Cedar Bend Park sits along the Cedar River in northeastern Iowa, offering river access for boating and fishing. The campground maintains 30 amp electrical hookups and drinking water facilities for campers. Seasonal operation runs from May through October with varying temperatures that can range from 50°F nighttime lows to daytime highs in the 80s during summer months.
What to do
River recreation: At Cedar Bend Park, visitors can access the Cedar River for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. "Great trails, older playgrounds, nice bathroom, good price," notes camper Andrew B., highlighting the value and activities available.
Hiking and biking: The paved Lake-to-State Park Bike Route connects multiple camping areas across Black Hawk and Bremer counties. At Big Woods Lake, "Nice park with a bike path around the lake. A few nature trails, but nothing I would call hiking," explains Jennifer T., who adds there are "two vault toilets placed on the bike path."
Water activities: Fishing enthusiasts can find multiple access points at most area campgrounds. "Good little quiet park has dump station a water source. Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience.. also good kyack location," says Travis R. about Siggelkov County Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park receives positive reviews for its maintenance. Mike R. notes, "We like this campground a lot, very nice shade, playground area, as well as nice trails. Clean restrooms and shower stall."
Spacious sites: At Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, campers appreciate the layout. Tammy D. observes this campground was "laid out very well with nice large spaces. a lake and a water park across the street."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful setting at several parks near Janesville. Amy reports Cedar Bend Park "was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Some campgrounds in the area close during high water periods. Jennifer T. explains that at George Wyth State Park Campground, "because it is so close to river anytime it rains heavily there is flooding in several areas of the park. And almost every year it rains enough to flood a good portion of the park."
Limited shade at newer parks: Several campgrounds established more recently have young trees. At Grundy County Lake Campground, Mitch notes there's "NO SHADE at this campground (a few new trees so in about 10-20 years maybe shade)."
Highway noise: Campsites near major roads may experience traffic sounds. Jennifer T. mentions that George Wyth State Park "is fairly close to the highway. That's good for convenience sake of getting in and out of the park, but it does mean there is some road noise in the parts of the park."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Wilder City Park offers numerous activities for children. Jeremy N. shares they "have sand volleyball pickle ball miniature golf and huge checkers plus a couple playgrounds for the kids. it's a nice quiet family campground."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds provide beach access for supervised swimming. At Big Woods Lake, Jennifer T. notes "One beach, but I've never seen anyone really swimming. Just mostly small kids splashing around."
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with updated play equipment. Kimberly E. notes that Lost Island Waterpark KOA has a "good sized convenience store with ice, beer, snacks, milkshake machine, etc. Enough to do for a day or two without going to the water park."
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Black Hawk County Park provides full-service sites. Travis R. observes it's a "Nice place good amenities. Has plenty of fishing access archery gun range. Boat access. Decent shower/bathroom facilities."
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds in the area provide sanitary dump facilities, but not all offer sewer hookups at individual sites. Steve T. notes that Big Woods Lake sites are "well planned out though, giving each camper plenty of space. Several buddy set ups, allowing two campers to set up with main doors facing each other."
Pet friendly accommodations: For camping with dogs near Janesville, Iowa, several parks offer dedicated pet areas. Richard notes at Lost Island Waterpark KOA, "There was a playground, beach and fenced dog area. Cost was very good for the amenities provided."
Ranger
