Keith P.
Scout
ScoutMississippi Palisades State Park Campground
Great find!
We really enjoy this park. It’s almost empty during the week days. We stay Monday through Thursday and always find a spot. Quiet and peaceful.
Camping near Wheatland, IA
142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Wheatland, Iowa cluster along the Wapsipinicon River, offering a mix of county-managed parks and natural areas. Walnut Grove County Park provides basic riverfront camping with electric and non-electric sites, while Massillon Park offers more primitive options. Several facilities like Sherman County Park, Bennett Park, and the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center provide accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to modern cabins. Most campgrounds in this rural area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities, with varying levels of hookups for RVs.
Road conditions throughout the region remain generally accessible for most vehicles, though primitive sites may require careful navigation after rainfall. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter accessibility. "The park offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent camping," notes one visitor describing Sherman County Park. Water levels on the Wapsipinicon River fluctuate seasonally, occasionally affecting riverfront sites during high water periods. Cell service is typically reliable near towns but may become spotty in more remote areas. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer weekends, with first-come, first-served availability during shoulder seasons.
The Wapsipinicon River serves as the central feature for camping experiences in the region, with multiple access points for fishing, paddling, and swimming. Campers consistently mention the fishing opportunities and boat ramps available at several parks. A review of Sherman County Park noted it has "primitive sites along river with tables and fire pits. There is a boat ramp for river access as part of the Iowa Water Trails system." Wildlife viewing remains popular, particularly at the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center where trails wind through forests and prairie areas. Several campgrounds offer playgrounds and shelter houses, making them suitable for family outings. Shaded sites provide relief during summer months, while more open areas allow for stargazing opportunities away from city lights.
Best Campgrounds near Wheatland (142)
1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
"cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."
"This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."
from $20 - $28 / night
Check Availability2. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
from $70 - $80 / night
Check Availability3. Sherman Co Park
"There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling."
"Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc."
4. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
"Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."
"Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability5. Bennett Park
"CG has open sites with fire pits, tables, dump station, firewood, restrooms. 2 shelters to rent, playground, trails, lake for fishing."
"Park has small lake for paddling and fishing."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability6. Porth RV Park
7. Walnut Grove Co Park
8. Eden Valley Refuge
"Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."
"Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"
9. Camp Liberty
"Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake.Trails, and even guided activities."
10. Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park
"Surrounded by mature hardwood forest, generous-sized campsites with decent privacy and miles of interconnected hiking trails, this campground delivers a camping experience that feels far more secluded"
"The campground has a seasonal host offering firewood on site, showers and restrooms, play area, trails, and overflow parking just adjacent for the entrance."
from $15 - $23 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 34 min from Davenport, IA
- 46 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 57 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr from Iowa City, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Wheatland, IA
152 Photos of 142 Wheatland Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Sherman Co Park
Eden Valley Refuge
Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Clarks Ferry
Shady CreekJ
Rock Creek County Marina and Campground
Riverview Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Recent Reviews near Wheatland, IA
749 Reviews of 142 Wheatland Campgrounds
- JJohn L.
