Stephen R.
Guide
GuideBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Very nice camp grounds and nice trails and beach
Tent Camping near Wapello, IA
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Tent camping options around Wapello, Iowa include several primitive campgrounds along waterways that offer natural settings ideal for outdoor recreation. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provides primitive tent camping with sites spread along a waterway within bottomland woodlands. River Junction near Lone Tree offers tent sites along the river with basic amenities. Both locations provide opportunities for fishing and water activities while maintaining a rustic camping atmosphere.
Most tent campsites in the Wapello area require campers to pack in their gear, with parking typically within 100 yards of campsites. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some sites offering only pit toilets while others provide access to drinking water and showers at nearby main campgrounds. Picnic tables and fire rings are common at established sites, though firewood availability differs by location. Several campgrounds operate seasonally, with Windmill Ridge Campground near Kalona open from April through November.
The tent camping in this region emphasizes connection to natural waterways and woodland settings. Sites at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area feature walk-in access, providing a more secluded feel compared to drive-up options. Indian Meadows Campground at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers what one camper described as "individual private sites...if you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen." Proximity to rivers and lakes creates opportunities for paddling, fishing, and wildlife observation, making these primitive tent sites appealing for those seeking a back-to-basics outdoor experience without completely disconnecting from amenities.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Wapello (17)
1. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
"The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced."
"Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."
Check Availabilityfrom $14 - $32 / night
2. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
"The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
3. Cedar River Campground
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
4. River Junction
"24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there."
5. Silva Campground
6. Spring Lake Campground
"I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat"
7. Windmill Ridge Campground
8. Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
9. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."
Check Availabilityfrom $70 - $80 / night
10. Hidden River Campground
Drive Time
- 47 min from Iowa City, IA
- 55 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 8 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 52 min from Peoria, IL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wapello, IA
1 Photos of 17 Wapello Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Wapello, IA
520 Reviews of 17 Wapello Campgrounds
Cyndi R.
ScoutBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Clean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
Stuart K.
LegendPark Terrace Campground - West Lake Park
Quad Cities Sweet Camping Retreat
Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
Benjamin S.ScoutLouisa County Fairgrounds
$25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!
James M.LegendWildcat Den State Park Campground
Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.
This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
- James M.Legend
Buffalo Shores County Park
Nice county campground on the Mississippi River
This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
- Mary H.
RangerWest Overlook Campground
Sweet campground
We had a delightful afternoon and overnight stay here. We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer at the registration booth, who filled us in on the area and what we might see during our short visit. Our site was lovely, tucked at the end of a loop overlooking the woods, where we spotted several deer. We explored a bit while we were there, including the dam and the nearby fossil site—both very cool. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers had plenty of hot water and good pressure. We only wish we could have stayed longer at this lovely park. It was a wonderful final stop on our trip.
- JJill K.Guide
Nauvoo State Park Campground
Perfect for seeing Historic Nauvoo
Beautiful wooded campsites. Pit toilet in the Class A section (with electricity). Road in campground had a lot of potholes. It was quiet with just a few campers. Wood to burn available (pay by Venmo). Price was good.
- James M.Legend
Interstate RV Park
I-80 stop over, needs improvements
This campground has a good location, considering it’s proximity less than a half mile north of interstate 80. There is also food, fuel, and a Farm And Fleet nearby. Upon entering the campground, gravel roads need dressed, potholes, both small and very large neat filling. Appears to have year-round residence, and sites have tables, firings, electric, water. On a positive note, The Pool looks clean this season, the store is open and offers basic necessities, and firewood is available.
Guide to Wapello
Tent camping around Wapello, Iowa centers on river access points along the Cedar and Iowa Rivers. Most primitive sites lack electricity and flush toilets, with vault or pit toilets being the standard offering. During summer months, temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, making waterfront locations particularly valued for cooling breezes and swimming opportunities.
What to do
Paddling access points: Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provides direct water access for fishing and paddling from primitive tent sites. One camper notes the area has "sites spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc." with parking within 100 yards of camping spots.
Fishing opportunities: River Junction near Lone Tree offers riverside tent sites with boat ramp access. One visitor mentioned, "24 years ago River Junction Lone Tree Iowa was just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed. Still primitive tent campgrounds there. Alot of sites. Boat ramp."
Stargazing: The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers exceptionally dark skies due to its location away from city lights. A camper mentioned that there's "no city like that so night sky shines with stars" making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Private sites: Indian Meadows Campground at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve features secluded tent sites. A camper described, "Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."
Wooded settings: Silva Campground provides primitive non-electric sites "surrounded by natural area with access to a boat ramp and docks on Lake George, flush toilets, water access, playground, picnic area, and pavilion."
Walking access: Several sites maintain a more secluded atmosphere by requiring campers to pack in gear. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, "The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available at main campground along with water and showers there too."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many primitive sites are first-come, first-served, but arrive early during summer months. At Spring Lake Campground, a visitor advised to "Get there early or make reservations fills fast!"
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with Windmill Ridge Campground open April 1 to November 1, and Cedar River Campground operating from April 15 to October 15.
Limited signage: Some primitive areas have minimal directional markers. At River Junction, a camper reported confusion: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Spring Lake Campground offers diverse activities for children. One visitor noted, "Great place lots to do with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has an outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat."
Educational opportunities: Wapsi River Environmental Education Center combines camping with nature learning. A camper mentioned the "park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
Pool access: Cedar River Campground provides amenities beyond basic tent camping. One family noted, "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be a fun break from the norm."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: At Cedar River Campground, a tent camper observed, "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned," suggesting tent campers might prefer more primitive options if privacy is important.
Seasonal camping options: Hidden River Campground caters to longer-term stays. A visitor noted, "Many people seem to take advantage of the year round rates and stay all summer. They're open from April 15-October 15. Close to I-80 if you need somewhere to stay during your travels."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Wapello, IA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wapello, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wapello, IA is Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Wapello, IA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wapello, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Wapello, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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