Waterloo camping options offer outdoor recreation along the Cedar River and surrounding lakes at elevations of 843 to 950 feet. The region's forested areas and riverside camping provide habitat for white-tailed deer, songbirds, and waterfowl. Summer temperatures average 83°F with humidity levels above 70% during peak camping season from May through September.
What to do
Disc golf near the water: Hickory Hills Park features disc golf courses within its 700+ acre grounds. According to one camper, "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."
Paddling opportunities: George Wyth State Park Campground offers multiple lakes for paddlers of all skill levels. A reviewer noted, "Nice park with a bike path around the lake. A few nature trails, but nothing I would call hiking... Nice paddling and usually pretty easy going."
Wildlife viewing: Some campgrounds feature animal exhibits. A camper at Hickory Hills Park shared, "This is a great quiet park with animals for visiting and a very clean shower house."
Fishing access: Cedar Bend Park provides riverside fishing opportunities. Reviewers mention the park has "trails and hiking... Some right along the river, some grassy and along fields, others ran though the woods."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park earns praise for its maintenance standards. A camper reported, "We like this campground a lot, very nice shade, playground area, as well as nice trails. Clean restrooms and shower stall."
Shade and tree cover: Unlike some newer campgrounds in the area, Cedar Bend Park offers mature trees. One visitor contrasted their experience with treeless sites: "There weren't many other spots occupied, those that were looked fairly permanent... There was a giant wood pile where you could grab wood for a donation."
Secluded riverfront spots: Siggelkov County Park offers peace and quiet for those seeking dog friendly campgrounds near Waterloo. A camper described it as "Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot. Has electric sites and also places to tent camp right on the Wapsi River."
Firewood availability: Multiple campgrounds offer firewood for purchase, often with donation systems. At Cedar Bend Park, campers note there was "a giant wood pile where you could grab wood for a donation in the box and a wheelbarrow was provided."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some riverside campgrounds experience periodic flooding. A camper at George Wyth State Park warned, "Because it is so close to river anytime it rains heavily there is flooding in several areas of the park. And almost every year (usually late summer, early fall) it rains enough to flood a good portion of the park."
Cash-only policies: Several campgrounds require cash payment. One camper at Deerwood Park mentioned, "Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!"
Shade availability varies: Newer campgrounds typically lack mature trees. A reviewer at Grundy County Lake noted, "NO SHADE at this campground (a few new trees so in about 10-20 years maybe shade)."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. A visitor to McFarlane Park advised, "The only problem with the campground was how many mosquitoes there were (enhanced by a lot of rain during our trip), so be sure to bring bug spray!"
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: McFarlane Park offers multiple family-friendly amenities. A camper highlighted, "Volleyball net, frisbee golf, bike trail, and playground!"
Swimming options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Waterloo feature swimming areas. A reviewer at Lost Island KOA mentioned, "Quiet well kept campground. Showers were nice, sites were decent in size, with some shade. Kids had fun at the swimming pond."
Bike-friendly trails: The Cedar Valley has extensive paved trails. A camper at Black Hawk County Park noted it's "Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp."
Budget considerations: Iowa state parks offer affordable options. According to a camper, "Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers full-service sites for RVs. A reviewer reported, "Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table."
Dog facilities: The Lost Island KOA is particularly dog-friendly with designated areas. A camper noted, "The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs. A lake with beach area and an area for fishing founded it out!"
Mobile connectivity: Cell service is generally reliable in the region. One camper at Lost Island KOA mentioned, "We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well."
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds in the area provide dump stations. A reviewer noted, "Dump station and potable water" availability at many locations, which is crucial for longer RV stays at dog friendly campgrounds around Waterloo.
