Best Camping near Hiawatha, IA

Hiawatha is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Hiawatha is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Hiawatha, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Hiawatha, IA (114)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    1. Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    86 Photos
    83 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    Named after Thomas Macbride, the “father” of Iowa conservation, Lake Macbride State Park is a popular lakeside destination with family friendly outdoor activities. Several multi-use trails wind around the lake, featuring the sights and sounds of Iowa’s native birds. In the summer, soak up the sun by kayaking, paddling or swimming in the lake. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Lake Macbride features numerous amenities to enjoy year round.

    Camp in one of the two campgrounds at Lake Macbride. A modern campground is located in the northern unit of the park with full and electric hookups, a shower and restroom, and a trailer dump station. One non modern campground can be found in the southern unit of the park with a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $9 - $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground

    2. Sugar Bottom Campground

    23 Reviews
    64 Photos
    86 Saves
    North Liberty, Iowa

    Overview

    The Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking, and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in Sugar Bottom. Several trails are within Sugar Bottom, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, and a barrier-free asphalt trail.The Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers 18 partially wooded and open holes. The Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers beginner to expert trails.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Sugar Bottom Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the east side of the lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Devonian Fossil Gorge is 10 miles away, just below the Coralville Dam. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty Discovery Points can be found throughout the site. Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the ?????Quilt Capital of Iowa__????? and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park

    3. F. W. Kent Park

    16 Reviews
    57 Photos
    102 Saves
    Oxford, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park

    4. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    27 Photos
    31 Saves
    Central City, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground

    5. West Overlook Campground

    15 Reviews
    56 Photos
    45 Saves
    Coralville, Iowa

    Overview

    The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail.The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The West Overlook Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades-Kepler State Park

    6. Palisades-Kepler State Park

    8 Reviews
    1 Photo
    78 Saves
    Ely, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    7. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    114 Photos
    107 Saves
    Dundee, Iowa

    Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.

    The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.

    There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Amana RV Park & Event Center

    8. Amana RV Park & Event Center

    9 Reviews
    23 Photos
    12 Saves
    Amana, Iowa

    The Amana RV Park& Event Center is a quiet place for a scenic getaway or long term stay. Offering large, level sites, free wi-fi, laundry facilities, LP service and close proximity to shops and restaurants, the park is a great location for your visit to the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids area. Plenty of festivals and events close by all season to keep you entertained! Open April 1st to November 1st.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $42 / night

    • No image available

      9. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      5 Reviews
      34 Saves
      Marion, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $23 - $33 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

      10. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

      5 Reviews
      3 Photos
      50 Saves
      Shellsburg, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $11 - $16 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Hiawatha

    Recent Reviews in Hiawatha

    397 Reviews of 114 Hiawatha Campgrounds


    • Misty B.
      Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
      Nov. 12, 2024

      BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

      Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

      Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. The swimming water is right next to the beach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy)

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from 6B's Campground
      Nov. 10, 2024

      6B's Campground

      Duo-Layered Camping Experience

      My twin brother and I discovered this little hidden gem of a campground outpost just a mile or so east of Maquoketa Caves SP. This nature-infested outpost is split into 2 levels with an upper plateau section that is more geared towards the tent-pitchin’ bredren of my tribe, while the lower level straddles the Maquoketa River and offers up splendid waterfront views of the slow-moving, fresh-water creek variety. Apart from the very welcoming folks that run this place, led by Karen Townsend, what I loved most about 6B’s was the very welcoming community of fellow campers who rolled out the‘red carpet’ treatment for us when we rocked up. The upper level offers up only a solid picnic table, in-ground fire rings w/ fold-up BBQ grills and a tree-lined backdrop with a fenced in front lawn– perfect for a quick and EZ set-up. Massive bonus points for the location of this campground, which apart from rural country farmers and bat cave tourist passerby traffic, there was virtually no noise pollution to battle with.

