Best Campgrounds 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, Iowa (113)

    1. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $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."

    2. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    5 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $17 - $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. "

    "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster."

    3. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "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."

    4. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $15 - $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."

    5. Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Atkins, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "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."

    6. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / 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."

    7. Morgan Creek County Park

    3 Reviews
    Palo, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 396-2363

    $23 - $40 / night

    8. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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"

    9. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Toddville, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6485

    $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."

    10. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Hiawatha, IA

415 Reviews of 113 Hiawatha Campgrounds



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 113 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 Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.8-star rating from 6 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.