Cedar Bend Park offers glamping accommodations near Waverly, Iowa, from May through October. The park sits along the Cedar River at an elevation of approximately 900 feet, providing river access for kayaking and fishing. Electric hookups and shower facilities support the glamping units, with additional campground amenities including fire rings and picnic tables.
What to do
Hiking trails: Cedar Bend Park features extensive trail networks through varied terrain. A camper noted, "The trails run through the woods, along fields, and beside the water" and they "went for hours with their dogs and had fun" exploring the peaceful surroundings.
Water recreation: George Wyth State Park Campground in Waterloo offers multiple lakes for diverse water activities. According to Steve R., "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."
Biking options: The Lake-to-State Park Bike Route connects Pine Lake and George Wyth State Park Campground through a 50-mile route. As one visitor states, "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."
Fishing spots: Airport Lake Park Campground provides shoreline fishing access with "many fishing jetties" according to Kris E., who also mentioned the "exceptionally clean" facilities and "nice swimming beach" for cooling off after a day of angling.
What campers like
Peaceful environment: Despite initial impressions, Cedar Bend Park offers unexpected tranquility. As Mike R. explains, "We like this campground a lot, very nice shade, playground area, as well as nice trails. Clean restrooms and shower stall."
Convenient firewood access: Cedar Bend Park provides a communal woodpile with wheelbarrows for transport. One camper appreciated this system: "There was a giant wood pile where you could grab wood for a donation in the box and a wheelbarrow was provided to use which was quite convenient."
Affordable rates: Iowa state parks offer economical camping options compared to other states. At George Wyth State Park Campground, rates are "$11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site" with reduced rates from October through April.
Clean facilities: Airport Lake Park Campground maintains high standards for its facilities. Paul W. reported, "Camper spots were huge with plenty of space between sites. Fire ring was on a cement slab. Bathrooms were clean."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many glamping sites near Waverly have limited seasons. Cedar Bend Park operates from May 1 to October 31, while Cedar Bridge County Park in Osage closes in mid-October. Halvorson Park has a similar May to mid-October operating window.
Flooding potential: Some campgrounds experience periodic flooding. Jennifer T. warns about George Wyth State Park: "Because it is so close to river anytime it rains heavily there is flooding in several areas of the park. And almost every year it rains enough to flood a good portion of the park."
Highway proximity: While convenient for access, some glamping locations experience road noise. Julie W. mentioned George Wyth has "clean and nice park but alot of highway noise," something to consider when selecting a site.
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