Best Tent Camping near Riverside, IA
Looking for tent camping near Riverside? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Riverside campgrounds for you and your tent. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Iowa tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Riverside, IA (23)
1. Cedar River Campground
West Liberty, Iowa8 Reviews•17 Photos•32 SavesWe are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$35 - $50 / night
3. Windmill Ridge Campground
Kalona, Iowa1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
4. Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Illinois City, Illinois9 Reviews•69 Photos•63 SavesTwo historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.
The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.
Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$6 - $9 / night
5. Macbride Nature Recreation Area
Coralville Lake, Iowa1 Review•3 Photos•5 SavesMacbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
Muscatine, Iowa1 Review•12 Photos•1 SaveThere is a primitive camping area at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area. Fees are $10 per night.
· Primitive environment
· Tents only
· No vehicle parking at the campsite
· Limited picnic tables and fire rings
· Restrooms in Main Campground
· Showers available in Main Campground
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$10 / night
7. Hidden River Campground
West Liberty, Iowa1 Review•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
8. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
Williamsburg, Iowa1 Review•13 Photos•5 SavesOur private four acre site is now available for winter tent camping. Services include an outhouse, electricity, fire ring and wood is provided. There are trails to hike around the pond and in the prairie. Tents can be set up anywhere, however, you can use the tipi pad(outdoor carpet over sand} without stakes. Winter camp is open from January 1 to April 30. A great meeting place for families and friends willing to experience the outdoors throughout the year. 5 miles from Williamsburg and I-80, within 30 minutes of Amana Colonies, Outlet Mall, Fireside Winery. We also offer wildlife, historical or cultural hikes to the Amana/Iowa River Valley area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
$25 / night
9. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
West Liberty, Iowa1 Review•6 Photos•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
Wheatland, Iowa5 Reviews•63 Photos•5 SavesThe Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
$17 - $80 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Riverside
390 Reviews of 23 Riverside Campgrounds
Travis R.
Guide
Louisa County Fairgrounds
Typical Fairground Camping
A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.
- Travis R.Guide
Virginia Grove Rec Area
Small and quaint
This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.
- Travis R.Guide
Big Hollow Recreation Area
Full Featured Camping
This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
- Travis R.Guide
Big Hollow Recreation Area
Really excellent campground
Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.
Misty B.
Traveler
BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues
Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out or the mains keep breaking. Pressure horrible, pump issues. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks because they charged me for the whole month even though i wasnt there until last 2 weeks of the month. They are not maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. Trash is always overflowing all over. The swimming water is right next to the leach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy) They don't salt their roads, causing me to slip and fall. Got fractured skull and stitches. Tree fell on car due to weather but I fell due to their negligence. Salting roads would have prevented my injury. 10am the next day and nobody out cleaning up debris.
James M.
Legend
Fishback & Stevenson Cider House
Boondocking at Cider House
Camping bookdock style, no restrooms. Awesome sunset views, cider, near food, fuel, etc.
Coty G.Guide
Keithsburg Riverside Campground
Great river view
Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.
- Coty G.Guide
Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
We Camp here almost every weekend
Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.
- jjoelle V.Traveler
West Overlook Campground
Wonderful place to enjoy Fall Colors
We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors.
Mandy F.
Scout
Lake Iowa County Park
Wasn't free
It was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
- Wendy R.Traveler
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
Peaceful and close to a town
There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town.
- Wendy R.Traveler
Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Primitive perfection
Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you’re seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking.
- Ken G.Guide
Lake Iowa County Park
very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced
Not too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite. Nice little visitor area. Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.
Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.
- James M.Legend
Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
Very nice County cabin near Wapsi River
Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.
- James M.Legend
Bennett Park
Nice small County CG with pond
Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.
Fred S.Scout
Langwood Education Center
Great place!
Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?
.! E !.Guide
Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Perfect!
Very nice, affordable and peaceful campsite. Stayed one night for tent camping, campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect camping site.
- James M.Legend
Sherman Co Park
Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River
The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.
- James M.Legend
Interstate RV Park
Overnight stop along I-80
Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.
- Evan G.Guide
F. W. Kent Park
The perfect weekend get away
My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.
- Jim C.Traveler
Little Bear Campground
Great week of camping
This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays
- Evan G.Guide
F. W. Kent Park
The perfect Amana colonies campsite
Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.
Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.
Kim F.ScoutWindmill Ridge Campground
Hidden little gem
Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.
Randall K.
RangerLake Iowa County Park
Great spot for a great price
Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?
Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.
The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.
But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.
I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.
Other than that it was a great spot.
Leslie P.Scout
Hannen County Park
Relaxing spot in Iowa
Beautiful relaxing spot. We were in a spot on a hill top.
- CColleen L.Scout
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Great location and amenities
I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.
- AAngelika M.Traveler
Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Lovely hidden space
Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)
Guide to Riverside
Riverside, Iowa, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy fishing and paddling at the scenic Koch's Meadow Lake Campground, which provides easy access to a beautiful lake.
- Explore the rustic charm of Hidden River Campground, where you can engage in boating and hiking along the river.
- Experience the tranquility of Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp, perfect for fishing and enjoying nature walks.
Tips for tent camping near Riverside
- Be prepared for a rustic experience at Windmill Ridge Campground, which offers a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle.
- Bring your own firewood and picnic supplies when visiting Macbride Nature Recreation Area, as amenities are limited but the natural beauty is abundant.
- Pack in and pack out at Draco Hill Farm and Prairie, where you can enjoy a serene environment with minimal facilities.
Tent campers should check out Cedar River Campground
- Experience family-friendly activities and helpful owners at Cedar River Campground, making it a great spot for creating lasting memories.
- Take advantage of the amenities at River Junction, which offers a primitive camping experience with a boat ramp for easy access to the water.
- Enjoy the unique setting of Walking Stick Adventures Farm, where you can camp in a tipi and enjoy stunning sunset views over the pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Riverside, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Riverside, IA is Cedar River Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Riverside, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Riverside, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.