Though located near urban areas, most campgrounds maintain a sense of seclusion with wooded sites and prairie landscapes providing natural buffers between camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Hiawatha, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hiawatha, IA is Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
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