Best Camping near Waterloo, IA

Best Camping Sites Near Waterloo, IA (127)

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   George Wyth State Park Campground

   13 Reviews

   22 Photos

   33 Saves

   Cedar Falls, Iowa

   George Wyth State Park Campground, nestled near Waterloo, IA, is a gem for those who love a mix of nature and convenience. This campground operates from April 1 to December 31 and offers a solid 4.0 rating from visitors. It's a great spot for both tent and RV camping, with options for glamping if you're feeling fancy.

   One of the standout features here is the easy access to hiking and biking trails. The park connects to over 100 miles of interconnecting bike trails, making it a paradise for cyclists. If you're into water activities, you're in luck. The campground is situated along the Cedar River and has multiple lakes for fishing, kayaking, and even a beach for swimming. Maxx Rentals offers everything from float mats to double kayaks, so you won't run out of things to do.

   For those who like to keep their creature comforts, the campground has electric hookups, drinking water, and clean shower houses with flush toilets. Pets are welcome, and there's a market on-site for any last-minute supplies. Firewood is available, and yes, you can enjoy a campfire under the stars.

   Families will appreciate the large sand playground area with slides and swings, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. And if you're looking to explore beyond the park, Cedar Falls is just a stone's throw away, offering craft breweries and local dining spots like Diner 63, which comes highly recommended by campers.

   Overall, George Wyth State Park Campground offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a fantastic base camp for exploring the Cedar Valley area. Whether you're here for a weekend or just passing through, it's a spot worth checking out.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $11 - $16 / night

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   Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

   10 Reviews

   18 Photos

   38 Saves

   Evansdale, Iowa

   Welcome to the Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, a fantastic spot near Waterloo, IA, that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you're rolling in with an RV, pitching a tent, or looking to stay in a cozy cabin, this place has got you covered.

   One of the standout features here is the proximity to the Lost Island Waterpark, just across the road. Perfect for families looking to add some splashy fun to their camping trip. If waterparks aren't your thing, there's a lovely beach by a pond right on the campground where you can swim or just relax by the water.

   The campground itself is well-maintained with plenty of pull-through sites, making it big-rig friendly. Each site comes with a picnic table and a grassy area, and most have full hookups. The staff here are known for being friendly and helpful, which always makes a stay more pleasant.

   For those traveling with pets, there's a fenced dog park where your furry friends can run around freely. Kids will love the playground, and there's even a small boat rental if you want to paddle around the pond. The convenience store on-site is well-stocked with essentials like ice, beer, snacks, and even a milkshake machine.

   Visitors have mentioned that the bathrooms and showers are generally clean and well-kept, though they can get a bit messy at times due to high usage. There's also a laundry room, though it might need a bit of attention occasionally.

   Overall, the Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA is a great place to stay, whether you're just passing through or planning to explore the area. With its range of amenities and friendly atmosphere, it's a spot you'll likely want to return to.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

   29 Reviews

   114 Photos

   105 Saves

   Dundee, Iowa

   Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.

   The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.

   There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Siggelkov County Park

   4 Reviews

   7 Photos

   49 Saves

   Oelwein, Iowa

   • Pets
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • Dispersed
   • Trash
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   Big Woods Lake

   2 Reviews

   10 Saves

   Cedar Falls, Iowa

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Hickory Hills Park

   3 Reviews

   8 Saves

   Evansdale, Iowa

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Black Hawk County Park

   2 Reviews

   13 Saves

   Cedar Falls, Iowa

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Deerwood Park

   2 Reviews

   1 Photo

   14 Saves

   Evansdale, Iowa

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Grundy County Lake and Campground

   2 Reviews

   3 Photos

   6 Saves

   Cedar Falls, Iowa

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • ADA Access
   • RVs

   $15 / night

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    10.

    Big Woods Lake Campground and Recreation Area

    1 Review

    2 Saves

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Picnic Table
    • WiFi