Best Campgrounds near Waterville, IA

Waterville, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Waterville camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Waterville, Iowa (145)

    1. Wyalusing State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    McGregor, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 996-2261

    $15 - $35 / night

    "A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching! Come one New Years for the annual carp drop :)"

    "Camp sites are far enough away from neighbors that there is some privacy. Need a state park sticker to access. Illinois Minnesota and Iowa are all short drives away."

    2. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "Who knew that Iowa has hills like this?! We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds."

    "The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."

    3. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective."

    "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service."

    4. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    McGregor, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 873-2341

    $20 / night

    "It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."

    "Spots are gravel and are within walking distance of Mississippi River views and park trails. Overall great experience!"

    5. Little Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 - $75 / night

    "Iowa only has a few state forests and this one has something the others do not... trout fishing."

    "It is nestled in the woods not far from the Indian Mounds area in Iowa.  I stayed at Little Paint Campground.  There are pit toilets, but the water said not for drinking. "

    6. Bloody Run County Park

    7 Reviews
    Marquette, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 245-1516

    "It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy."

    "Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creak."

    7. Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    "Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here."

    8. Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $75 / night

    "Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable"

    9. Waukon City Park

    3 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 568-0081

    "Pool, tennis, lake."

    10. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    1 Review
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $16 / night

    "Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser."

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Showing results 1-10 of 145 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waterville, IA

448 Reviews of 145 Waterville Campgrounds



Guide to Waterville

Camping near Waterville, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park Campground. Campers rave about the "great hiking trails" and the "lovely morning sunrise and amazing sunsets."
  • Fishing: Head to Bloody Run County Park for some fishing. One visitor mentioned, "Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site."
  • Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking on the Mississippi River. Campers at Pikes Peak State Park Campground appreciate the "access to backwaters of Mississippi."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground love the "incredible views" of the Mississippi River. One camper described it as "a magical experience."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "This hidden gem is a great small park and campground perfect for a weekend getaway."
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers appreciate the clean facilities at Pulpit Rock Campground. One review highlighted, "Clean showers and bathrooms, large playground."

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: If you're camping at Bloody Run County Park, be prepared for train noise. A camper mentioned, "A train comes through at 10pm and 3am every night almost."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Camp Glen Wendel, are more primitive. A review stated, "Sites have fire rings and benches, some more spacious than others."
  • Cell Service: Expect limited cell service in many areas. Campers at Big Paint Campground noted, "There is minimal phone service. That means you get to absorb nature."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Pikes Peak State Park Campground, which has "lots of hiking trails" and is great for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for the trails. One family at Pulpit Rock Campground enjoyed biking and noted, "You can access the whole city of Decorah and all the scenic places by walking or bikes."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. A camper at Wyalusing State Park Campground mentioned, "Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Goose Island found that "the sites are close together near the entrance," so be mindful of your space.
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Blackhawk Park, offer electric hookups. A visitor said, "The electric sites are like a typical RV park."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One RVer at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground noted, "We did switch sites once we got there because the electric was on the opposite side."

Camping near Waterville, Iowa, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Waterville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waterville, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Waterville, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Waterville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waterville, IA is Wyalusing State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waterville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Waterville, IA.

What parks are near Waterville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Waterville, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.