Tent camping near Riverside, Iowa ranges from rustic riverside sites to more developed campgrounds. The region features wooded sites along the Cedar and Iowa Rivers with elevations between 650-850 feet above sea level. Many tent-only areas require campers to pack in gear, with sites often nestled among oak, hickory, and maple trees that provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures typically reach 80-90°F.
What to do
Water recreation access: Cedar River Campground provides direct river access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. A camper noted, "This place became my wife's and daughters' favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful."
Raptor viewing: Macbride Nature Recreation Area offers forest trails leading to an injured raptor center with outdoor aviaries. According to a visitor, "You can walk through the forest to get to the injured raptor center with outdoor aviaries."
Fishing opportunities: Koch's Meadow Lake Campground features lake access for multiple activities. One camper observed, "This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."
Mini-golf and swimming: Cedar River Campground offers family-friendly activities including a pool and mini-golf course. A reviewer mentioned, "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm offers a private 4-acre site where campers can set up anywhere. The property has been described as a place to "Set up camp anywhere and relax under the stars."
Natural waterway settings: Primitive tent camping at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provides waterfront sites in bottom land woodlands. A camper noted, "Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc."
Quiet atmosphere: Macbride Nature Recreation Area provides wooded walk-in tent sites that offer seclusion. As one camper remarked, "Small quiet and secluded," though they also mentioned morning spider activity.
Established amenities: Windmill Ridge Campground offers well-maintained facilities in a family-friendly environment. A visitor commented, "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."
What you should know
Reservation processes: Some campgrounds have unusual booking systems. One camper at Macbride Nature Recreation Area advised, "If you can tolerate the odd way to reserve a spot here it's 100% worth it."
Highway noise: Cedar River Campground is located near Interstate 80, creating ambient noise for tent campers. A visitor remarked, "It is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400."
Pack-in requirements: At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, "Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."
Limited signage: Some areas have minimal directional signage, which can create confusion for late arrivals. This is especially challenging at primitive sites without clear markers.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Cedar River Campground features designated play areas and seasonal activities. One visitor mentioned, "So many things to do for adults and kids!! Family fun, The owners are so helpful too."
Educational opportunities: Schedule visits to the raptor center at Macbride Nature Recreation Area during daylight hours for maximum wildlife viewing.
Swimming options: Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides lake swimming in a controlled environment, making it suitable for younger children with appropriate supervision.
Site selection: Reserve sites away from water edges for families with small children, as most riverside locations lack safety barriers.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Windmill Ridge Campground features well-maintained access roads. A visitor noted, "The gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers."
Site spacing: At Cedar River Campground, "Sites are tighter than what we prefer," according to one RVer, suggesting larger units may have positioning challenges.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-April through mid-October, with Koch's Meadow Lake Campground and Cedar River Campground closing around October 15th.
