Best Campgrounds near Independence, IA

Searching for the best camping near Independence, IA? Independence is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Independence, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Independence, Iowa (135)

    1. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

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

    $12 - $200 / 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 135 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Independence, IA

313 Reviews of 135 Independence Campgrounds



Guide to Independence

Camping near Independence, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the stunning trails at Wyalusing State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay," highlighting the beautiful views and paths available.
  • Kayaking and Fishing: At Backbone State Park, you can enjoy kayaking in the lake and fishing in the nearby streams. A visitor shared, "Very nice great hiking... canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean."
  • Wildlife Watching: Pikes Peak State Park Campground is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying nature. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful scenery. Easy parking. Dump station."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground. One happy camper said, "Campsite D's views were unbeatable."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground remarked, "Clean bathrooms... right next to trails."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment at Sugar Bottom Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Quiet at night, convenient bath houses and large fill/dump station."

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: If you're camping at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, be prepared for train noise. A camper warned, "When trains are blowing their horns... it's incredibly loud!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like F.W. Kent Park, may not have markets nearby. A visitor noted, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby, so come prepared."
  • Seasonal Access: Check the seasonal availability of campgrounds like Pulpit Rock Campground, which is open from April 1 to November 1. One camper mentioned, "Great camping for tent... you can access the whole city of Decorah."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like George Wyth State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Bugs... actually had a hornets nest in my electrical plug-in compartment."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One camper at West Overlook Campground suggested, "If staying for a while, bikes might be nice."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "The sites here are closer together."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Backbone State Park, offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "We had a full hook up site that was nice."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, such as Pikes Peak State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Very Easy to use dump station."

Camping around Independence, IA, has something for everyone, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Independence, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Independence, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near Independence, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

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.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Independence, IA?

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

What parks are near Independence, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Independence, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.