Best Campgrounds near Independence, IA

Campgrounds surrounding Independence, Iowa offer a mix of developed and semi-primitive sites for tent camping, RV stays, and cabin rentals. Within a 30-mile radius, several established camping areas provide various accommodation options, including Fontana County Park near Hazleton, Lime Creek Park near Brandon, and the Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA. Most sites feature electric hookups with some offering full-service connections for RVs, while others maintain more rustic settings with vault toilets and basic amenities. Local campgrounds range from county-managed parks to privately owned destinations with differing amenities and regulations.

Seasonal availability varies across campgrounds in the region, with most operating from April through October or November. "This is a beautiful city park campground," noted one visitor about Oelwein City Park, which like many area campgrounds provides water and electric hookups with clean facilities. Fontana County Park typically operates from April 15 to November 1, while others like Waterloo KOA remain open year-round. Accessibility generally requires no special vehicle clearance as most campgrounds maintain gravel or paved access roads. The landscape primarily consists of gently rolling terrain with some wooded areas and waterfront options. Cell phone coverage remains reliable throughout the region, with visitors reporting good Verizon and T-Mobile service at multiple locations.

Many camping experiences in the area center around water features, from small ponds to lake access points. The campgrounds near Oelwein provide lakeside sites, while others like Lime Creek Park feature stream access. According to one camper at Lime Creek Park, "The sound of the running creek is soothing" though highway noise can sometimes be heard. Several parks include additional recreational amenities such as playgrounds, disc golf courses, and nature trails. Jakway County Park features historical attractions, including the Richardson-Jakway home built in the 1850s. While most campgrounds maintain standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, facility quality varies considerably. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across locations, with some parks maintaining clean shower houses while others offer only basic vault toilets. Proximity to highways provides convenient access but occasionally introduces traffic noise at certain locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Independence, Iowa (139)

    1. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."

    "The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."

    2. Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay

    2 Reviews
    Independence, IA
    10 miles
    Website

    $24 - $45 / night

    "Close to Field of Dreams movie site, Backbone State Park, Frank Lloyd's Cedar Rock, and Hazleton Amish community.  Just North of Cedar Rapids, tucked into the heartland."

    "The farm was cute and a wonderful place to get outside and be in nature. The hosts were very accommodating and professional! We will definitely be returning, 10 stars!"

    3. Lime Creek Park

    2 Reviews
    Independence, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 636-2617

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want."

    "Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway."

    4. Fontana County Park

    2 Reviews
    Oelwein, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 636-2617

    5. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    10 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 233-3485

    "Just stayed one night passing through Iowa. Very pretty Campground with colorful Kabin’s and a lake for swimming or paddle boats. Level sites but not much shade."

    "Played a bit of lake-side volleyball in the evening. Beautiful sunset!"

    6. Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres

    5 Reviews
    Vinton, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 443-4000

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Near the highway so it has truck noise"

    "Near the highway but road noise is minimal."

    7. Oelwein City Park

    1 Review
    Oelwein, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 283-5440

    "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."

    8. Siggelkov County Park

    4 Reviews
    Oelwein, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 433-7275

    "Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot."

    "Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience.. also good kyack location."

    9. Jakway County Park

    1 Review
    Oelwein, IA
    13 miles
    Website

    "A bit of traffic noise from the county highway. Otherwise lots to do here. Horse shoes, disc golf, woodland trails, and a playground."

    10. Fayette County Park Oelwein City Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Oelwein, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 283-5440

    "Oelwein City Park campground on the shore of little Lake Oelwein is a great place to stay on ‘your way’ or for a week. $17 or $15 (senior)/night. 30/50 amp service with city water and dump station."

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Recent Reviews near Independence, IA

311 Reviews of 139 Independence Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Central Park

    Late Season Camping

    Great weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • Chad R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    Great Experience

    This is a great campground.  The camp sites were nice and the restrooms were not bad.  There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat.

  • b
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Klocks Island Park

    Klocks island

    Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    George Wyth State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    This is a clean and well kept campground. There are great paved trails, and it is close to the free John Deere Museum, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum. I’m not giving it a 5 star rating for two reasons: one there are a lot of mosquitoes (I get that it is their home), and two the showers are the type that don’t allow you to mix your own water temperature, and they only stay on for a few seconds every time you press the button. The water was a comfortable temperature for me though. Also, the park does occasionally close for flooding.

