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.
