131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds in the West Liberty, Iowa area range from family-friendly RV parks to riverside primitive tent sites. Little Bear Campground, located directly off Interstate 80, offers full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and several cabins with amenities including a swimming pool and playground. Cedar River Campground provides riverside camping opportunities with various accommodation types including tent sites and glamping options, making it another popular choice within easy driving distance of West Liberty.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with limited year-round options. The Cedar River's water levels significantly impact campground availability at certain locations, particularly at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area. "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds," noted one camper who recommended calling ahead to check conditions. Electric hookup sites are widely available, while primitive tent camping areas are more limited but generally more affordable at around $10-22 per night compared to $33 for full-service RV sites. Weather considerations include potential flooding in spring and pleasant summer conditions ideal for swimming and outdoor recreation.
Riverside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering direct water access for fishing and boating. According to one visitor at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, "The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River." Highway noise affects some campgrounds located close to Interstate 80, though this proximity makes them convenient for travelers. Many campsites feature mature trees providing ample shade, particularly in the primitive camping areas. Family-friendly amenities appear throughout the region's campgrounds, including playgrounds, swimming pools, and activities like mini-golf at Cedar River Campground. The area's campgrounds balance convenience with natural settings, offering both quick overnight stops for travelers and longer-stay options for those wanting to explore local outdoor recreation opportunities.
"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
Check Availability"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $14 - $260 / night
Check Availability"Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting. There are three separate campgrounds."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"What a gem we found in Muscatine Iowa. Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites. Clean restrooms and lots of hot water for Shower."
"We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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. "
"Close access to boating and town"
from $26 - $38 / night
Check Availability"The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too."
from $10 / night
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GuideOne of my favorites. Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve. I arrived on a Friday afternoon in July and found a site easily.
ScoutThe campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
GuideGood spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
TravelerWe really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
Traveler30 for full hook up. Need a a longer water house as double spigots are every few sites. Firewood at the office. Good location convenient.
GuideJust an overnight stay but I want to return to Firefly. There are lots of fireflies at night so easy to see why it got the name. All the pads are concrete in this new park. Full hookups that are easy to use. Great playground for the kids.
ScoutI would give it a zero if I could. Uneven pads for camper, right next to interstate and loud, neighbors so close it is unreal. Do not believe the pictures online posted those are campsites for permanent seasonal campers in the back. I was told the cost was $650 a month then charged $718 on my card. Campers are placed tongue to the back of your neighbor in front of you camper. so if one wants to move out you have to pack up your camper and move yours to a temporary spot for a couple of days so they can get out then pack up your camper again and move it again. They broke the contract doing that with us so instead of signing a new contract on a new spot we went ahead and went to another campground. Owner (which you never see, never picks up phone or has an office you can go to) continually tries to charge my credit card a large sum of money because she is mad. Update three weeks later still trying to charge my credit card various amounts. We didn’t even complete the whole month we paid for and did not ask for a refund for the days not stayed so technically they owe us money. Also you are not allowed to have any mail sent to you if renting monthly' and there was a lot of trash and illicit drug use going on in the campground.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
Camping near West Liberty, Iowa offers a mix of county-managed and federal sites along the Cedar River and nearby lakes. Most locations sit at elevations between 600-700 feet with typical Midwest seasonal variations. Several campgrounds remain open from April through October when nighttime temperatures typically range from 45°F to 65°F during the main camping season.
Fishing the Cedar River: Cedar Valley Co Park provides access points along the Cedar River where campers can enjoy bank fishing for catfish, carp and other native species. A visitor noted, "Clean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night."
Kayaking and canoeing: Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Primitive Tent Camp offers walk-in tent sites along waterways ideal for paddling. According to one camper, "Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."
Biking nearby trails: Multiple campgrounds provide access to nearby biking trails. Campers staying at Lake Macbride State Park often mention the convenient trail access, with one camper commenting, "Great trails for hiking and walking and my kids love swimming here as well. The beach area is usually well maintained."
Riverside sites: The proximity to flowing water draws many campers to Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground. One reviewer noted, "Sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are a bit of a walk."
Lake access: Many campers appreciate West Overlook Campground for its lake views. A visitor mentioned, "We stayed in campsite W44, a very level site with a great view of the lake." Another camper noted, "This is one of the larger campgrounds at Coralville Lake, and is popular due to the large sandy beach, the modern boatlaunch area, and options for a variety of kinds of campsites in separate loops."
Affordability: Several campgrounds offer budget-friendly options for tent campers. Sugar Bottom Campground draws praise for value, with a reviewer stating, "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes."
Flooding potential: Cedar River campgrounds experience periodic flooding that can affect accessibility. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area campsites may close during high water, with rangers sometimes rerouting campers to the main campground when primitive areas are underwater.
Reservation requirements: Shady Creek fills quickly, especially for riverfront spots. A camper advised, "Make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick! The campground even has a military spot!" Another visitor noted they "lucked out and got a last min campsite for 4th of July weekend" but had limited site choices.
Weather considerations: Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F during the day, dropping to 60-70°F at night. Fall camping receives positive reviews, with one camper at West Overlook noting, "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. A visitor to Sugar Bottom Campground shared, "Great beach swimming area. Fun for all." The sandy beach areas provide safe entry points for younger swimmers.
Playground access: Little Bear Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a playground. One reviewer noted, "There is a pool(closed for season), and a playground for kids." Another camper described it as "a very nice pool..wish I could [stay] for a month."
Distance between sites: Family campers should consider site spacing when selecting a location. A camper at West Overlook Campground explained, "Some of the loops are close to the lake or in various heights overlooking the lake, some loops are tucked into beautiful shady woods further inland. As a tent camper I chose one of the loops in the woods as the sites are larger and quieter and more spacious."
Dump station locations: RVers note that several campgrounds feature dump stations near the entrance rather than at individual sites. West Overlook Campground provides "E/W with dump station in the campground," according to one reviewer who appreciated the "spacious sites" and "well maintained" concrete pads.
RV site leveling: Shady Creek earns praise from RVers for consistently level sites. A visitor commented, "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one. Electric was 30/50 at each site and water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach."
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of RV service. Cedar Valley Co Park provides electric hookups but limited water access, while Little Bear Campground has full hookups. A reviewer at Little Bear noted, "Very conveniently located off I-80 at the West Liberty exit...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 campground near West Liberty, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Liberty, IA is Little Bear Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.
What parks are near West Liberty, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near West Liberty, IA that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Coralville Lake.
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