Waterville, Iowa sits within the Driftless Area, characterized by deeply carved river valleys and steep limestone bluffs untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. Campgrounds in this region range from 600-1,200 feet in elevation, creating dramatic temperature variations between ridge tops and valley floors. Overnight temperatures in these river valleys can drop 15-20°F lower than surrounding areas even during summer months.
What to do
Trout fishing: Check stocking schedules at Yellow River State Forest, where Big Paint Campground provides direct access to stocked trout streams. "Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush," notes one visitor at Big Paint Campground.
Kayaking: Rent equipment at local outfitters for trips on the Yellow River or Kickapoo River. At Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground, one camper shared, "Great location for kayaking and hiking. Ontario to bridge 5 was 2.5 hours," providing a good time estimate for planning river adventures.
Hiking: Explore unique geological formations in the area's state parks and forests. "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa's only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike," notes a visitor to Big Paint Campground about the diverse trail options. The Ice Cave trail at Wildcat Mountain offers quick geological exploration for those with limited time.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Tent-focused campgrounds offer privacy throughout the region. At Pulpit Rock Campground, visitors appreciate the layout: "The sites are very spacious and easy getting into for RVs/campers," while tent campers can find quieter spots along the river.
Water access: Riverside camping provides cooling options during hot summer months. At Bloody Run County Park, one camper reports, "Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creek. Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site."
Clean facilities: Modern bathrooms at most developed campgrounds make extended stays more comfortable. A camper at Skip-A-Way Resort notes, "New bathrooms with shower's and rentals for canoes and tubes for the River. Very family friendly and affordable," highlighting the quality of facilities relative to the cost.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run through some campgrounds creating unexpected night disturbances. At Bloody Run County Park, campers warn: "First night at 3am we were awoken but a train blaring its horn the whole way through the camp ground and the second night it happened at midnight and 3 am."
Site limitations: Reserve early for level sites as terrain varies significantly. A visitor to Peterson City RV Park advises: "Note that depending on the site and how far you back in, the electric hookup may be a distance. We stayed on a Friday in July, and the RV sites were about half full."
Weather considerations: Valley campgrounds can experience temperature swings of up to 20 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. At Yellow River State Forest, campers should "bring extra layers as the valley floors trap cool air overnight even in summer months."
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: Choose campgrounds with multiple recreational options to keep children engaged. Skip-A-Way Resort offers a range of activities: "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids... also miniature golf."
Educational experiences: Visit nearby historical sites to complement outdoor recreation. One visitor to Wyalusing State Park Campground mentions: "There are many burial mounds in the park, and there is an astronomical observatory on site," providing learning opportunities for children.
Extra gear: Pack for temperature variations throughout the day. Families should bring layers for cool mornings and evenings, especially when camping in valley locations where temperature fluctuations can be significant.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites based on size needs when making reservations. At Pulpit Rock Campground, RVers note: "The campgrounds was mostly full (even fuller on the website, why don't people cancel when they aren't coming?)" emphasizing the importance of advance planning.
Hookup length: Bring extension cords and longer hoses to accommodate variable hookup placements. A Peterson City RV Park visitor advises: "Depending on the site and how far you back in, the electric hookup may be a distance," highlighting a common challenge at older campgrounds.
Leveling needs: Plan for sloped sites at non-commercial parks by bringing additional leveling blocks. Several reviews mention uneven sites, particularly at tent-focused campgrounds that also accept RVs.