      If you’re rolling in on an RV, 5th wheeler or trailer, while you likely could park your mobile living room on the upper plateau, you’ll likely feel much more comfortable on the lower river basin, providing that you can make it down the somewhat steep decline gravel road(this is Iowa, so I don’t think anyone will be too challenged, but just want to put the decline out there). Before you’ve arrived at the river’s edge, you’ll notice a simply sublime solo picnic table that has strategically been placed in one of the very large, abandoned bat caves, which makes for a very special picnic outing. Turning left as you reach the riverfront, you’ll follow a single, narrow loop that offers up slots on a first-come, first-served basis, with each offering up water, 30 amp electric, boat ramp, diving platform and a fairly flat landing to park for the night or a week(or even month!).

      Downsides? This camping outpost only accepts cash, money order or checks, which was a major bummer for us as we didn’t have any of those with us and while there were banks nearby(well, some 30 miles away), we weren’t members of the bank, which wasn’t even open, on account that it was after noon on a Saturday, so yeah, while a small thing, it became quite a big deterrent for us. If you can get this solo downside, there really is nothing else but upside, chief of which includes direct access to the Maquoketa River, which we enjoyed, given we were toting my tandem kayak with us, as well as, of course, just 3 miles west to Maquoketa Caves SP.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
      Nov. 10, 2024

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Eco-Locate This Blissful Hidden Campground Gem

      This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place, if you don’t know it already. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you’ve also struck the campground lottery, but if you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it’s worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn’t access the bat caves.

      The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place. A heavily wooded area encompasses every single site (there’s 28 in total w/ 24 offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric) providing a substantial amount of shade, will also allowing decent sunlight as well along a slowly winding lone lane that leads one into this shrouded camping haven. While the spots (#12-#16) towards the end of the lane are more earmarked for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, whereas the rest of the sites (#1-#11; #17-#28) are set-up for the RV and 5th Wheel toting crowd (although you could easily set up a tent on any one of these sites should you choose to).

      A couple of points to keep in mind– the entrance to the campground is the busiest, so if this is of concern, steer clear of #1-#3 or #27-#28. Second, if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites. In the event that being nearest the built-in amenities (restroom, shower, water source, community library, trash, firewood) are important to you, then look at sites #5-7 and #23-26. With this in mind, as you meander further down the lone campground loop lane, the quieter and more sheltered the place gets, so from #6-#24 should be a prime target for you if peace & solitude are important to you. Despite all of the advice I’ve just given, I don’t think you can really go wrong with any site here.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you’re going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune; (2) All sites designated for RV’s are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet; (3) The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year; (4) This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away, which abound here aplenty; and (5) There’s plenty of picnic tables, most under shelters as well as scattered stand-up and in-ground BBQ grills all offered up on a first-come, first-served basis.

      Happy Camping!

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Lake and Park
      Nov. 6, 2024

      Otter Creek Lake and Park

      Nice County CG along lake

      CG has basic amenities- fire ring, table, gravel pad, electric, and water though shower houses are closed for season. Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc.

    • Leslie K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Outback Campground & Resort
      Oct. 7, 2024

      Outback Campground & Resort

      Wallaby Cabin Review

      This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.

    • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park

      My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
      This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
      There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
      The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
      The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
      Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.

    • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Lake Iowa County Park

      very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

      Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

      Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oelwein City Park
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Oelwein City Park

      This is a beautiful city park campground

      I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.

      There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.

      The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

      There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.

      I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
      Sep. 19, 2024

      Bennett Park

      Nice small County CG with pond

      Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Fontana County Park
      Sep. 15, 2024

      Fontana County Park

      New, clean, no trees

      There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.

      I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.

    • Jeff and Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
      Sep. 2, 2024

      Wildcat Bluff County Park

      Nice small park

      Small quite county park with electricity at most sites. First come sites. On Labor Day weekend only 5 campers there out of 21 sites. We found one with mostly shade. There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service.

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
      Aug. 24, 2024

      Riverview Ridge

      Unique River and Trail Access Campground

      Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.

