The Oelwein area provides access to camping in northeast Iowa's rolling hills, with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,200 feet. This region features the Volga and Wapsipinicon river watersheds, creating diverse terrain for outdoor recreation. Winter temperatures often drop below 10°F while summer averages reach 83°F, making May through October the primary camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Albany Campground at Volga River State Recreation Area offers fishing access within its 5,700 acres. Multiple ponds and a 135-acre lake provide fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Mountain biking: Wanatee Park features access to Squaw Creek mountain bike single track. "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.
Wildflower viewing: Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) features a wildflower field to explore. As Colleen L. describes, "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
Hiking: Numerous trails for non-equestrian hiking exist throughout the area. Near Harpers Ferry, Big Paint Campground offers extensive hiking options. One visitor mentions, "We stayed at the Big Paint Campground and had a nice time... it was a lovely place with nice trails and great river access. There are also some breathtaking lookout points to see the countryside."
What campers like
Quiet, affordable primitive sites: For those seeking budget-friendly alternatives to equestrian camping near Oelwein, Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers basic sites. "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River... enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this 'best kept secret' for primitive and inexpensive camping sites," says Carol M.
Pond-side camping: Wakpicada Natural Area provides fishing-focused sites. Parker H. notes, "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained restrooms and showers in the area's developed campgrounds. At Six Pines Campground in Backbone State Park, one reviewer stated, "Nice sites. Bathrooms clean!" while another mentioned the "facilities, the showers, the campsites, the trails, and the lake are top quality."
Spacious sites: While equestrian camping options with dedicated corrals are limited near Oelwein, several campgrounds offer ample space. "The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided," notes Clint G. about Wanatee Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds near Oelwein operate seasonally, typically April through October. Wanatee Park is open from "April 15 to October 15" while George Wyth State Park operates "April 1 to December 31."
Weather and pest considerations: Bug activity increases in late spring. Regarding Matsell Bridge, one camper noted, "when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."
Flooding potential: Low-lying campgrounds may experience flooding. At George Wyth State Park, Jennifer T. cautions, "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."
Water quality concerns: Some lakes in the region may have water quality issues. At Backbone State Park, one review mentioned "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: For horseback riding alternatives with children, seek campgrounds with dedicated play areas. George Wyth offers "a large sand playground area with slides and swings" according to Steve R.
Fishing with kids: Several area lakes and ponds are stocked for reliable fishing. At Backbone State Park, families can enjoy "Hiking, swimming, fishing, and resting!" as Emma N. describes.
Educational programs: Some parks offer nature education. At Wyalusing State Park, Jennifer B. shared, "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time."
Scout-friendly camping: For youth groups seeking alternatives to equestrian camping facilities near Oelwein, Backbone State Park works well. Rachel H. recalls, "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate."
Tips from RVers
Levelness considerations: Some sites require leveling equipment. At Wyalusing, Connor M. notes their site had "fantastic views of the river and surrounding areas, but the wind is stronger at this spot because it's open. The entire campground is situated on top of a bluff."
Electric service: Most developed campgrounds offer electric hookups. Wanatee Park provides water and electric connections with a dump station upon exit, though Clint G. mentions, "Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers."
Seasonal RV access: Late fall options for self-contained RVs include Big Paint Campground. Stuart O. shares, "Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station."