GuideGeneseo Campground
Small, Quiet and Clean
It’s small, quiet and clean. Booked on-line easily. Planned just for 2 days traveling cross country. Got a pull thru site, didn’t know the direction to pull in as their map didn’t show any arrows. Site is gravel, dirt and grass. Quite level and no blocks needed. Hook ups are situated properly for easy connection. Noted about 10 long term sites in use. Did not use any campground shower or toilet facilities. Follow directions given by campsite to avoid low railroad bridge. Followed their blue camping signs coming from i80 just fine. Geneseo is a nice small farm town with good supplies, gas , laundry. I would stay again if needed.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendInterstate RV Park
EZ I-80 Stop When the Road Gets Long
Sometimes on a family road trip, you don't need a campground to entertain you ... you just need a comfortable place to pull in, hook up and give everyone a break from the highway. Interstate RV Park sits conveniently just off I-80 on the outskirts of Davenport and that's really where this approximately 100-site campground earns its keep: it's an EZ-in, EZ-out stopping point for travelers crossing Iowa or exploring the Quad Cities. The campground is more practical than picturesque, with a mixture of overnight travelers and longer-term campers, but RV families will appreciate full hookups with 30/50-amp electric service, pull-thru options, restrooms & showers, laundry, a seasonal swimming pool, pavilion, game room and small camp store. One of those simple road-trip moments I always appreciate is finally getting everyone out of the vehicle after hours of driving, watching the kids stretch their legs while we get camp organized and realizing that, for tonight anyway, we don't have anywhere else we need to be. Some campgrounds are the destination, while others simply give your family a place to catch its breath between adventures. From what we saw, I'd choose one of the campground's dedicated overnight sites away from the longer-term residents, and travelers with larger rigs or multiple slides should ask for one of the wider sites because spacing can be tight. We did note uneven gravel, potholes and less than polished conditions in some of the common facilities, so expectations should be kept to a minimum. Overall, we'd recommend Interstate RV Park for RV families needing a convenient 1-night stop because of its outstanding I-80 access, full hookups and proximity to Davenport, but for families seeking privacy, polished facilities and a campground where the kids can spend the weekend exploring, there are stronger choices around the Quad Cities area.
Andy M.LegendSugar Bottom Campground
Nice clean campground. With a great view.
Nice clean single room bathroom/showers. Big enough grounds to find a great spot.
- MMikayla E.
TravelerLundeens Landing
Beautiful location
We stopped here for one night on our trip and it was a nice and small campsite. It is right on the river and very pretty.
Stuart K.LegendWilderness Campground, Scott County Park
The Most Peaceful Campground in Scott County Park
If you're the kind of camper who measures a campground by the number of trees instead of the number of amenities, Wilderness CG continues to be THE hidden campground gem within Scott County Park. Surrounded by mature hardwood forest, generous-sized campsites with decent privacy and miles of interconnected hiking trails, this campground delivers a camping experience that feels far more secluded than you'd expect to find just minutes from the Quad Cities. While my original review from just over a year ago goes into considerable detail about each aspect of the campground and the park itself, I thought I'd follow up that review with a quick summary of what continues to stand out most.
Here's a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Easily the most wooded, private and peaceful campground within Scott County Park, making it an outstanding choice for tent campers, in particular, and anyone seeking a true forest setting; (2) Spacious campsites tucked beneath a dense tree canopy (expert tip: be sure to look up at any potential 'widow makers' before setting up camp) that provides excellent shade, natural privacy and a genuine 'away from it all' atmosphere; (3) Immaculately maintained restroom and shower facilities with dependable hot water that rival many commercial campgrounds; (4) Outstanding access to some of the park's best hiking trails, allowing campers to step directly from their campsite into miles of beautiful woodland; and (5) Scott County Park itself offers an impressive collection of amenities, including: 2 fishing lakes (and 2 smaller ponds), a championship 9-hole golf course, massive family-friendly swimming pool, various scattered playgrounds, an abundance of picnic areas in and outside of excellent shelters and friendly park staff ... all just a short drive from your campsite.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The heavily wooded terrain means some sites are uneven with exposed roots, making leveling RVs and 5th wheelers more challenging than at neighboring campgrounds; (2) There is no lake or waterfront access directly within Wilderness Campground, so paddlers and anglers will need to drive to other areas of the park; (3) The abundance of trees and leaf cover can make portions of the campground appear a little less manicured, even though it is very well maintained - when we were there in the Autumn, we wished we would have brought our rake!; (4) Only one of the campground's restroom buildings includes shower facilities, so some campers may have a short walk or drive depending on their site; and (5) Larger RVs may find neighboring campgrounds such as Bald Eagle or Woodside better suited to their size and setup.
Happy Camping!
- RRussell H.Traveler
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Very nice basic campground
Driving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
- AArielGuide
Buffalo Shores County Park
Great spot to camp with a view of the Mississippi
We just stayed a quick night on the way driving across country. We pulled up in the dark, and were awakened the next day by an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Some camping spots have water, They all have electricity, and there is one bathroom with showers. Portapotties and dumpsters are situated throughout. There is a slightly confusing registration process of a QR code on you camping spot. Overall, a great place to stop.