    • Evan G.
      Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      Aug. 22, 2024

      F. W. Kent Park

      The perfect weekend get away

      My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

    • Jim C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      Aug. 18, 2024

      Little Bear Campground

      Great week of camping

      This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

    • Evan G.
      Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      Aug. 12, 2024

      F. W. Kent Park

      The perfect Amana colonies campsite

      Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

      Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

    • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
      Aug. 10, 2024

      Windmill Ridge Campground

      Hidden little gem

      Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

    • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
      Aug. 9, 2024

      Lake Iowa County Park

      Great spot for a great price

      Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

      Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

      The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

      But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

      I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

      Other than that it was a great spot.

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
      Jul. 26, 2024

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      Great location and amenities

      I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

    • Anna R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground
      Jul. 23, 2024

      Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground

      Rude Host

       Please do not ignore the negative reviews written by people on other sites regarding the owners. My husband and I drove almost 2 hours to check out the campground. We are looking for a permanent site for our RV next year. When we arrived we called the phone number listed on the closed gate. The owner, Joyce came out and said we would need an appointment to drive thru and she did not have time to show us around. The owner was very rude. We had been on their website and it did not state appointments were needed. Yes, I guess we could have called ahead, but as seasoned campers its never been a problem to check out a campground ahead of time.. Just beware owner unfriendly:( NO WE WONT BE RETURNING, WE WOULD NEVER STAY HERE

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Caylx Creek, Shepard Hut
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Caylx Creek, Shepard Hut

      Neat cabin tucked in woods

      New! Has everything you need to get away-kitchenette, queen bed, AC, trails, large lavender farm! Farm store offers foods, drinks, lavender harvesting.

    • Robert P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Inn Campground
      Jun. 26, 2024

      Blue Inn Campground

      Reservations

      I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      Jun. 24, 2024

      F. W. Kent Park

      Great County park with lake

      Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.



    Guide to Hiawatha

    Camping near Hiawatha, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
    • Fishing and swimming: Backbone State Park has a nice beach area and canoe rentals. A camper mentioned, "I couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals."
    • Hiking trails: George Wyth State Park Campground offers great hiking trails. One reviewer noted, "The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and good Starlink north clearing."
    • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of Sugar Bottom Campground. One camper shared, "Quiet at night, convenient bath houses and large fill/dump station."
    • Spacious sites: Campers at West Overlook Campground appreciate the spaciousness. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are spacious and angled for ease of backing into."

    What you should know:

    • Mosquitoes can be a problem: At George Wyth State Park Campground, one camper warned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."
    • Limited amenities at some sites: Shady Creek has no showers, which some campers found inconvenient. A visitor noted, "No showers but there is a pit toilet nearby."
    • Train noise: Campers at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground mentioned train noise. One camper said, "When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Activities for kids: Many campgrounds have playgrounds. At Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, a reviewer said, "Kids had fun at the swimming pond."
    • Bring bug spray: Due to mosquitoes, especially at places like George Wyth State Park Campground, it's wise to pack insect repellent. One camper advised, "Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable."
    • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds, like Lake Macbride State Park Campground, are close to stores for supplies. A visitor mentioned, "Not too far from a store to buy things we forget to get."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: At Sugar Bottom Campground, some sites are closer together. A camper noted, "The sites here are closer together."
    • Look for electric hookups: Many campgrounds, like Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, offer electric hookups. One visitor said, "We did see quite a few big rigs fit into the spaces."
    • Be prepared for limited cell service: Campers at Backbone State Park mentioned spotty service. A reviewer shared, "Service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp."

    Camping near Hiawatha, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What camping is available near Hiawatha, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, Hiawatha, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Hiawatha, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

    • Which is the most popular campground near Hiawatha, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hiawatha, IA is Lake Macbride State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.

    • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hiawatha, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Hiawatha, IA.

    • What parks are near Hiawatha, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Hiawatha, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.