Best Glamping near West Liberty, IA

Cedar River Campground and Little Bear Campground offer elevated glamping experiences within a short drive of West Liberty, Iowa. Cedar River provides safari-style glamping accommodations with full amenities including electric hookups, showers, and toilets, perfect for travelers seeking comfort in nature. The property features a swimming pool, mini-golf course, and direct river access for water activities. One visitor noted, "So many things to do for adults and kids! Family fun, the owners are so helpful too." Little Bear Campground complements the area's upscale outdoor options with two charming glamping cabins priced at $49 per night, providing comfortable beds and modern conveniences while maintaining a rustic aesthetic.

Palisades-Kepler State Park, located about 30 minutes from West Liberty, enhances the region's luxury camping options with glamping accommodations situated along the Cedar River. The park combines natural beauty with comfort, featuring well-appointed sites with electric hookups, water access, and modern shower facilities. Hiking trails wind through wooded areas offering scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. According to a camper, "Lots of intense trails to explore... Close to cedar river for awesome fishing!" Seasonal considerations include the park's operating schedule from April through December, while Lake Darling State Park offers year-round glamping alternatives with waterfront accommodations and full hookup options for those willing to venture slightly farther from West Liberty.

Best Glamping Sites Near West Liberty, Iowa (19)

    1. Cedar River Campground

    11 Reviews
    West Liberty, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 946-2431

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"

    2. Little Bear Campground

    8 Reviews
    West Branch, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 627-2676

    $22 - $49 / 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."

    3. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it."

    "Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."

    4. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    17 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 787-0665

    "Stayed one night for tent camping, campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect camping site."

    "Beautiful walk with trees and lakes, even in the rain. There may be some full timers, but not in our area. Check in was easy and the on-site staff are very friendly."

    5. Windmill Ridge Campground

    1 Review
    Kalona, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 656-4488

    "Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two."

    6. Camp Liberty

    1 Review
    Wheatland, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 843-2955

    "Hard roads, fire pits, tables, water, showers, supplies. Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake.Trails, and even guided activities."

    7. Central Park

    5 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 487-3541

    "There is a new beach for swimming, and some hiking and nature trails. Easy kayak access with parking. The fire pits are really nice and have grates for cooking."

    "Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."

    8. Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park

    5 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    39 miles
    Website

    $15 - $23 / night

    "Unlike either nearby Woodside or Bald Eagle campgrounds, which are more geared for the RV driving and 5th Wheel hauling camping community, Wilderness CG isn’t very level, has decent natural barriers like"

    "The campground has a seasonal host offering firewood on site, showers and restrooms, play area, trails, and overflow parking just adjacent for the entrance."

    9. Lake Darling State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Brighton, IA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 694-2323

    $15 - $110 / night

    "Sites were fairly level and all pretty close to the showers/restrooms, and well spaced out between sites.   "

    "We stayed on the primative group side of the lake.  There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake. "

    10. Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    5 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3282

    $17 - $36 / night

    "Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water."

    "Campground offers host, nicely maintained heated showers and restrooms, play area, firewood, available on site, RV pads are hard surface, have fire rings, water, electric, tables."

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Glamping Reviews near West Liberty, IA

106 Reviews of 19 West Liberty Campgrounds


  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2019

    Little Bear Campground

    Cute and Quaint

    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). 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. There is an office/ gift shop and a convent store within walking distance. There is 2 cute little cabins which run $49 a night. There is a pool(closed for season), and a playground for kids. I was surprised that the interstate noise was much quieter than I thought it would be. All and all it was a pleasant place to stop over.

  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Little Bear Campground

    Convenient EZ On- & Off-Highway Family-Style Campground Outpost

    It’s smaller than a football field and tucked behind one of those old-school gas stations that you see in the middle of a desert that looks permanently closed, but then you see old Jethro sitting on the corner around the bend from the fuel pumps smoking a cigarillo not worrying about whether the place blows up or not. That’s how I found Little Bear Campground. When I arrived, the place was closed, but thankfully there was a sign posted on the door to call Mike, so I did. And he couldn’t have been nicer, offering me up any open site in the place. 