  • Jon C.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    A parking lot would be more welcoming

    I had a seasonal spot at deerwood and was constantly harassed by the camp hosts, I had my reviews removed (only to be reposted by the city attorney), and was told to trim the trees as round my spot. I've been full time for 7 years and this was by far the worst experience I've had at a campground.

    If the metal bolts sticking out of the speed bumps don't get you..... The sewage plant 200 yards away will.

    This place is CHEAP. and you get what you pay for.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park

    Backbone Southlake Camp review

    Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    Convenient County Park family site.

    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. Along the trail into the site, you will find a large play area for families.


Guide to Independence

Camping spots near Independence, Iowa sit amid the rolling prairies and wooded creek valleys of Buchanan County, where elevations typically range between 900-1,100 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with campgrounds generally operating from April through October, though some facilities remain open year-round. Most camping areas maintain gravel access roads that don't require specialized vehicles or high clearance.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Backbone State Park offers trout streams for anglers. "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park... We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long," notes Rachel H.

Historical exploration: At Jakway County Park, visitors can tour the Richardson-Jakway home from the 1850s. "There is also a historical site - the Richardson-Jakway home built in the 1850's. The town was platted Buchanan but the locals called it Mudville!!" reports Carolyn M.

Water recreation: Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay features a swimming pond with unique amenities. "Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing," recommends Alissa G., adding that the farm offers "Dark skies with billions of stars. Enjoy a campfire, that's a must."

Mini-golf and paddleboats: Families enjoy the recreational amenities at Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres. "They had a little train ride, miniature golf course, catch and release fishing in their pond, splash pad, lots of cool things hand built structures to see as well," writes Wheelin With Hope.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition," notes Richard &.

Quiet settings: Many campgrounds provide peaceful surroundings despite highway proximity. At Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres, "It backs up to a corn field, right off the Interstate but the noise was barely there. Huge grass pull through lots everywhere," according to Wheelin With Hope.

Accessible options: Some camping areas offer specific accommodations for campers with mobility needs. "My daughter is in a wheelchair so we requested the accessible site. It's right next to the showers with an adapted pic-nic table and raised fire pit!" shares Wheelin With Hope about Beyonder Getaway.

Natural ambiance: Campers appreciate the natural features at Lime Creek Park. "The sound of the running Creek is soothing, vault toilet is probably the cleanest I've seen," mentions Tammy F., though she notes the "highway traffic noise is easily heard."

What you should know

Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October or November. Fontana County Park typically runs "Apr 15 to Nov 1" while Lime Creek Park operates "April 15 to October 1," according to their listings.

Fee structures: Camping costs remain reasonable throughout the region. "Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway. It might not have the views and whatnot but can't beat that for convenience!" writes Nicolas N. about Lime Creek Park, which charges $15 for electric sites.

Water quality concerns: Some parks have swimming restrictions. At Backbone State Park, one camper notes "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it." This contrasts with other parks offering cleaner swimming options.

Camp host variability: Experiences with staff can vary between campgrounds. At Siggelkov County Park, one camper mentioned "camped her for years and the park has lost its camp host. soooo honesty pay system is in effect. the park has a nice primitive spot along the river."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Oelwein City Park, Ryan S. notes "The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park."

Kid-friendly activities: Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres offers numerous recreational options. "Great owners, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground)," reports David W.

Group camping options: Several parks accommodate larger family gatherings. At Backbone State Park, Emma N. shares "Have camped here twice with large groups (12-25 people) of college age friends. Was a great time with plenty to keep everyone interested... My favorite memory was definitely swimming in the river."

Educational opportunities: Some camping areas feature nature centers and wildlife displays. Trish I. mentions that Fontana County Park "boasts animal displays and a nature center, fishing, trails and a playground all within the park."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric connections, with some providing full-service sites. "There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here," Ryan S. comments about Fontana Park.

Seasonal occupancy patterns: Weekdays offer more availability than weekends. Patricia notes about Oelwein City Park, "$17 or $15 (senior)/night. 30/50 amp service with city water and dump station. Spacious wooded gravel sites."

Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies across the region. The KOA in Waterloo offers "Level sites but not much shade," according to Mary D., who found it to be a "Very pretty Campground with colorful Kabin's and a lake for swimming or paddle boats."

Dump station locations: Many but not all campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities. Oelwein City Park offers "30/50 amp service with city water and dump station," while other smaller campgrounds may require using facilities at nearby locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Independence, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Independence, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.