Top Glamping near Waterloo, IA

Camping near Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa, offers a variety of camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a serene spot by the river or a family-friendly campground with plenty of amenities, you'll find it here. Two popular campgrounds in the area are George Wyth State Park Campground and Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA. Each has its unique charm and features that cater to different types of campers.

From hiking trails and fishing spots to playgrounds and dog parks, these campgrounds provide a range of activities to keep everyone entertained. However, it's essential to know what to expect before you go. This guide will help you understand what to do, what campers like, what you should know, and tips for camping with families and RVs.

What to do

Waterloo's campgrounds offer a variety of activities to keep you busy. At George Wyth State Park Campground, you can enjoy hiking on numerous trails, fishing in the lakes and the Cedar River, and even renting kayaks for a day on the water. The park also has a beach area for swimming and relaxing.

At Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, there's plenty to do without even leaving the campground. You can enjoy the playground, beach area, and even rent small boats. The campground also has a convenience store, gas station, and propane available, making it easy to stock up on essentials.

  • "This park has hiking (on path or off), fishing in multiple lakes and the Cedar River, and a beach!!!" - Ronnie N.
  • "There was a playground, beach, and fenced dog area. Cost was very good for the amenities provided." - Richard &.
  • "Kids had fun at the swimming pond." - Matt s.

What campers like

Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the variety of activities available at these campgrounds. The natural beauty and convenient amenities make for a pleasant stay.

  • "Easy in and out late fall camping. I got a great tent spot next to the river." - Lisa T.
  • "Nice campground with some non-electric sites on the bank of Cedar River, clean shower house, and flush toilets." - Mitch
  • "We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way." - Richard &.

What you should know

While these campgrounds have many positives, there are a few things to be aware of. Mosquitoes can be a problem, especially during certain seasons, and some campers have noted noise from nearby highways and train tracks.

  • "Perhaps it is just a season, but there were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit." - Stephen D.
  • "Sleeping in a tent, it was very noisy at night. And a train track close by (again at night)." - Mitch
  • "Bathrooms are cleaned daily but at times are quite nasty. Not their fault; people are just nasty." - Matthew S.

Tips for camping with families

Camping with families can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with the right preparation. Both campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and beach areas, making them great choices for a family trip.

  • "Be sure to go to Diner 63 for lunch or dinner while you’re there. Outstanding food, great value." - Jayne M.
  • "Great RV park. Lots of room and cabin rentals for folks that don’t have an RV. The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs." - Lori H.
  • "Decent sites with full hookups. Little shade with small trees next to about each site." - Kimberly E.

Tips from RVers

RVers will find both campgrounds accommodating, with features like full hookups and pull-through sites. However, it's always good to know a few tips from fellow RVers to make your stay even better.

  • "Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull-through. Hookups are in very good condition." - Richard &.
  • "Nice campground with some non-electric sites on the bank of Cedar River, clean shower house, and flush toilets." - Mitch
  • "Bathrooms are cleaned daily but at times are quite nasty. Not their fault; people are just nasty." - Matthew S.

Camping near Waterloo, Iowa, offers a mix of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or looking for a family-friendly spot, you'll find something to love at these campgrounds.

Best Glamping Sites Near Waterloo, IA (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park Campground

    1.

    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

    Camper-submitted photo from Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    3.

    Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    3 Photos
    49 Saves
    Shellsburg, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $11 - $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park

    4.

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    27 Photos
    30 Saves
    Central City, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • No image available

      5.

      Otter Creek Lake and Park

      2 Reviews
      5 Saves
      Garwin, Iowa

      As of June 2023, Otter Creek Lake & Park has reopened to the public.This reopening includes all camping area, roadways, trails, etc. Though the refilling process has begun, the lake is still mostly empty. Fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities are unavailable, as the lake has not yet filled with water. Restoration includes establishment of excellent fish habitat, improved angler access, removal of sedimentation, irrigation improvements, and more.

      Seventy (70) acre lake hosting quality fishing, boating, and swimming.
      Two open air shelters with approx. capacity of 72 persons each.
      Electric camp section with 65 unit capacity.
      Tent section with 18 sites, 45 tent capacity
      Swimming beach offered at no charge
      Picnicking. Tables to entertain up to 400 persons
      Concrete boat ramp providing safe and convenient access to lake
      Fish cleaning station located next to boat ramp
      Sanitary dump station for trailer units using campground
      Modern showerhouse (for campers)
      Six vault latrines scattered throughout park
      Two acre native prairie (never tilled by man)
      Headquarters for maintenance operations
      Two play areas with assorted play equipment including swings, jungle gyms, spring toys, slides.
      3.0 mile loop scenic hiking trail around lake
      Handicap access provides safe and easy access to beach play area.
      Tama County Nature Center houses main office, 5,600 sq. ft. on main floor, 2,600 sq. ft. in basement, handicap accessible building. The Nature Center is popular for social events including weddings, receptions, family reunions, and workshops.
      Visitors kiosk with vending machine is located directly south of the concrete boat landing.
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $10 - $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Airport Lake Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Airport Lake Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Airport Lake Park Campground

      6.

      Airport Lake Park Campground

      3 Reviews
      3 Photos
      2 Saves
      Elma, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • No image available

        7.

        Delaware County Coffins Grove Park

        2 Reviews
        Dundee, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Creek County Park

        8.

        Morgan Creek County Park

        3 Reviews
        1 Photo
        18 Saves
        Palo, Iowa

        A wide variety of natural and recreational features can be found at the 352-acre Morgan Creek County Park. The arboretum and butterfly park is plentiful with over 250 species of native and exotic trees and shrubs, which is located on the northside of the park at 7439 Worcester Rd, Palo.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        • Tents

        $23 - $40 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Ford Delaware County Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Ford Delaware County Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Ford Delaware County Park

        9.

        Bailey Ford Delaware County Park

        2 Reviews
        3 Photos
        7 Saves
        Delhi, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • RVs
        • No image available

          10.

          Goeken Co Park

          1 Review
          3 Saves
          West Union, Iowa
          • Pets
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Cabins

        Recent Glamping Reviews In Waterloo

        42 Reviews of 10 Waterloo Campgrounds


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        Frequently Asked Questions

        Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Waterloo, IA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Waterloo, IA is George Wyth State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

        What is the best site to find glamping camping near Waterloo, IA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Waterloo, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.