    So, I took a spin around the joint, which I would describe as ‘intimate’ with all of the very level grassy spots being fairly close to one another, interspersed with plenty of cover shadow from all of the trees that you’ll find this place populated by. The place was half empty, so I guess whatever crowdedness might actually exist in reality was somewhat lost on me. That said, if you are driving an RV or hauling a 5th Wheeler, I would certainly be less than impressed by seemingly the great proximity you will have to your fellow neighbor. Maybe that matters to you or maybe it doesn’t as many of the RV locations I have seen over the past year all land on more intimate quarters than not. The sites for RV / 5th Wheelers are small rock / gravel, which I gather from my mobile home hauling friends is that it is the preferred surface when concrete is not available. 

    While we showed up the last week of the season to encounter that the community pool was closed, apart from this, there really wasn’t a ton of other amenities to speak of although there was a community hall where I understand that group activities like bingo, euchre and other family-friendly games are played. Of course, there were the basics of in-ground fire ring and standard-issued picnic tables. There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters that had definitely seen better days. Apart from the main office, which I presume served also as a mini-market and as I understand has both showers and laundry facilities (although I wouldn’t know as it was locked up) there isn’t much here. 

    The few primitive camping sites that do exist here are located on the western side of the property up against the corn fields, which I actually appreciated, and had very good mature trees growing around the area, but one would definitely feel like a ‘second class citizen’ here. As a tent pitcher myself I was absolutely bummed by the lack of privacy, where seemingly you would be on full display for the rest of the RV parking crowd having full view of your campsite. In all, there’s 45 RV slots here with all of the basic hook-ups including water, sewage and 30 / 50 electric amp. By my count, there was 5 or so individual primitive camping sites. And for $22/night for tent camping and $33/night for RV parking, you really can’t beat the prices. 

    Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be looking for some place to try out the local fare, while there’s Taste of India (which by the look of the place I would steer you away from), there’s only just a handful of other joints nearby that might be of interest like Saap Saap, a Loatian joint (yeah, I just said that, a Loatian joint in the middle of nowhere, Iowa) that is actually quite good in the little town of West Liberty, which is, ironically, south of here (not west) and offers up a few other culinary finds like JB’s Grub & Pub, Shanghai Chinese, Puebla Mexican Restaurant and El Patio; (2) If you are looking to marinate in some good US history, then you are in luck as there is a museum near here to little known / revered President Herbert Hoover that has a bunch of exhibits and other dusty things; and (3) Should you be wanting to embrace nature, then head west to Hickory Hill Park that offers up some really nice hiking, biking and walking trails on 185 acres of pristine Midwest prairieland. 

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Rock Creek County Marina and Campground

    Neat County Backwaters CG & Marina

    CG is spread out along bottomland river forest and includes camping cabins, tent and RV sites, RR/showers, playground, dump and water stations, Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center. Sites include fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice Flat, Well-Groomed Albeit Barren CG

    This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you – with each site offering FHUs with electric, water& sewage, fire rings and picnic tables. If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, Woodside is somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever. Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water.

    Albeit with a short hike through the forest, Woodside CG is near Cody Lake and Glynn’s Creek, which offers some decent oaring in your kayak or canoe. Sitting adjacent to Cody Lake is an eponymous community shelter than can be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean as well access to Glynn’s Creek Trailhead which is a moderate hike and further afield throughout the rest of the park, there’s no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found Woodside to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. Oh, and the incredibly friendly rangers that constantly patrol and keep this beautiful park in full working order were nothing short of amazing.

    Happy Camping!

  • Randall K.
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park

    Definitely The Most Nature-Shrouded Option Here at Scott County Park

    If you find yourself near the Quad Cities, you’ll definitely want to check out Scott County Park, which boasts 6 different CGs to choose from. Wilderness campground, as the name suggests, puts you smack-dab in the middle of the forest, and of all the campgrounds, is definitely one of my favorites as a tent pitchin’ outdoors enthusiast. Unlike either nearby Woodside or Bald Eagle campgrounds, which are more geared for the RV driving and 5th Wheel hauling camping community, Wilderness CG isn’t very level, has decent natural barriers like tree roots, forest boundaries like thick brush and space constraints to consider, yet this CG still offers near equal amenities as the other CGs.

