RV camping near Waverly, Iowa offers options for outdoor enthusiasts alongside three connected lakes within Black Hawk County. Campsites span from riverside locations with electric hookups to full-service resorts within a 30-mile radius. Late summer brings occasional mosquito activity in low-lying campgrounds, particularly after rain events, while fall offers cooler temperatures and significantly reduced insect pressure.
What to do
Swimming and beaches: Pine Lake State Park Campground features a swimming beach on the lower lake. According to one camper: "Lovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean."
Fishing opportunities: Klocks Island Park provides riverside fishing access for $12 per night. "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."
Hiking trails: Backbone State Park offers multiple trail options including the popular Backbone Trail. "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate. We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long."
Paddling and boating: Beed's Lake State Park Campground provides kayaking opportunities on its lake. One visitor noted: "Things to do: Nice trails to hike or bike, beautiful small lake, great for kayaking and fishing, paddle boat rental available, man-made waterfall, fishing (lake and beneath the waterfall)."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Cedar Bend Park receives positive reviews for its uncrowded atmosphere. A camper stated: "It was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful."
Family-friendly amenities: Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres offers numerous activities for children. A visitor mentioned: "This place had so much! They had a little train ride, miniature golf course, catch and release fishing in their pond, splash pad, lots of cool things hand built structures to see as well."
Seasonal activities: George Wyth State Park Campground provides year-round recreation options. A camper explained: "If you're looking for a wooded campground that offers you both quiet sites to relax but also offers a variety of activities for all ages, this is the place for you to setup your tent, or RV."
Natural features: Skip-A-Way Resort offers water recreation on multiple water features. A camper shared: "This campground has a lot of fun activities from April 15 thru Oct 15. They have permanent sites and rentals. There is tent sites and rental campers also."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Flooding occasionally affects campgrounds near rivers. At George Wyth State Park, a camper reported: "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."
Campground policies: Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground maintains strict rules requiring appointments for visits. A potential camper noted: "When we arrived we called the phone number listed on the closed gate. The owner, Joyce came out and said we would need an appointment to drive thru and she did not have time to show us around."
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close between October and April. Pine Lake State Park operates year-round but with limited winter services. "It can get busy on the weekends but if you camp mid-week you may be the only folks around. Very peaceful."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Beyonder Getaway, a camper mentioned: "The bathhouse was clean. The campground is right off the main highway so easy getting off and right back on."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers extensive play opportunities. A camper shared: "Gas, propane, laundry room, beach area, small boat rentals, good sized convenience store with ice, beer, snacks, milkshake machine, etc. Enough to do for a day or two without going to the water park."
Safe swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds feature designated swimming areas. At Pine Lake, visitors noted: "Great access to river a short drive away for fabulous river tubing and kayaking. The campground has nice bathroom facilities."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer specific child-oriented activities. At Beyonder Getaway, a camper reported: "Great owners, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground)."
Pet policies: Most campgrounds permit pets with specific restrictions. George Wyth campers mentioned the park is "handicap accessible" with "all sites have 50 amp service and the water provided is from the city of Waterloo."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many county parks have minimal site leveling options. At Klocks Island, a camper noted: "Small local park with grass camping spots. Most spots have water and electric hookups. Dump station with nonpotable water is easily accessible."
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are standard at most campgrounds, but sewer connections are limited. At Beed's Lake, a camper mentioned: "Easy access to most sites as many are parallel parking style. Lots of shade on the outer sites, plenty of tent sites as well."
Site spacing: Site density varies significantly between campgrounds. At Beed's Lake, an RVer cautioned: "Over half of the campsites are parallel parking. That means if you don't know the person camping across from you, you'll be staring at a stranger just a few feet away during your stay."
Seasonal access: Many RV parks limit access during winter months. At Waterloo KOA, visitors mentioned: "Quiet well kept campground. Showers were nice, sites were decent in size, with some shade. Kids had fun at the swimming pond."
