Best Campgrounds near Wyoming, IA

Campgrounds near Wyoming, Iowa range from established state parks to county-managed recreation areas, with most sites concentrated along waterways and forested areas. Eden Valley Refuge in Baldwin offers year-round camping with tent, RV, and cabin options just 6 miles from Wyoming. Maquoketa Caves State Park, approximately 15 miles northeast, provides electric hookups and walk-in tent sites in a unique geological setting with limestone caves and wooded trails. Several campgrounds in the area feature mixed-use facilities accommodating both tent campers and RVs, with Central Park near Center Junction and Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa offering additional developed campground options within 20 miles.

Seasonal flooding significantly impacts camping availability in eastern Iowa, particularly at riverside locations. One camper noted that "when the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds." Spring rains often affect site conditions through May, while summer brings higher humidity and temperatures in the 80s. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, though several like Eden Valley Refuge remain open year-round. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near larger towns and spotty reception in river valleys. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping during summer months, as proximity to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City creates higher demand, especially for sites with electric hookups.

Campers consistently highlight the geological features and natural beauty unique to this part of Iowa. A visitor commented that Maquoketa Caves State Park is "an amazing little unique park in the middle of farmland Iowa" with "trails/scenery that are amazing." The area's limestone formations, river access, and wooded terrain provide experiences uncommon in the predominantly agricultural landscape. Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, particularly along the Wapsipinicon River and Cedar River. Wildlife viewing includes deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles near waterways. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of electrical service. Primitive camping options typically offer more seclusion but fewer amenities, appealing to those seeking quieter experiences away from RV areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Wyoming, Iowa (163)

    1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    "cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."

    "This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."

    2. Eden Valley Refuge

    7 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    "Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."

    "Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"

    3. Central Park

    6 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 487-3541

    "Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."

    "Small lake to fish and kayak!"

    4. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

    1 Review
    Wyoming, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 350-3881

    $20 - $45 / night

    5. Rolin Wapsi Campground

    1 Review
    Wyoming, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 721-8854

    $15 - $25 / night

    6. Wapsipinicon State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 462-2761

    "The RV sites aren’t really out of the ordinary but the park sits upon a slight rise above the Missouri River and the road around the campground leads down to the river."

    "It is a short drive to the river to hike, picnic, paddle, fish. There are 2 boat ramps, one just above the dam. This site is a Registered Historic site."

    7. Walnut Grove Co Park

    4 Reviews
    Wheatland, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    8. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Monmouth, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-3783

    "Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace."

    9. Massillon Park

    2 Reviews
    Oxford Junction, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 886-6930

    $7 / night

    10. Riverview Ridge

    3 Reviews
    Cascade, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 543-1258

    "Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 163 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Wyoming, IA

775 Reviews of 163 Wyoming Campgrounds


  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2026

    Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

    Well maintained county park

    I live in the area we have visited many times throughout my life. The park is always well maintained, clean, friendly rangers, and good accommodations for the size of the park. There’s a swimming area, play grounds, shelters, trails, plenty of places to fish, plenty of parking, and beautiful scenery. I have stayed in both tent sites and camper sites. All were what you would expect from a county park. Nothing extraordinary or fancy but great for what it is and where it is located. It is very popular and there are always many campers even in winter.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2026

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Hidden Cave Country

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional reflections and tips as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this camp loop near the remarkable cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground is nestled under a dense canopy of tall trees, offering shade, peace and a deep-woods feel rarely found so close to a major trail and cave network; (2) It’s just a short walk from the trailhead of the park’s famed 13-cave system, making it ideal for early morning spelunkers or families wanting adventure without long drives; (3) Campsites are reasonably spacious and include essential hookups with 24 of the roughly 28 sites featuring 20 / 30 / 50-amp electric and many are well separated from neighbors; (4) The modern bathhouse and showers are clean and appreciated, especially after muddy hikes through the caves; (5) Wildlife and geology lovers will be delighted, where you can expect to see deer, turkey, and perhaps even a bat fluttering near dusk, with cave formations and hiking trails that are genuinely outstanding; and (6) The campground here really is one of the best I’ve ever come across, where it is nicely tucked away AFTER you pass by the tourist trappings that these bat caves produce, but what you will enjoy most is the serenity of the place, watching as the thick mist lifts from the campground area as the sun rises higher during the day giving off a very cool vibe to this place.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some of the access roads and pads are packed sand and gravel rather than smooth pavement, which can challenge level setup for larger rigs after rain; (2) Trail signage can be minimal and navigating the caves may get confusing without a good flashlight or headlamp; (3) Although the hookups exist, this campground is still basic compared to full-service resorts (which, TBH is why I love it here so much), so no big clubhouse or elaborate amenities; (4) Sites closer to the entrance (like #1-#3 or #27-#28) can register more traffic and less tranquility than those deeper in the loop; and (5) Bee and mosquito activity near the creek and cave edges can pick up at dusk in the summer, so a bit of bug protection goes a long way.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2026

    Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Friendly Pondside Camp Stone’s Throw from I-80

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated feedback, some additional pics and a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground offers full-hookup RV sites, including pull-throughs and back-ins, along with tent and cabin options that altogether works for a wide range of camping styles; (2) The atmosphere is very family-oriented, with play areas for kids, golf cart rentals, weekend activities and even a communal fire pit near the pond; (3) Amenities are plentiful, with laundry, a small on-site store, free WiFi, kid’s playground, horseshoe pits, a basketball court and plans for a pool; (4) The views are attractive, with sunsets over the pond that create an easygoing, picture-perfect backdrop for evening campfires and s’mores; and (5) The park is Good Sam verified, has a history of positive impressions, and promotes eco-friendly practices.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There are definitely sites that are uneven or in a few cases, poorly maintained, requiring extra leveling work or creative parking to get set up properly; (2) A few of the facilities feel worn down, with issues like broken water hookups, muddy access points or bathrooms that could use more attention; (3) Inconsistency of maintenance and site quality – sometimes it just depends upon what day of the week you show up to find out whether or not things are organized and in good condition; (4) The beach area near the pond is not especially inviting, as it can be covered in goose and duck doo-doo, which detracts from the idea of relaxing at the shoreline; and (5) Reservations are handled by phone rather than online, which works for some people, but I find it inconvenient and very 1983.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2026

    6B's Campground

    Two Levels of Relaxation and Riverfront Charm

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed look at this warm, unpretentious, and delightfully layered campground just east of Maquoketa Caves State Park.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground’s two-tiered design offers a unique blend of rustic seclusion and riverside serenity where the upper plateau caters to tent campers with grassy lawns, mature shade trees and well-maintained fire rings, while the lower level hugs the slow-moving Maquoketa River and is more suited to the RV camping tribe; (2) Karen Townsend, who manages the place, and her welcoming crew embody true Midwestern hospitality – you know, the kind that makes strangers feel like locals; (3) The lower section features spacious riverfront sites with water and 30-amp hookups, plus a small boat ramp, diving platform and calm waters for kayaking or just floating; (4) The peace and quiet are unbeatable, with the only background noise being a chorus of crickets and the soft babble of the river; and (5) Location-wise, it’s hard to top, being just minutes from Maquoketa Caves State Park, and surrounded by scenic farmland with zero city intrusion.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) The campground operates strictly on cash, money order, or check, so if you’re the ‘tap-to-pay’ type, plan ahead or you’ll be driving back into town for funds; (2) The gravel descent to the river level can be tricky for longer trailers or heavy rigs, particularly after a good Iowa rain; (3) Amenities are minimal here with no frills, no WiFi, no clubhouse… but that’s exactly what keeps this place authentic and peaceful.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2025

    Iowa 80 Truckstop

    Good overnight parking and I 80 access

    This overnight access is a small town in itself. This site offers not only the basic communities and needs of fuel, including EV, charging stations, but auto parts, showers, dentist, Chiropractic, care, gifts, dog park, and is right next to the I 80 trucking museum. Good lighting in the overnight spots which has room for long RVs.

  • B
    Nov. 20, 2025

    backbone state park

    What a hidden gem! Great hiking, fishing and camping.

    We visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways. The park’s rugged cliffs and shaded trails made it feel like a real adventure without being too challenging for little legs. The Backbone Trail was a hit– the kids loved scrambling over rocks and exploring the forest, and we loved that the scenery kept all of us engaged. 

