Best Campgrounds near Waverly, IA

Camping around Waverly, Iowa ranges from riverfront sites to state parks within a short drive. R Campground has gravel pads with 50-amp full hookups right by the river. In Oelwein, the City Park Campground sits at the south end of town with electric and water hookups and a dump station. Campers heading to Backbone State Park will find lots of hiking trails through the woods. Clear Lake State Park has bigger campsites close to the water. Families often prefer Pulpit Rock Campground because of its roomier sites. Make sure to check the local rules about fires and how long you can stay. Since wildlife is common in these areas, store your food properly. You'll probably need reservations at most campgrounds, especially during busy times. The best camping weather happens in spring and fall when it's not too hot and the trees look great. Summers get warm, but you can cool off swimming and fishing in the nearby lakes. Always pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace practices to keep these places nice.

Best Camping Sites Near Waverly, Iowa (127)

    1. George Wyth State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 232-5505

    $15 - $23 / night

    "** 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.)"

    "On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"

    2. Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park

    2 Reviews
    Waverly, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 882-4742

    "We like this campground a lot, very nice shade, playground area, as well as nice trails. Clean restrooms and shower stall"

    "The trails and hiking was the best part though. We went for hours with our dogs and had so much fun. They were easy."

    3. Cedar Bend Park

    2 Reviews
    Waverly, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 882-4742

    "great trails, older playgrounds, nice bathroom, good price"

    4. Black Hawk County Park

    3 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 433-7275

    "Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp..."

    5. Big Woods Lake

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    12 miles
    +1 (319) 266-6813

    "Nice park with a bike path around the lake. A few nature trails, but nothing I would call hiking. Two vault toilets placed on the bike path. One modern bathroom with showers in the campground."

    "The lake is small, no wake lake - but great for using your SUP or kayaks."

    6. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    10 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 233-3485

    "Just stayed one night passing through Iowa. Very pretty Campground with colorful Kabin’s and a lake for swimming or paddle boats. Level sites but not much shade."

    "Played a bit of lake-side volleyball in the evening. Beautiful sunset!"

    7. Shell Rock Rec Area

    1 Review
    Shell Rock, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 278-4237

    $15 / night

    8. Heery Woods

    1 Review
    Clarksville, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 278-4237

    $15 / night

    "Nice wooded campground on the Shell Rock River. 19 electric sites (no water/sewer hookup at sites), 11 sites are right on the river with gravel pads the remaining sites are grass and away from the river"

    9. Siggelkov County Park

    4 Reviews
    Oelwein, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 433-7275

    "Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot."

    "Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience.. also good kyack location."

    10. Big Woods Lake Campground and Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Cedar Falls, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 266-6813

    "Nice County camp ground (Black Hawk), Electric and non-electric sites. campground sits on edge of lake."

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Showing results 1-10 of 127 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Waverly, IA

229 Reviews of 127 Waverly Campgrounds


  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    George Wyatt City Park

    Small town overnight

    We stayed for one night so we could go fossil hunting at nearby Fossil and Prairie park. This campground has full hookups and gravel pads in what is basically a small town park. It was perfect for our needs -a place to stay. There are no reservations, just pay cash in an envelope at the info sign. There were 2 bigger RVs there the night we were. Bathrooms were adequate, with running water, soap and paper towels.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake Hendricks Co Park

    Paved sites, simple Accomodations

    A good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    MacNider Campground

    Better than free camping

    Quiet, clean and decent size lots.

    This Campground sits among a sleepy country city… however with the trees and the setting, you would never know.

    The cost is $20 per night for electric and water. Sewer cost extra.

    Would stay here 100 times over any type of lot docking and many other campsites that look like parking lot.

    It’s a home run stay here!

  • Ax H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Shellrock River Co Preserve

    Great Free spot for tent camping

    Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river. Trees everywhere so bring bug spray. Quiet, peaceful. Not private but worth it. Free, 3 day max stay

  • b
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Klocks Island Park

    Klocks island

    Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night.


Guide to Waverly

Camping sites near Waverly, Iowa range from riverside locations to wooded recreational areas with direct access to regional bike trails. The Cedar River runs through this northeast Iowa region, providing fishing opportunities and water recreation at multiple campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall.

What to do

Bike trail access: Cedar Bend Park connects to the Rolling Prairie Trail, a 20-mile hard surface path perfect for cyclists of all ages. One visitor noted, "If you are a biker there is a wonderful bike path. It will take you all the way through Cedar Falls and Waterloo you could bike all day long."

