Best Campgrounds near Waterville, IA
The Yellow River State Forest and surrounding areas near Waterville, Iowa provide multiple camping options within the scenic Driftless Region. Campgrounds such as Big Paint, Little Paint, and Camp Glen Wendel offer primitive tent sites, while others like Pikes Peak State Park and Yellow River Forest's Fire Tower Cabin accommodate RVs and cabin campers. These public lands feature a mix of drive-in, hike-in, and equestrian-friendly sites set among forested hills and trout streams, with most locations situated within 20 miles of Waterville.
Camping is available year-round at some locations, though amenities vary significantly by season. Most campgrounds in the Yellow River State Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis from November through March, with reservations recommended during warmer months. A camper noted, "Iowa only has a few state forests and this one has something the others do not... trout fishing." Water access points are common throughout the region, with several campgrounds positioned along stocked trout streams. Facilities range from primitive backcountry sites with no amenities to developed campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. Cell service can be limited in the valleys and remote areas of the forest.
Trout fishing represents a major draw for campers in this region, with multiple streams accessible from campgrounds. The Little Paint Creek campground offers fishing opportunities suitable for beginners, while Paint Creek provides more challenging fishing for experienced anglers. Several visitors mentioned the unique topography as a highlight, with one noting that Backbone State Park "felt like we were not in Iowa" due to its distinctive geological features. Campsites along creeks tend to fill quickly during fishing season. The area also offers extensive hiking trails, including access to Iowa's only fire tower. Winter camping provides solitude, with one reviewer mentioning they "spent many nights alone in the primitive campground" during colder months when fewer RVs are present.