    The surroundings here are thick and lush, providing you with a real authentic experience in nature and offers real amazing solitude, peace & quiet as well as substantial privacy, where you and your camping exploits won’t be on full display with the entire campground that you are surrounded by. This lone fact makes Wilderness unlike any of the other campgrounds here at Scott County Park. The individual camping sites are incredibly spacious, fairly uneven land with all spaces offering substantial shade, thick backdrop behind each spot and tons of foliage. Because of all the trees and brush, the grounds don’t feel as well-kept as some of the other CGs, but that’s really just a result of fallen leaves and branches – so not the worst outcome (and if it bothers you that much, just bring a rake). Like all of the other campgrounds here, you’ll experience impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and decent – not great– space in the shower.

    Incredibly different from either Bald Eagle or Woodside campgrounds, there is no nearby lake here at Wilderness, so if you do want to get your oaring in, you’ll have to drive to one of the park’s lakes, which isn’t the most difficult thing to accomplish here. While there is no dedicated shelter in or near Wilderness CG, there is a designated picnic area just due west called Prairie Sun, which is great for a game of football, hosting a BBQ or playing cards on one of the several picnic tables you’ll find here. You’ll discover that there’s a total of 3 restroom facilities, but only one with shower capabilities – all of which are incredibly well-maintained. Lastly, one of the things that make Wilderness differentiated here in Scott County Park is that a ton of the best hiking trails converge at this CG, so if you’re tent camper and want to be located right in the thick of nature, while having direct access to prize hiking above just about anything else, then this is your haven.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. The rangers here are incredibly friendly, professional and very helpful by constantly being on patrol and keeping this beautiful park in full working order.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2025

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice, newer campground with solar power!

    Campground is closed for the winter season. Campground offers host, nicely maintained heated showers and restrooms, play area, firewood, available on site, RV pads are hard surface, have fire rings, water, electric, tables. Since this campground is newer, not much shade yet.

  • David S.
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Nice clean and generally spacious

    Stayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.


Guide to West Liberty

West Liberty, Iowa sits at approximately 689 feet above sea level in eastern Iowa's rolling prairie landscape. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 85°F and winters that can drop below 15°F. Several campgrounds near West Liberty offer convenient access to the Cedar River watershed, with most facilities operating from April through October due to the region's seasonal climate.

What to do

Fishing access options: Little Bear Campground provides easy fishing opportunities close to West Liberty. "Very conveniently located off I-80, Fair price, full hook up and pull through site $33.00," notes visitor Alan B. The campground's proximity to local water features makes it ideal for anglers seeking convenience.

Trail exploration: Palisades-Kepler State Park offers multiple trail difficulty levels within a 30-minute drive of West Liberty. A visitor explains, "Lots of intense trails to explore but some tree were in the way due to a past storm." The park's varied terrain supports both casual walks and more challenging hikes through wooded areas.

Historical attractions: Scott County Park's Walnut Grove Pioneer Village provides educational opportunities within an hour's drive. "If you are looking to marinate in some good US history, then you are in luck as there is a museum near here," notes Stuart K. The Pioneer Village offers a glimpse into Iowa's settlement history with preserved structures and exhibits.

What campers like

Well-maintained facilities: Cedar River Campground offers multiple recreation options beyond just camping. "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned," mentions Steve T., highlighting the campground's amenities despite its compact layout.

Accessibility for overnight stays: Little Bear Campground receives praise for its convenient location and responsive management. "I called at the last minute. No answer, left a message. Mike called back within 5 minutes! Nice guy, gave us a spot," shares Laura F. This accessibility makes it popular for travelers passing through the area.

Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming facilities to combat summer heat. "This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month," reports Jim C. about Little Bear Campground. Cedar River Campground also maintains a pool for campers during peak season months.

What you should know

Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds near West Liberty have limited space between sites. At Cedar River Campground, "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper," according to Steve T., which may impact privacy for tent campers.

Highway noise levels: Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA provides amenities but with some noise trade-offs. "No traffic noise. Our site was across from the picnic area & we had a nice view of the lake," reports Cynthia K., though other reviewers note proximity to highways at different campgrounds.

Seasonal operation: Most glamping options near West Liberty operate within specific seasons. Lake Darling State Park extends the camping season with "Brand new five season cabins. Great all year round!" according to Dani K., providing alternatives when other facilities close.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Central Park offers family-friendly features within a short drive. "This campground has a beautiful little lake (glad to see it back). The museum is fun afternoon trip to hike to and visit," explains Robert F., highlighting multiple activities for children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near West Liberty, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near West Liberty, IA is Cedar River Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near West Liberty, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 glamping camping locations near West Liberty, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.