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Best Campgrounds near Waverly, IA

226 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Waverly, IowaExplore the Map

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

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

    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 Camping Photos near Waverly, IA

32 Photos of 127 Waverly Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waverly, IA

226 Reviews of 127 Waverly Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    George Wyth State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    This is a clean and well kept campground. There are great paved trails, and it is close to the free John Deere Museum, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum. I’m not giving it a 5 star rating for two reasons: one there are a lot of mosquitoes (I get that it is their home), and two the showers are the type that don’t allow you to mix your own water temperature, and they only stay on for a few seconds every time you press the button. The water was a comfortable temperature for me though. Also, the park does occasionally close for flooding.

  • Jon C.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    A parking lot would be more welcoming

    I had a seasonal spot at deerwood and was constantly harassed by the camp hosts, I had my reviews removed (only to be reposted by the city attorney), and was told to trim the trees as round my spot. I've been full time for 7 years and this was by far the worst experience I've had at a campground.

    If the metal bolts sticking out of the speed bumps don't get you..... The sewage plant 200 yards away will.

    This place is CHEAP. and you get what you pay for.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park

    Backbone Southlake Camp review

    Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available

Guide to Waverly

Camping near Waverly, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Backbone State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The scenery on the hiking trail was amazing," making it a great spot for those who love to trek through beautiful landscapes.
  • Fishing: Head to Pine Lake State Park for some fishing. A camper shared, "Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails," highlighting the park's dual appeal.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Check out Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground for water activities. One reviewer said, "This campground has it all. Easy access for kayaking and tubing on the Upper Iowa River."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at George Wyth State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were warm and really clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Pulpit Rock Campground. One camper remarked, "Wonderful neighbors, great spacious, level sites."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of places like Pinicon Ridge Park. A reviewer said, "Great place to kick back and relax."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Eagle City County Park, require a fee and do not accept reservations. A camper mentioned, "Sites are first come first served with no reservations."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Beeds Lake State Park pointed out, "Many of the RV sites are very close together," which might not suit everyone.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Clear Lake State Park, are only open from April to December. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Clear Lake State Park. A parent noted, "The playground was fun for the kids, nice beach access!"
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose spots that offer various activities. A camper at Pine Lake State Park mentioned, "Tons of great tent sites, but it seemed like the RV spots were pretty close together."
  • Safety: Always check for nearby medical facilities. A visitor at George Wyth State Park Campground appreciated the park's proximity to Cedar Falls, saying, "Close to Cedar Falls."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites, like Pinicon Ridge Park. One RVer shared, "The site was a level rock pad which was very spacious."
  • Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA noted, "Decent sites with full hookups."
  • Quiet Times: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground mentioned, "We have been here during the week and have had the place pretty much to ourselves."

Camping around Waverly, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

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.

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