122 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Eastern Iowa surrounding Springville features a diverse range of camping options within a 30-minute drive radius. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) in Marion and Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City offer both tent and RV camping with modern amenities, while Lake Macbride State Park provides both modern and primitive camping areas. The Coralville Lake region, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, includes several highly-rated campgrounds like West Overlook and Sugar Bottom that provide access to water recreation. Most campgrounds in this area feature electrical hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with many also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most facilities operating from April through October, though some like Pinicon Ridge and Wapsipinicon State Park remain open year-round. Spring and fall camping tends to be quieter and less crowded, with fall offering particularly scenic views of changing foliage. Campers frequently mention the region's susceptibility to weather events, with one visitor noting, "A recent wind storm had the area shut down for two weeks but they did a great job cleaning up downed trees and broken limbs." Reservations are recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly, especially at popular locations like West Overlook Campground, which serves as "a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City."
Many campgrounds in the area feature water access as their primary attraction, with fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities available at most locations. The Devonian Fossil Gorge near Coralville Lake offers unique geological exploration opportunities alongside traditional outdoor recreation. Wildlife viewing is consistently mentioned in visitor reviews, with opportunities to see various bird species including great blue herons and raptors. Tent campers often prefer the wooded sites that offer more privacy and shade, while RV campers appreciate the well-maintained electrical hookups and dump stations. Families particularly value the playgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails found throughout the region's campgrounds, making the area suitable for multi-generational camping trips.
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."
"Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Close to bathroom and showers. Hiking trails. Nice place to fish and explore."
"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."
from $16 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "
"Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
from $14 - $260 / night
Check Availability"Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."
"My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "
"Close access to boating and town"
from $31 - $43 / night
Check Availability"You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."
"This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."
from $18 - $25 / night
Check Availability"The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."
"LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."
from $22 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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!"
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
ScoutIf you’re looking for a quick stop on your travels with full hookup and a bonus pool this is perfect! The host is very friendly and accommodating. Easy on and off of I80. There is not a lot of shade but if you have AC and an awning, you will be just fine
ScoutExcellent campground and site with 50 amp electrical
LegendAll sites are First come first serve. I found a nice site on Thursday of a holiday weekend. All sites have electric, but you need to fill your water at one of the designated water fill spots. Some sites are more level than others. Cute pond with fishing and swimming. I rode my bike around.
GuideHad a great time. Large area that was private. Close to bathroom and showers. Hiking trails. Nice place to fish and explore.
TravelerGreat over night on a car camping road trip from Colorado to western NY. It’s definitely an RV park. We pitched our tent on the concrete pad. Glad weather was in our favor. It would have been a challenge to figure out how to stack out the tent. Very clean. Bathrooms were especially clean. Would stay again,
GuideThis is a beautiful location. The caves were gorgeous, there were fireflies and lots of wildlife. The sites are close together, but far enough apart to have privacy and space to walk around. The trails can be super slick and muddy in the rain, so wear proper gear if you're hiking!
ScoutNice peaceful place.
ScoutNice spots friendly people clean shower bathrooms volunteers are great
Camping near Springville, Iowa ranges from spacious lakeside sites to wooded sanctuaries within Jones, Linn, and Johnson counties. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, with natural terrain featuring glacial deposits that create rolling hills and valleys. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during day with cooler nights in the 60s, while spring and fall camping can see temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
Paddling and kayaking: Central Park features a small lake perfect for beginners. "There is a new beach for swimming, and some hiking and nature trails. Easy kayak access with parking," mentions Brandon R. about this Jones County park.
Mountain biking access: At Wanatee Park, trails connect directly to recreation areas. "The best thing about this campground is it's access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff," notes Kris P.
Fossil exploration: The West Overlook Campground provides easy access to unique geological features. "Park offers lots of amenities and recreation opportunities. Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done," shares James M. from nearby Palisades-Kepler State Park.
Wildlife observation: The primitive camping area at Lake Macbride offers excellent bird watching. "We arrived at dark and set up our backpacking tents but were able to see stars and be separated from our neighboring site," reports Angie G., who appreciated the natural setting.
Shower facilities: Many campers value the updated bathroom facilities at Pinicon Ridge Park. "Clean, and even NEW showers that are outstanding. Storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages," writes Beau Z., highlighting the campground's amenities.
Affordability: Primitive camping areas offer exceptional value. "Free firewood for campers was a plus!! $9.00/night!!!" exclaims Jeff A. about his experience at Primitive South Campground.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature well-designed layouts. "The sites were extremely level and clean, electric and water hookups. The camp host was very friendly and had plenty of firewood and ice in stock," notes Chelsea D. about her experience at Pinicon Ridge Park.
Seasonal flooding: Water levels can affect camping areas. "Lower area is susceptible to flooding during extremely high water, but county staff is very proactive and hospitable with helping campers relocate from dangerous areas," reports Beau Z. about Pinicon Ridge Park.
Site topography: Not all tent sites are naturally level. "Not a level site to be had. Significant slope at all RV/camper sites," warns Jennifer F. about Wapsipinicon State Park Campground.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "If you want to reserve a campsite online, do so at least 2 days ahead," advises Ethan M. from his experience at Primitive South Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature exceptional play areas. "They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured," shares Chelsea D. about her family's experience at Pinicon Ridge Park.
Beach amenities: Sugar Bottom Campground offers water recreation options. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," writes Steve T.
Nature programs: Educational opportunities exist at several parks. "Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors," notes James M. about Sugar Bottom's proximity to wildlife education.
Leveling requirements: Come prepared with leveling blocks for some campgrounds. "Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided," explains Clint G. about his nine-night stay at Wanatee Park.
Dump station access: Plan accordingly for sewage disposal. "We stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups. Dump available on entrance/exit," reports Clint G. about Pinicon Ridge Park, noting the convenient but limited dump station availability.
Electrical options: Many sites offer multiple amperage options. "Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP)," shares MickandKarla W. about their experience at Sugar Bottom Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Springville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Springville, IA is Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What parks are near Springville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Springville, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
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