Best Campgrounds near Toddville, IA

Camping options near Toddville, Iowa primarily consist of developed county and state park facilities with a mix of RV, tent, and cabin accommodations. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground offers both secluded tent sites and RV-accessible areas, while Morgan Creek County Park and Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) provide camping within a short drive of Toddville. Most sites feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with several parks offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

The camping season in this region generally runs from April through October, with some facilities like Pinicon Ridge Park and Wildcat Bluff County Park remaining open year-round. "The sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty," noted one visitor to Pleasant Creek. Road access is generally good with paved routes to most campgrounds, though some primitive sites require short hikes. Many campgrounds operate on a mixed reservation and first-come basis, with weekend availability often limited during summer months. Water levels on the Cedar River can affect boat ramp access and occasionally lead to campground flooding or closures.

Campers consistently praise the trail systems connecting many of the campgrounds in the area. Morgan Creek features "amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping experience but still have work or other things to get done," according to a recent review. Water recreation stands out as a major draw, with Pleasant Creek's lake offering kayaking and fishing opportunities. Several parks provide boat ramps for river access. The region offers a mix of open, prairie-bordered sites and wooded camping areas with shade. While highway noise can be heard at some locations like Wanatee Park, most campgrounds are described as quiet and well-maintained. Bathhouse and shower facilities vary in quality across locations, with some parks offering modern amenities while others provide only basic vault toilets.

Best Camping Sites Near Toddville, Iowa (117)

    1. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $17 - $60 / night

    "We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing.  I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years.  I have not had any issues at all. "

    "There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat."

    2. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "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."

    3. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $23 - $33 / night

    "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."

    4. Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Atkins, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway."

    "Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping expirence but still have work or other things to get done."

    5. Morgan Creek County Park

    3 Reviews
    Palo, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 396-2363

    $23 - $40 / night

    6. Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres

    5 Reviews
    Vinton, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 443-4000

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Near the highway so it has truck noise"

    "Near the highway but road noise is minimal."

    7. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Toddville, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6485

    $54 / night

    "Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee, nature center just yards away, trails, forested"

    "The site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby."

    8. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $15 - $80 / night

    "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."

    9. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "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."

    10. Wildcat Bluff County Park

    3 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 472-3318

    "There was no map so I only found one primitive site that was super exposed and next to the bathroom. The bathrooms… oh my lanta, that smell will haunt me for the rest of my days."

    "Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service."

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Recent Reviews near Toddville, IA

424 Reviews of 117 Toddville Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Central Park

    Late Season Camping

    Great weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife and I met friends here in August 2025.  This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY.  The campground was very well maintained.  Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional.  We really enjoyed the long weekend here.  Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August.  Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did.  Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees.  Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Neat place but it's not flat

    Super nice staff.  We stayed here for a few weeks while working in the area. The land is not flat.  The spots are good and most are pull-throughs but some are too short for a 30' camper.  Would definitely stay there again. 

    We stayed there in October, 2017


Guide to Toddville

Camping spots near Toddville, Iowa sit within the rolling landscape of Linn County, with elevations ranging from 750 to 900 feet above sea level in terrain shaped by the Cedar and Wapsipinicon Rivers. Most Toddville campgrounds remain open from April through October due to seasonal weather patterns, with a limited number of facilities offering year-round camping options. Water levels on these waterways fluctuate significantly throughout camping season.

What to do

Mountain biking on singletrack trails: Access premier trail networks at Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek). "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.

Disc golf courses: Wildcat Bluff County Park features "a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park," according to Jeff and Linda L. The course connects directly to the campground via hiking trails, offering free play for campers.

Paddle sports on multiple waterways: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground offers calm waters ideal for beginners. "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground... Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!" shares Chelsea M. Many campers bring their own kayaks, but some locations offer rentals during summer months.

Hiking multi-use trail networks: The 8-mile loop trail at Pleasant Creek provides moderate terrain. "There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop. There is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to 'bail out' so take water and pace yourself," advises Mitch C.

What campers like

Private tent site layouts: Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground receives praise for its natural setting. "Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39," notes Khenia F. Many tent sites feature natural terrain with minimal leveling required.

Modern shower facilities: Sugar Bottom Campground maintains clean bathhouses with hot water. "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," reports Steve T.

Off-leash dog areas: Pinicon Ridge Park provides dedicated pet spaces. "The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals, and our favorite an off leash dog area," shares Brandon T. Several campgrounds permit leashed pets, but designated off-leash areas remain limited.

Proximity to breweries: Pinicon Ridge campers enjoy access to local craft beer. "We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night," adds Brandon T.

What you should know

Limited primitive camping options: Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers one of few non-electric options. "Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee, nature center just yards away," explains James M.

Reservation systems vary significantly: Some parks operate first-come systems while others require advance booking. Morgan Creek County Park uses first-come only: "This is a first come first serve campground. No reservations can be made," notes Jessica C. Weekend availability becomes extremely limited during summer months.

Bathroom facility quality varies widely: Not all campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Wildcat Bluff, one camper warned: "The bathrooms… oh my lanta, that smell will haunt me for the rest of my days. And it's both bathrooms, like there are dead rotting things amongst the rest down there."

Highway noise affects some locations: Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres sits near a major roadway. "The campground is right off the main highway so easy getting off and right back on," reports Ira V. Sites farther from highways provide quieter experiences.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Pinicon Ridge Park offers exceptional children's equipment. "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen," Chelsea D. explains. "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."

Youth group sites: Morgan Creek County Park provides access for organized groups. "Great little campground. Beautiful park with trails and playgrounds. Site was great and had everything we needed," says Kristin B. Most youth sites require separate reservations through county systems.

Swimming beaches: Sugar Bottom Campground maintains designated swimming areas. "Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," notes Steve T. Most swimming beaches lack lifeguards and operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Multiple recreation options: Beyonder Getaway offers diverse activities within walking distance of campsites. "Great owners, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground)," shares David W.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Palisades-Kepler requires equipment for uneven sites. "Campsites kinda small and hilly," notes Amber R. Many RVers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks for this location.

Storm shelter access: During severe weather, some campgrounds provide protected spaces. At Pinicon Ridge Park, "Storm shelter right on site," reports Beau Z., making this location popular during thunderstorm season.

Dump station locations: Some campgrounds lack on-site dumping facilities. At Wildcat Bluff, Nick B. warns: "Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you." For multi-day stays, plan dump station access before arrival.

Electric hookup types: Different campgrounds offer various power options. Sugar Bottom provides flexibility with "water and electric(50/30/20 AMP)" according to MickandKarla W. Always confirm specific amperage availability when booking RV sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Toddville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Toddville, IA is Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.