Plainfield, Iowa and the surrounding area feature several established campgrounds with a mix of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and some cabin options. Cedar Bend Park in Waverly provides electric hookups, drinking water, and amenities like showers and toilets in a peaceful setting along the Cedar River. Additional developed campgrounds in the region include Cedar View Park in Nashua, which offers lakefront sites with 30 and 50 amp electrical service, and Camp Comfort Recreation Area in Greene, featuring full hookups for RVs alongside tent camping areas.
Access to campgrounds in the Plainfield area varies seasonally, with many sites operational from May through October. Cedar View Park operates from May 1 to November 1, while George Wyth State Park Campground in Waterloo maintains a longer season from April 1 through December 31. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, with several offering full hookups including water and sewer connections. Reservations are recommended at sites like Wilder City Park and George Wyth State Park, while others like Cedar View Park operate on a first-come, first-served basis. According to one visitor, "We thought we would be dry camping because it was Labor Day weekend. We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It's first come first serve...we found a spot right on the Lake!"
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront camping opportunities throughout the region. Several campgrounds provide direct river or lake access, including R Campground in Charles City with its river views. Trails represent another highlight, with Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park offering extensive hiking options. As one camper noted, "The trails and hiking was the best part. We went for hours with our dogs and had so much fun. Some right along the river, some grassy and along fields, others ran though the woods." Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality across campgrounds, with some visitors noting clean facilities at Cedar Bend Park while others reported less positive experiences elsewhere. Most campgrounds feature amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, enhancing the camping experience in this northeastern Iowa region.
"great trails, older playgrounds, nice bathroom, good price"
"We like this campground a lot, very nice shade, playground area, as well as nice trails. Clean restrooms and shower stall"
"The trails and hiking was the best part though. We went for hours with our dogs and had so much fun. They were easy."
$25 / night
"It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad. "
"We found a spot right on the Lake! Very busy but wonderful view, location and was only $20.00!"
$15 / night
"Nice wooded campground on the Shell Rock River. 19 electric sites (no water/sewer hookup at sites), 11 sites are right on the river with gravel pads the remaining sites are grass and away from the river"
$16 - $24 / night
"** Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"
"On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"
"Kids had a great time playing in the water, our site was about 20 ft from the waters edge."
$14 - $22 / night
"A beautiful walking and bike path connects the parks to the neighboring cities. A free dump is also available. We highly recommend this park. 1"
"Highway 218. R Campground is just a few miles off of the saints highway on the south eastern side of town. Interior roads and sites are gravel, many with 50 amp full hook ups. "
LegendThis is a larger county campground that has nice sized sites that look very well maintained. It runs along the Cedar River and has a put in for paddlers nearby. It is situated right off the blacktopped road.
LegendThis campground is at the park where the dam on the Cedar River is. This is a fairly popular fishing spot. Campground has basic and essential facilities. There is a pavilion, playground and shower/bathroom. There is a bar and grill a short walk up the incline to the other side of the road.
LegendThis is a nice campground that has basics/essentials available. It is easy to get to and has many river front sites. There is a playground and boat access on the property. It is on the Cedar River waterway. There is a loop for tents as well.
LegendThis small campground is situated on the riverbanks of the Cedar River. It has basic essential amenities and has a playground. The river is a very nice place to paddle. There are campsites located along this waterway.
ScoutNice and quiet along a small river. No restroom, just a portapotty. Few fire rings, but we'll maintained. Canoe launch is just a dirt ramp.
LegendUnsure about this one. It is a small triangle of grassy land in between gravel roads and fields. It looks to be the remains of an old town by the sign present. I suppose one could set-up a tent here, but there was no signage stating that. I drove by in October and there was a roped off area right off the gravel for an “entrance” but it looks like a couple cars could park partially on the side of the road to use the picnic area and grounds.
LegendThe directions took me to a green area, but there was also a building/shed on the property and the only road off the main gravel road was a driveway… so I’m not sure. I took a photo of where I took the photos from the road. Maybe you need to park and hike in, but not accessible for a vehicle?
LegendThis campground is a county campground that looks pretty new or recently upgraded. It is on the outskirts of town by a mile or two. There is nice walking and biking trails on the property and the river is close by. A nature center is on the property. There is a boat launch available near for putting your yak or canoe in. This is seasonally open.
TravelerThe camp ground is split in two separate sections. We camped in the south section and found it to be pretty nice spot. Although the north section looks to be a little nicer. Definitely a popular spot so book in advance! The dump station is really small and kind of wonky but works good. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Definitely would recommend during the fall time! The area is absolutely stunning!
Camping spots near Plainfield, Iowa include a mix of riverfront and wooded areas across northeastern Iowa's rolling countryside. The region sits along the Cedar River watershed at approximately 950 feet elevation, experiencing warm summers with occasional humidity and cold winters that limit year-round camping. Most campgrounds remain open from May through October, with a few extending their season into early winter.
Hiking trails: Cedar Bend Park in Waverly connects to extensive trail networks through woods and along the river. One camper noted, "The trails and hiking was the best part. We went for hours with our dogs and had so much fun. Some right along the river, some grassy and along fields, others ran though the woods."
Fishing opportunities: R Campground, Inc in Charles City offers prime river fishing spots. The campground provides easy river access and sites with river views. A visitor shared, "Our favorite sites begin with 'OB' for out back. These all have a view of the river."
Biking: George Wyth State Park Campground connects to the extensive Cedar Valley trail system. As one reviewer explained, "If you are a biker there is a wonderful bike path. It will take you all the way through Cedar Falls and Waterloo you could bike all day long." The park connects to the Lake-to-State Park Bike Route, a 50-mile path linking multiple recreation areas.
Peaceful settings: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at many locations. At Cedar Bend Park, a visitor remarked, "It was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful."
Water access: Heery Woods provides riverfront camping with specific site recommendations. A reviewer shared, "19 electric sites (no water/sewer hookup at sites), 11 sites are right on the river with gravel pads the remaining sites are grass and away from the river."
Budget-friendly options: Several camping options in the region remain affordable. One camper at George Wyth noted, "Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.) There is no separate park entry fee."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and cleanliness differ between campgrounds. One camper at Cedar View Park shared, "The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash."
First-come, first-served policies: Some popular campgrounds don't accept reservations. A Cedar View Park visitor explained, "We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It's first come first serve."
Flooding concerns: Several campsites sit in flood-prone areas. A George Wyth camper warned, "Because it is so close to river anytime it rains heavily there is flooding in several areas of the park. And almost every year (usually late summer, early fall) it rains enough to flood a good portion of the park."
Playground access: Wilder City Park offers multiple play areas and activities. A camper reported, "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 spots: Several parks have designated swimming areas. George Wyth offers a beach area, though one visitor noted, "The lake for swimming was a little gross but we did it anyway."
Multiple recreation options: Camp Comfort Recreation Area provides kid-friendly water access. One visitor shared, "The river is off a smaller dam and has great fishing. Kids had a great time playing in the water, our site was about 20 ft from the waters edge."
Hookup availability: Many camping areas offer various hookup options. At Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park, campers mentioned electric hookups were standard, while others noted the convenience of full hookups at select campgrounds.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies across campgrounds. A Cedar View Park visitor advised, "The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad. Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location and carrier. One camper at Cedar View Park reported, "I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Plainfield, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Plainfield, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Plainfield, IA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Plainfield, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plainfield, IA is Cedar Bend Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plainfield, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Plainfield, IA.
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