Water activities: George Wyth State Park Campground offers multiple lakes and river access points for various water sports. A camper shared, "There is a sand beach to swim, where they also rent kayaks & canoes. The campground is located along the Cedar river, for those who want to boat and fish on a river, as well as multiple lakes to fish and a lake to ski."

Hiking options: The campgrounds around Waverly feature trails ranging from easy walks to more extensive paths. At Heery Woods, campers enjoy wooded riverside trails with 19 electric sites available. As one camper described it, "Nice wooded campground on the Shell Rock River. 19 electric sites (no water/sewer hookup at sites), 11 sites are right on the river with gravel pads."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Black Hawk County Park maintains well-kept bathroom facilities that campers appreciate. One reviewer mentioned, "Decent shower/bathroom facilities" and another noted the park "has plenty of fishing access archery gun range. Boat access."

Riverfront camping: Siggelkov County Park offers sites directly on the Wapsipinicon River. A camper described it as "Simple and Secluded" and further explained, "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."

Playground areas: Many campsites near Waverly feature play equipment for children. One camper at Cedar Bend Park noted, "We like this campground a lot, very nice shade, playground area, as well as nice trails. Clean restrooms and shower stall."

What you should know

Seasonal flooding: Some campgrounds in the area are susceptible to high water. At George Wyth State Park Campground, a camper 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."

Noise considerations: Campgrounds near highways may experience road noise. Big Woods Lake Campground sits near a major route with some campers noting, "NOTE: Some Hwy noise at night as Hwy 218 is right next door."

Limited amenities: Several campgrounds near Waverly operate with basic services. Shell Rock Rec Area offers "$15 a night, free on Wednesdays (except holidays)" camping with "Electric only sites on grass camping pads" but has "No trailer dump in park but, available in nearby town of Shell Rock."

Tips for camping with families

Swim areas for children: Big Woods Lake Campground and Recreation Area provides lake swimming opportunities right from the campground. The site "sits on edge of lake" and offers both "Electric and non-electric sites."

Affordable activities: Many local parks offer cost-effective outdoor recreation. Black Hawk County Park has "plenty of fishing access archery gun range. Boat access" making it versatile for family interests without additional fees.

Multiple recreation options: Cedar Bend Park campers appreciate the variety of activities available in one location. A visitor shared, "We went for hours with our dogs and had so much fun. They were easy. Some right along the river, some grassy and along fields, others ran though the woods."

Tips from RVers

Electric hookups: Most campgrounds around Waverly offer electric sites, but not all provide full hookups. At Bremer County Park Cedar Bend Park, RVers can use "electric hookup" sites that are "quite peaceful" when not heavily occupied.

Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal as availability varies between campgrounds. Heery Woods has "No trailer dump site and no trash receptacles (pack out trash)" requiring advance planning for longer stays.

Level sites: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA receives positive reviews for site quality, with one RVer noting, "Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly campgrounds in Waverly?

Families camping near Waverly have excellent options that cater to children and parents alike. Pine Ridge Park is highly rated for families, featuring showers, bathrooms, and a playground. It's affordably priced and situated along the Iowa River, though be aware it can occasionally flood. George Wyth State Park Campground is another family-friendly option with reasonably priced sites ($16 for electric), kayak/canoe/pedal boat rentals, and no separate park entry fee. For families seeking modern amenities, several state parks in the region offer electric hookups, flush toilets, and shower facilities to keep everyone comfortable during your stay.

Can I boondock or find free camping around Waverly?

Free and primitive camping options are limited but available in the Waverly area. Eagle City County Park offers primitive camping on 172 acres with basic amenities including vault restrooms and a hand pump well. It's a no-frills option for those looking to camp without hookups. Six Pines Campground at Backbone State Park provides more rustic camping experiences compared to the park's modern campground, though it does charge modest fees. For true boondocking, you'll generally need to venture farther from Waverly, as Iowa has limited public lands that permit dispersed camping. Always check with county conservation boards about current policies before setting up camp.

What campgrounds are available near Waverly, Iowa?

Several quality campgrounds are available near Waverly, Iowa. Prairie Bridges Park offers a quiet small-town camping experience with scenic walking paths and a convenient location near local amenities. For water recreation, Beed's Lake State Park Campground features numerous campsites around a picturesque lake with a beautiful waterfall. Other nearby options include Cedar Bend Park, which provides water access and toilet facilities, and George Wyth State Park with kayak and canoe rentals. Within driving distance, you'll also find Pine Lake State Park and Backbone State Park, both offering electric hookups and scenic surroundings.