118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $26 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $18 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $14 - $260 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $23 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $26 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $54 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
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GuideThis is a beautiful location. The caves were gorgeous, there were fireflies and lots of wildlife. The sites are close together, but far enough apart to have privacy and space to walk around. The trails can be super slick and muddy in the rain, so wear proper gear if you're hiking!
ScoutNice peaceful place.
ScoutNice spots friendly people clean shower bathrooms volunteers are great
GuideWe had a great two day weekend at this park. Small and quiet. Mix of RVs and tents. We stayed on one of the 4 primitive sites but there are several with electric hookups. Bathrooms were decent and have running water for showers(cold) which felt amazing after our 2.5 miles hike. The trails were beautiful and be sure to check out the Ice Cave and Horse Thief Cave!
TravelerBeautiful location for peace and quiet, but close enough to get back on the road. Good sized sites with electric - dump and water near the entrance. Excellents paths to explore and many clean showers(6).
ScoutVery friendly and clean! The bathrooms and showers are very nice. We enjoyed our short stay and will be back.
TravelerMy family and I had the opportunity to go to Yogi bears jealous Jellystone national Park and we had so much fun. We went during their Christmas in July program. We stayed for five nights 6 days and barely paid a thing camping in a tent. Mini golf water wars snowball fights rentals of golf carts that are cheap cabins on site Santa came to visit games to play and borrow at each campsite arts and crafts laser tag and so much more. Prices were fair for food and snacks. They have cabins available to rent. I hope to bring my friend and her family this year because it's going to be so much fun! Hope to see you there someday!
ScoutGreat place to camp and go swimming
GuideBeautiful campsite! Plenty of scenery to take in. Has many great spots for fishing on the banks as well as a boat ramp with plenty of parking and a fish cleaning station. Nice hiking trails. Campsites were clean and well maintained. The only issue we had and it probably doesn’t happen often, but the restrooms were out of service and we couldn’t get ahold of a ranger to get them fixed for the weekend so if you had to number 1 that was doable number 2 was dicey. I’m sure they have had them fixed since we left
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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