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Camping near Hiawatha, IA

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    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.

    Best Campgrounds near Hiawatha (118)

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      1. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      4.7(9)7mi from HiawathaRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Pinicon Ridge Park

      4.6(11)13mi from HiawathaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve."

      "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. "

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      3. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

      4.7(6)8mi from Hiawatha76 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 $12 - $60 / night

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      4. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

      4.2(10)14mi from Hiawatha44 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 $12 - $80 / night

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      5. Morgan Creek County Park

      4.0(4)5mi from HiawathaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      from $23 - $40 / night

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      6. Sugar Bottom Campground

      4.6(25)22mi from Hiawatha244 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      7. Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

      4.0(4)6mi from HiawathaRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      8. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

      4.1(16)19mi from Hiawatha43 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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 $20 / night

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      9. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

      4.0(2)5mi from HiawathaTents

      "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

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      10. F. W. Kent Park

      4.7(20)23mi from HiawathaRVs, Tents

      "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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    Recent Camping Photos near Hiawatha, IA

    117 Photos of 118 Hiawatha Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Hiawatha, IA

    478 Reviews of 118 Hiawatha Campgrounds

    • Brenda Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Morgan Creek County Park

      Great little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.

    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      I arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Lake Iowa County Park

      Nice campground

      Nice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.

    • Mary H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      West Overlook Campground

      Sweet campground

      We had a delightful afternoon and overnight stay here. We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer at the registration booth, who filled us in on the area and what we might see during our short visit. Our site was lovely, tucked at the end of a loop overlooking the woods, where we spotted several deer. We explored a bit while we were there, including the dam and the nearby fossil site—both very cool. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers had plenty of hot water and good pressure. We only wish we could have stayed longer at this lovely park. It was a wonderful final stop on our trip.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Grea clean campground

      Tons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 28, 2026

      George Wyth State Park Campground

      Nicer then black hawk

      We came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.

      We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.

      The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”

      We even saw a deer

    • Julie W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 22, 2026

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Amazingly quiet campground

      Very quiet campground. Not a bad spot. Has dump station and a few water spigots to fill up on your way in. Plenty of old trees. Cell service is spotty.

    • Andy M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 27, 2026

      Sugar Bottom Campground

      Nice clean campground. With a great view.

      Nice clean single room bathroom/showers. Big enough grounds to find a great spot.

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 21, 2026

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      Very nice basic campground

      Driving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35

    Guide to Hiawatha

    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 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

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