9 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cedar Valley County Park near West Branch allows pets at electric sites for $15 per night. This family-friendly park offers camping along the Cedar River with electric hookups, water access, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Tent and RV campers can enjoy riverfront locations suitable for fishing and boating, with both drive-in and walk-in options available. The campground features basic amenities including toilets, drinking water access, and trash disposal. Campers appreciate the clean campsites, recycling bins, fishing spots, and trails that wind through native forest areas along the river.
Little Bear Campground provides pet-friendly accommodations with full hookup RV sites and tent camping options just off I-80 near West Branch. The campground includes two small pet-friendly cabins that rent for $49 per night, alongside RV sites ($33/night) and tent sites ($22/night). Facilities include a seasonal swimming pool, playground, fire rings, and picnic tables. The property features clean showers and restrooms, with grassy tent sites and level rock/gravel RV spots with full hookups including water, sewage, and 30/50-amp electric connections. Sites are situated among mature trees offering some shade, with direct access to nearby hiking trails at Hickory Hill Park which spans 185 acres of Midwest prairieland suitable for walking dogs.
"The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."
"LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $28 / night
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $260 / night
"Little Bear Campground is located right off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It is right next to a trailer park. There are a few tent sites ($22/ night)and Rv sites($33/night)."
"Very cute campground right off highway. I called while traveling and Mike was very accommodating. Full hookups and showers. Even got a pool. Gas station nearby full of character."
from $22 - $49 / night
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
Campground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
"My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "
"We really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak."
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
"You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."
"This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."
from $10 - $25 / night
"This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville."
"Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $30 / night
"We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
from $20 / night
"Iowa River runs alongside offering fishing. Trails, play area and Visitor Center just a 2 minute drive or hike away. Firewood available at check station."
"Very short walk to the overflow of the dam. People are friendly facilities are clean."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $30 / night
"Sites include electric, tables, fire rings, restrooms near by, boat ramp access, playgrounds, shelters, and outdoor amphitheater."
"Clean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night"
ScoutClean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
LegendJust minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
RangerGreat little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
Scout$25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
LegendThis campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
ScoutNew owners, free laundry 🧺
LegendThis campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
Camping near West Branch, Iowa offers access to riverside locations and prairie landscapes across Cedar County. The area contains multiple campgrounds within a 15-mile radius of West Branch, situated between 650-750 feet in elevation. Fall visitors can expect mild temperatures ranging from 50-70°F during the day with cooler evenings dropping into the 30-40°F range, while summer campers should prepare for high humidity.
Fossil hunting: The Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Branch features exposed 375-million-year-old ocean floor. "This is one of many outdoor recreation complexes around a large dam on the Iowa River. The recreation area includes a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993," notes a visitor to West Overlook Campground.
Paddling: Coralville Lake offers multiple boat launches and rental options. A Sugar Bottom Campground visitor reports, "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites... amenities like a boat ramp, beach, playground, walking trails, recycling and an amphitheater."
Hiking: Trail systems connect many campgrounds to natural areas. "There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating," explains a West Overlook camper. The campground serves as "a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa, only about a 15-20 minute drive away."
Privacy: Secluded sites can be found despite the popularity of the region. A Primitive South Campground visitor mentions, "This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful. Two views of the lake, a modern bathroom and a pit style bathroom as well, no showers though. Plenty of wildlife, great for fishing, or just relaxing."
Value pricing: Budget-friendly options exist throughout the area. At Cedar Valley Co Park, campers appreciate "cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night." Senior pass holders can find even better deals at some locations—a Sugar Bottom camper notes, "This is a COE Park so you also can get a discount with your Senior Pass."
Stargazing: Open sky viewing areas in several campgrounds. "We were able to see stars and be separated from our neighboring site," reports a Primitive South Campground visitor. At Linder Point, a reviewer mentioned, "Open sky at most sites for Starlink," which also indicates good stargazing potential.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require advance planning. "Reservations are a must," warns a F. W. Kent Park visitor. Another camper adds, "If you want to reserve a campsite online, do so at least 2 days ahead."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. A Tailwater West visitor observed, "This would be a good stopover campground if you were on your way somewhere else. It's clean and well cared for, but the sites are very close together and there's very little privacy."
Seasonal differences: Fall brings lower crowds and changing colors. "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors," notes a West Overlook camper. Spring camping is described as "quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then."
Playground options: Multiple age-appropriate play areas exist. F.W. Kent Park offers "many beautiful spots to camp. There were also a few playgrounds that my grandkids loved. We were there on a lovely night and had a great campfire."
Swimming locations: Beaches vary by campground. At Tailwater West Campground, families can enjoy "the dam and the lake are cool, there's a decent beach, two playgrounds, and lots of sites to choose from." Sugar Bottom campers mention a "great beach swimming area. Fun for all."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best animal sighting times. "Plenty of wildlife, great for fishing, or just relaxing," notes a Primitive South camper. Another visitor shares, "Quiet park, beautiful park setting. Lots of deer, squirrel and other wildlife."
Site spacing considerations: Level sites with adequate separation vary by location. A Little Bear Campground visitor mentions, "Very conveniently located off I-80, Fair price, full hook up and pull through site $33.00." However, they caution the property is "smaller than a football field" with sites "fairly close to one another."
Dog friendly campgrounds near West Branch: Multiple pet-welcoming options exist. A visitor to Linder Point describes it as a "natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites." Those seeking pet-friendly accommodations can access nearby Hickory Hill Park with its 185 acres of prairieland suitable for dog walking.
Hookup availability: Water and electric options vary by campground. A Little Bear camper notes, "There are a few tent sites ($22/night) and RV sites($33/night). We pulled in late to stay the night. It had full hook ups with a fire ring and picnic table. The spot was good sized and clean."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near West Branch, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near West Branch, IA is West Overlook Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near West Branch, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 114 dog-friendly camping locations near West Branch, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
