Best Campgrounds near Vinton, IA

Camping in the Vinton, Iowa area features a mix of county and state park facilities offering tent, RV, and cabin camping options within a 30-mile radius. Several developed campgrounds dot the area, including Rodgers County Park located directly in Vinton and Wildcat Bluff County Park just west of town. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground and Hickory Hills Park provide the most extensive amenities, with the latter offering cabin accommodation alongside traditional camping sites.

Most campgrounds near Vinton remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. The peak camping season generally runs from April through October, with Lime Creek Park specifically operating from April 15 to October 1. Electric hookups are available at all major campgrounds in the area, though water hookups and shower facilities vary by location. Primitive tent sites typically cost $10-11 per night, while electric sites range from $16-20. The terrain throughout the region is generally flat with some wooded areas, making most sites accessible without specialized vehicles. "We spent a weekend here enjoying the lovely quiet secluded setting. This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville. It's the smallest one and not right on the water, but also away from the busyness of the other ones which have the boat ramps and fishing activity."

Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, with fishing opportunities at Wildcat Bluff County Park along the Cedar River and at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Hickory Hills Park receives consistently high ratings (4.7/5) and offers the most comprehensive amenities, including cabin options, fifty-amp hookups, showers, and sewer connections. Benton City in Vinton provides a more basic camping experience with electric hookups and toilet facilities. A camper noted about a nearby facility: "The campground is spread out along pines, forest, and open areas including shoreline. Sites include electric or primitive. Multiple shower/restrooms, firewood available, recycling, beach and boat ramp... Good fishing in reservoir and river." Families seeking recreational amenities might prefer Pleasant Creek or Hickory Hills, while those seeking a quieter, more rustic experience may find Rodgers County Park or Lime Creek Park more suitable.

Best Camping Sites Near Vinton, Iowa (114)

    1. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    11 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. Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres

    5 Reviews
    Vinton, IA
    9 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."

    3. Rodgers County Park

    3 Reviews
    Vinton, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 472-4942

    "It has a lake where you can fish swim kayak or troll with your boat."

    4. Wildcat Bluff County Park

    3 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    7 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."

    5. Lime Creek Park

    2 Reviews
    Independence, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 636-2617

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want."

    "Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway."

    6. Benton City

    1 Review
    Shellsburg, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 472-3318

    7. McFarlane Park

    2 Reviews
    Vinton, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 342-3844

    "The playground was impressive and the Cedar Valley nature trail was very well kept."

    "Volleyball net, frisbee golf, bike trail, and playground!

    Be prepared for mosquitoes though! Lots of standing water and lots of mosquitoes!"

    8. Hickory Hills Park

    3 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 342-3350

    9. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Toddville, IA
    14 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."

    10. Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Atkins, IA
    18 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."

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Recent Reviews near Vinton, IA

372 Reviews of 114 Vinton Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • 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

  • Chad R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    Great Experience

    This is a great campground.  The camp sites were nice and the restrooms were not bad.  There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat.

  • b
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Klocks Island Park

    Klocks island

    Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night.


Guide to Vinton

The Vinton, Iowa region offers several camping options in the gently rolling terrain of east-central Iowa. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, with mild summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. The Cedar River watershed defines much of the landscape, creating diverse riparian camping environments that attract families seeking water-based recreation and quiet natural settings.

What to do

Hiking and biking trails: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground features an 8-mile hiking trail around the lake with some elevation changes. "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," notes Mitch C.

Disc golf courses: Several parks offer this popular activity. "Wildcat Bluff County Park has a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River," according to Jeff and Linda L.

Fishing opportunities: Hickory Hills Park provides excellent fishing access. "This is a 700+ acre park with hiking, fishing, and disc golf. It also has modern amenities and a small zoo of animals from birds to buffalo," explains Ronnie N.

Water recreation: Many campers enjoy paddling at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground. "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground... Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!" shares Chelsea M.

What campers like

Private tent sites: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade," writes Ann B. about Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground.

Quiet locations: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. "We love the area. Kayaking, biking, and fishing. Very well maintained grounds," mentions David J., who stayed at Pleasant Creek in a 25-foot travel trailer.