    The campground was perfect for our family. Our site was spacious and tucked among the trees, giving the kids plenty of room to play while still feeling safe and close by. The restrooms were clean, the campground was quiet at night, and having a mix of electric and non-electric sites made it easy to choose what fit our setup. We could walk straight from our campsite to the lake and several trailheads, which made the trip feel super low-stress. 

    Overall, Backbone State Park gave us that great balance of adventure and ease— a beautiful spot where the kids could explore, and we could unwind together. It’s definitely a place we’ll return to.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    Interstate RV Park

    Overnight/short stay by I-80

    This campground needs updating, including gravel lanes and roads, pads. Sites have tables, electric, water, and an Office/general store. They appear to be numerous permanent residence as well. The location is a bonus, being near the interstate with fuel, Supplies, and a Blaines Farm And Fleet store across the entrance.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Eden Valley Refuge

    Neat County park

    This county park offers wonderful hiking trails, and the campground has sites that include gravel pads, fire rings, electricity, tables, and a dump station. Shower house is seasonal at the campground, but the nature center has codes for showers. Nature center is seasonal as well. Seasonal hosts and a Ranger live on site.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park

    Where Tent Campers Co-mingle w/ the RVing Crowd

    While there’s 7 campgrounds to choose from here in Scott County Park, if you are looking for the most centrally located campground to the entire park, as well as the CG that feels the most secluded from any other neighboring overnight accommodation in the park, then Pine Grove CG is a great choice. Another upside to Pine Grove is that it has a single hiking trail heading west that will connect you with a wider network of hiking & biking trails. And if you have water on your mind, in just about 200 yards, you can access Glynns Creek and just south of this Cody Lake for all of your oar paddling pleasure.

    The layout of the CG here is a simple oblong circle pathway with a single lane dissecting the loop that lines up campsites one after the other with sites on both the interior and exterior of all paths. Unlike some of the other CGs here at Scott County Park, Pine Grove is a spot where both RVs and tent campers live in harmony and where there’s even a deluxe cabin to rent, if that’s more to your liking. There’s very little brush on the interior of the CG save a somewhat thick treeline surrounding the entire camping area. Apart from those that back-up to the surrounding treeline, most campers will experience zero privacy as there is no natural bush or canopy that separates one camper from another, so if that matters to you, then I would suggest aiming for a spot on the exterior and to bring some makeshift buffers that would add some solitude to your stay.

    Arriving here at Pine Grove isn’t the easiest, so as likely you would have entered from the southern entrance – where you would have been greeted by some of the friendliest rangers I have ever come across, who along with providing you a map of the place, will gladly sell you some firewood, which you should take them up on – you will just want to take your first right taking you past Hickory Hills and Whispering Pines Shelter (both of which provide excellent access to Pride Lake), followed by the next available left turn, just past the swimming pool on your left) and you’ll eventually arrive to Pine Grove Campground. And if whatever reason, you don’t like the site you’ve been given, just backtrack to the ranger station and ask if they can move you.

    As far as the amenities are concerned, Pine Grove offers up a proper dump station along with impeccably clean restroom and shower facilities that do indeed produce some nice hot water. High five to the rangers here at Scott County Park who do an amazing job of keeping the facilities organized, well-maintained and incredibly clean. There’s also a playground here along with lots of open space around the perimeter for the kiddos to run around and play tag or hide-n-go-seek. There’s standard FHU’s with electric and water at each site along with standard-issued picnic tables and fire rings, both of which come in pretty good condition. The parking pads are gravel and quite level and there is considerable space at each of the campsites here, so no worries on being too close to your neighbors.

    No matter which CG you choose here at Scott County Park, it’s not so much about where you are camping for the night (although that can be important), but rather, what camping here provides you access to, which IMHO is a quite lot: 18 hole golf course, in-ground swimming pool complete with waterslides, 20 miles of hiking / biking trails, pioneer village, 14 park shelters perfect for picnics complete with tables, grills and / or fireplaces, baseball field, volleyball court, basketball court, clubhouse, dedicated exercise areas, concession areas, equestrian trails, 4 different lakes for fishing and swimming that also feature boat docks, paddle boat rentals and even a few creeks where you can attempt to kayak and canoe if the water levels are high enough. What I love most about this park is just how family-friendly and educational this experience can be for the little ones.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Not that I have personally visited every single one of the picnic shelters that exist here, but my favorite one that I did visit was Crooked Knife as it offered peace & quiet along with some very good picnic tables underneath a canopy of adolescent Oaks turning colors in the Autumn; (2) While there’s not much in the way of dining options in these parts, there is Park View Café, which has an excellent breakfast and decent coffee in the morning and is located outside of Scott County Park on its SW corner; (3) The most challenging hiking trails are those located on the park’s NE perimeter, just below the golf course; (4) For mi tent pitchin’ bredren, while Pine Grove is a fine option for you to consider, if you really wanted to get away from the RV and 5th Wheel crowd, I would recommend checking out Wilderness CG, which has been organized more for those who prefer to erect their overnight accommodations; and (5) If you are simply looking for a convenient overnight place to park without all of the fringe benefits of paying to actually camp here at any one of the CG’s at Scott County Park, there is solid parking options at the NW corner of the park to the east of the Village Office across the street from St. Anne’s Church and Walnut Grove Pioneer Village.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Wyoming

