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)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground

    1. Cedar River Campground

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves
    West Liberty, Iowa

    We 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

    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground

      4. Wildcat Den State Park Campground

      9 Reviews
      69 Photos
      63 Saves
      Illinois City, Illinois

      Two 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

      Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

      5. Macbride Nature Recreation Area

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      5 Saves
      Coralville Lake, Iowa

      Macbride 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
      Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

      6. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

      1 Review
      12 Photos
      1 Save
      Muscatine, Iowa

      There 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

      • No image available

        7. Hidden River Campground

        1 Review
        5 Saves
        West Liberty, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
        Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
        Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
        Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
        Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
        Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm

        8. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm

        1 Review
        13 Photos
        5 Saves
        Williamsburg, Iowa

        Our 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

        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

        9. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

        1 Review
        6 Photos
        1 Save
        West Liberty, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

        10. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

        5 Reviews
        63 Photos
        5 Saves
        Wheatland, Iowa

        The 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

      Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Riverside

      389 Reviews of 23 Riverside Campgrounds


      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Louisa County Fairgrounds
        Nov. 18, 2024

        Louisa County Fairgrounds

        Tipucal 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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Grove Rec Area
        Nov. 18, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
        Nov. 18, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
        Nov. 17, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
        Nov. 12, 2024

        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. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer 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. The swimming water is right next to the beach 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)

      • Coty G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Keithsburg Riverside Campground
        Oct. 14, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
        Oct. 14, 2024

        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.

      • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
        Sep. 23, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Sep. 19, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
        Sep. 19, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
        Sep. 5, 2024

        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 !.
        Camper-submitted photo from Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
        Sep. 5, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sherman Co Park
        Aug. 28, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
        Aug. 22, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 22, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
        Aug. 18, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 12, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
        Aug. 10, 2024

        Windmill 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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
        Aug. 9, 2024

        Lake 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.

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
        Jul. 26, 2024

        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.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
        Jul. 10, 2024

        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 :-)

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Jun. 24, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        Great County park with lake

        Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.



      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.