Clean facilities: Rodgers County Park receives praise for its maintenance. "I love staying at this campground. Shower house is always clean and tidy. Love that they have a beach and ample fishing right on the pond with the campsites over looking beautiful water," shares one camper.

Unique amenities: Hickory Hills Park offers unexpected features. "This is a great quiet park with animals for visiting and a very clean shower house," notes Andi A.

What you should know

Reservation policies: Most campgrounds near Vinton operate on different reservation systems. Lime Creek Park is first-come, first-served, while others like Pleasant Creek can be reserved. "Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway," shares Nicolas N. about Lime Creek Park.

Bathroom quality varies: Some campgrounds have better facilities than others. At Wildcat Bluff, one camper warned: "Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you."

Site layouts: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts. At Lime Creek Park: "No specific site, no specific place to pull into, no site numbers or designation except on the electric pedestals. It's all grass. Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want," explains Tammy F.

Bugs can be an issue: McFarlane Park visitors note: "Very nice campground! Friendly and helpful ranger. Not crowded even the weekend immediately after the 4th of July. Be prepared for mosquitoes though! Lots of standing water and lots of mosquitoes!"

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres offers extensive recreation options. "Great place for kids. They had a little train ride, miniature golf course, catch and release fishing in their pond, splash pad, lots of cool things hand built structures to see as well," according to a reviewer.

Accessibility features: Some sites accommodate special needs. "My daughter is in a wheelchair so we requested the accessible site. It's right next to the showers with an adapted pic-nic table and raised fire pit!" shares a Beyonder Getaway visitor.

Youth group options: Some of the best places to camp near Vinton, Iowa include dedicated youth facilities. "We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing. I have stayed in a regular tent campgrounds and the youth group campsites," mentions Robert F. about Pleasant Creek.

Nature education: Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers learning opportunities. "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. Along the trail into the site, you will find a large play area for families," notes James M.

Tips from RVers

Water and sewer access: At Pleasant Creek, "Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in," advises David J.

Site sizes and leveling: Morgan Creek Campground works well for overnight stays. "Stopped here for the night as a layover and had a great site. Everything you need in a campground. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Water and electricity at site, along with picnic table and fire ring," shares Amy B.

Parking rules: Be aware of vehicle limits at campgrounds. At Pleasant Creek, one camper noted: "The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule. He forced 3 over 65 couples to drive to a parking lots and I shuttled them back and forth."

Highway proximity: Some campgrounds have road noise. "Near the highway but road noise is minimal," reports a reviewer about Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres, while another notes Lime Creek has "highway traffic noise is easily heard and doesn't seem to stop for more than a few seconds."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Vinton, Iowa?

Vinton, Iowa offers several excellent camping options. Rodgers County Park is a local favorite with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access, featuring reservable sites, water facilities, and toilets. Another nearby option is Wildcat Bluff County Park, which provides boat-in and drive-in access with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. Both parks are conveniently located near Vinton. The area also offers Benton City Recreation Area and access to additional campgrounds within a short drive, such as Lime Creek Park near Brandon and McFarlane Park by La Porte City. These parks provide various amenities for both tent and RV camping experiences in the scenic Vinton region.

What amenities does Rodgers Park in Vinton offer for campers?

Rodgers Park in Vinton provides a well-equipped camping experience with multiple amenities. The park features reservable campsites with both water hookups and toilet facilities. Campers can access the park through multiple entry points, including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in options, making it versatile for different camping styles. The park offers beautiful natural surroundings typical of Benton County parks, with opportunities for outdoor recreation. For those seeking alternatives nearby, Hickory Hills Park near La Porte City offers additional amenities including boat access, water facilities, and sites that accommodate larger RVs. Rodgers Park maintains seasonal availability, though specific opening dates may vary based on weather conditions and park maintenance schedules.

What RV rental options are available in Vinton, Iowa?

While Vinton itself has limited dedicated RV rental services, several options exist in the surrounding area. Many campers access RV rentals through online platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy, which connect RV owners with renters in the region. The nearby Cedar Rapids and Waterloo areas offer more rental companies with delivery options to Vinton campgrounds. For those planning to stay at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground near Palo or Diamond Lake County Park, calling ahead to confirm RV size restrictions is recommended. Another approach is arranging delivery and setup services, where rental companies will place the RV at your chosen campsite before arrival, especially popular at larger campgrounds in the region.