Camping near Wyoming, Iowa centers around small-scale, community-oriented recreation areas with distinct geological features. The region sits at elevations ranging from 800-1,000 feet with seasonal creek flooding typically subsiding by late May. Most tent sites are partially shaded with mixed hardwood forest providing moderate protection from summer temperatures that average 83°F in July.

What to do

River paddling: The Wapsipinicon River offers accessible paddling routes from Rolin Wapsi Campground, where "the owners are super sweet and easy going! They also offer Tubes, Kayaks, Canoes and a Shuttle service to float on the Wapsi River." Several launch points along the river provide half-day floating opportunities.

Cave exploration: When open, Maquoketa Caves State Park offers 13 caves for various skill levels. As one visitor explains, "There are caves for everyone, whether you're claustrophobic and don't want to be in tight spaces or you're willing to army crawl for 1/4 mile." Bring headlamps and prepare for wet conditions.

Wildlife viewing: Trails through Eden Valley Refuge offer quiet wildlife observation opportunities. A camper noted, "At night the Nature drowns out any noise from the highway. You can hear coyotes & other animals rustling through the woods." The watchtower provides sunset viewing over the forest canopy.

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: At Maquoketa Caves, "the walk in sites are enclosed in beautiful groves of trees." For even more seclusion, Eden Valley Refuge offers pack-in sites where "It's a little hike in for the dispersed sites, but worth it to be in a secluded woodsy site."

Geological features: The limestone formations create unique hiking experiences. A visitor described Maquoketa Caves as "an amazing little unique Park in the middle of farmland Iowa" with trails that "have sign posts and the map in a VERY general way gives you some idea as to where you are at BUT there are trails criss crossing everywhere."

Stargazing opportunities: The low light pollution allows excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Eden Valley Refuge described it as "absolutely pitch black. PERFECT for stargazing on a clear night."

What you should know

Bat hibernation affects cave access: At Maquoketa Caves, timing matters. A visitor advised, "I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it's worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival."

Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Wapsipinicon State Park, "No such thing as a level camping spot at this campground" and another reviewer noted "Significant slope at all RV/camper sites."

Water access considerations: When the Cedar River rises, it affects nearby tributaries and access points. Many creekside sites require regular checking of water levels, particularly after rainfall. Pack-in sites at Eden Valley Refuge require bringing water as "You need to bring all of your supplies including water."

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: For families with children at Central Park, consider sites near recreational facilities. The park offers "a beautiful little lake" with a "nice beach area" and camping sites are "pretty level."

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature centers with educational programming. As one visitor noted, Central Park has a "great museum" that makes for a "fun afternoon trip to hike to and visit."

Site selection for privacy: At Maquoketa Caves, "if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites." For younger children, avoid sites requiring steep climbs.

Tips for RVers

Site limitations: Most RV sites in the region are back-in only. At Maquoketa Caves, "All sites designated for RV's are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet." Plan accordingly and arrive early during peak season.

Water and electric: Walnut Grove Park offers basic electric hookups where "The individual sites along the river had a great view, but maybe retained a few memories and scars from the last flood." Check forecasts before camping near waterways.

Dump station locations: Plan ahead as not all parks have dump stations. A camper at Wapsipinicon State Park mentioned "no dump station for RVs" but noted "there's a dump site at the state park in Monticello; it's about 10 miles from Anamosa."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Wyoming, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wyoming, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

What parks are near Wyoming, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Wyoming, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.