Camping near Oelwein, Iowa offers options along the Wapsipinicon River watershed with several water-adjacent sites. The region experiences seasonal camping with most facilities operating April through October, when temperatures range from 45-85°F. Winter closures are common due to Iowa's snowfall and below-freezing temperatures that affect water systems and access roads.
What to do
Hiking backbone trails: At Backbone State Park, visitors can explore Iowa's oldest state park with distinctive limestone ridges. "I loved the trails but most of all the amazing views/scenery! Fun family oriented park!" notes Melanie Jo L., who also mentions the park has caves to explore alongside the hiking opportunities.
Disc golf and historical exploration: Jakway County Park combines outdoor recreation with historical interest. "Horse shoes, disc golf, woodland trails, and a playground. 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!!" shares Carolyn M.
River activities: Siggelkov County Park provides direct access to the Wapsipinicon River for water activities. As Chantal C. explains: "Has electric sites and also places to tent camp right on the Wapsi River." Another camper, Travis R., adds that it's "a good kyack location."
Fall foliage viewing: October camping offers special seasonal appeal. "We went camping at Backbone for a friend's wedding that was taking place at the park's lodge. While most of the wedding guests stayed in town, we opted to camp, during October. It was gorgeous!" shares Larissa C.
What campers like
Affordable rates: Klocks Island Park offers budget-friendly camping. "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," notes bob S.
Clean facilities: North Woods Park maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Nice, quiet, well-kept campground!" says Kim B., who stayed in a tent at spot #1 by the water. Another camper, Carolyn M., appreciated that it's a "very quiet place to camp along the Little Wapsie River. Very reasonable price!"
Privacy between sites: Lakeview Campground at Volga River State Recreation Area offers well-spaced sites. Dennis G. describes the campground as having "gravel parking spots, fairly level, most without shade unless you get on the 'back loop' where you can find 4 with good shade."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Ryan S. reports "I had good T-mobile and Verizon service" at Fontana County Park, while noting "barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service" at Klocks Island Park.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Lakeshore RV Resort operates only from "May 1 - Oct 15," and North Woods Park runs from "May 1 - Oct 31," which limits off-season camping options in the area.
Water quality issues: Backbone State Park sometimes has water concerns. Cheryl V. cautions, "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it." Check water conditions before planning swimming activities.
Host interactions vary: Some campground hosts provide better experiences than others. At Lakeshore RV Resort, Anna R. reports, "When we arrived we called the phone number listed on the closed gate. The owner, Joyce came out and said we would need an appointment to drive thru and she did not have time to show us around."
Limited weekend availability: Popular parks fill quickly, especially during prime months. Cody notes at Lakeview Campground, "Went there last weekend had to do a walk up everything else was reserved." Similarly, Ryan S. observed at Klocks Island Park, "I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken."
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly locations: North Woods Park works well for youth group outings. A similar park, Backbone State Park, earned this review from Rachel H.: "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate."
Swimming considerations: Families should research swimming options before arrival. Backbone State Park offers swimming that many enjoy, with Emma N. sharing: "My favorite memory was definitely swimming in the river. Also enjoyed hiking along the backbone trail, and climbing around some wooded areas."
Rainy weather preparedness: Pack extra tarps and rain gear for unexpected weather. David B. recounts at Backbone State Park: "It rained as we came in but nothing the park could have done to fix that. It was good for a nights rest and no commotion."
Bathroom quality: Facility conditions affect family comfort. At Lakeview Campground, cody reports, "Clean park area, bathrooms were disgusting though." This contrasts with Molly L.'s experience at Backbone State Park: "Bathrooms clean!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Fontana County Park has upgraded its facilities. Ryan S. notes, "There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer dump stations but not all have sewer hookups. Dennis G. reports at Klocks Island Park: "Dump station with nonpotable water is easily accessible."
Levelness of sites: RV campers should check site conditions. At Lakeview Campground, Dennis G. describes "gravel parking spots, fairly level," which helps with RV setup.
Big rig accessibility: Limited options exist for larger vehicles. Oelwein City Park Campground has big rig sites including pull-throughs. Ryan S. notes, "I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground... The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean."