- DDavid A.Scout
Riverview Ridge
A few concerns for tent camping
Arrived late at night and struggled to find correct site as there were no numbers posted. Also no external lighting or picnic table. Bathrooms were clean and office help was accommodating when reservation was made.
Guide to Wheatland
Camping near Wheatland, Iowa centers around the Wapsipinicon River watershed, with sites located at elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level. Many campgrounds in this rural area close seasonally between December and March, though Eden Valley Refuge stays open year-round. The eastern Iowa landscape includes a mix of hardwood forests, restored prairies, and limestone formations that influence camping conditions.
What to do
Cave exploration: 13 distinct caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park provide unique underground adventures during non-hibernation seasons. "This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away, which abound here aplenty," notes Stuart K.
Paddling: River access points throughout the area connect campers to water trails. "The boat ramp offers access to the river for fishing and paddling. The Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing," reports James M. about the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center.
Astronomy: Star viewing opportunities exist at several campgrounds. "You'll access all three youth camping sites by taking your second left after accessing the SP turning left on 98 Street after passing the Maquoketa SP Visitor Center. Each site is completely shrouded by tall grasses providing some solid privacy as you stare up at an unobstructed view of a perfect star-filled night sky," notes Stuart K.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds feature well-separated camping areas. At Sherman Park, "There's plenty of room between sites in the electric section and there's even more room along the river in the primitive section, which is my personal favorite," according to Chris D.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviews highlight facility maintenance standards. "The bathroom/shower house is the nicest & cleanest I've seen. The camp host's are very friendly," notes one Sherman Park visitor.
Primitive camping options: Walk-in sites provide seclusion for tent campers. At Eden Valley Refuge, "It's a little hike in for the dispersed sites, but worth it to be in a secluded woodsy site. Was peaceful and relaxing. There is water and an outdoor shower at the regular campsite across from where you park," explains Carissa V.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse habitats. "If you're looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you're going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune," advises Stuart K. about Maquoketa Caves.
What you should know
Site differences within campgrounds: Many parks separate RV and tent areas. At Walnut Grove Park, "This park and campground is also right on the Wapsipinicon River, right across the river from Toronto, Iowa, most of the route being on blacktop. This park was kept up, but it had that funky vibe some river campgrounds (and towns) have, smelling of river and mud and fish—in a good way," notes Tom K.
Seasonal considerations: Campground amenities vary throughout the year. "The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year," mentions a Maquoketa Caves reviewer.
Bat hibernation affects cave access: Wildlife protection measures close some attractions periodically. "For what it's worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn't access the bat caves," reports Stuart K.
Flood potential: River sites occasionally experience high water. "The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the river," warns James M. about Sherman Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "If you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites," advises a Maquoketa Caves camper.
Educational opportunities: Visitor centers offer additional activities. At Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr., "Park is a nature preserve with only 1 cabin for rent (Kestrel Cabin) sleeping six. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River," explains James M.
Pioneer village exploration: Historical sites provide family entertainment. At Bald Eagle Campground, "Pioneer village if you've never been was the absolute bees knees as a kid to go to, especially since you can hike to get there! I loved climbing around in the train cars, eating icecream/candy canes, and watching the blacksmith work," reminisces Seth N.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds include water recreation. "The pool was open while we were there but we did not partake. It was really hot out so the pool was packed! It looks really nice from the road, it has 2 water slides and a small child area fashioned similar to a splash park," notes a Bald Eagle Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Terrain affects setup requirements. "The land is incredibly flat, back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level grounds are incredibly well-organized," reports Stuart K. about the RV areas at Bald Eagle Campground.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "The only downfall is there is no dumping station. Didn't stop us though and can't wait to go back," notes Heather S. about Bennett Park.
Electric service details: Campgrounds provide varying hookup options. "Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too," explains James M. about Sherman Park.
Road surface conditions: Access varies by location. "Hard roads, fire pits, tables, water, showers, supplies. Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake," notes James M. about Camp Liberty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Wheatland, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Wheatland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wheatland, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What parks are near Wheatland, IA?
What parks are near Wheatland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Wheatland, IA that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Coralville Lake.
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