Camping options surrounding Wyoming, Iowa include sites located in wooded areas and along the Cedar River. Most campgrounds in the region open from April through October, with some facilities offering year-round access. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making proper gear essential for off-season camping.
What to Do
Trout fishing access: 50 feet from sites at Swiss Valley County Park where Catfish Creek provides productive fishing spots. "When i visited we were the only campers there an it was awesome!" reports a visitor to Matsell Bridge Natural Area, which offers similar access to the Wapsipinicon River.
Hiking trail networks: Various difficulty levels through Scott County Park's Wilderness Campground area. "The park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas," notes a camper at Central Park.
Water activities: Paddling and kayaking on the area's rivers and lakes. "Nice big pond for some easy kayaking. There is a new beach for swimming, and some hiking and nature trails. Easy kayak access with parking," says a Central Park reviewer. The Cedar River at Palisades-Kepler State Park offers "Lots of intense trails to explore but some tree were in the way due to a past storm. Close to cedar river for awesome fishing!"
What Campers Like
Modern bathroom facilities: Most area campgrounds maintain clean facilities. One camper at Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground notes, "Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between campsites. A visitor to Swiss Valley County Park reported, "Great walking trails, creek, and small river for fishing," while noting the campground's natural features create separation between campers.
Level camping sites: Several parks offer well-maintained, flat areas for tents and RVs. "Camping sites pretty level. Park has free WiFi," notes a Central Park visitor. At Palisades-Kepler, a camper observed, "Campsites kinda small and hilly. Great hiking trails and views of the bluffs over the river."
What You Should Know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Trains pass near several parks. A camper at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground advised, "The only thing you need to be aware of: there is a train track very close. The train runs very regularly and can be loud."
Seasonal variations in availability: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Pinicon Ridge Park, a visitor shared, "We stayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter."
Insects can be problematic: Bug spray is essential, particularly in spring and early summer. "Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up," notes a Matsell Bridge Natural Area camper.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several parks feature children's play areas. At Pinicon Ridge Park, a visitor stated, "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. "This campground has a beautiful little lake (glad to see it back) The museum is fun afternoon trip to hike to and visit," reported a Central Park camper.
Water activities for kids: Swimming and paddling options keep children engaged. A camper at Little Bear Campground mentioned, "Great guy, Great service. The pool was nice as well!"
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Know where facilities are located. A Cedar River Campground visitor advised, "Very nice campground right off highway. I called while traveling and Mike was very accommodating. Full hookups and showers."
Electric hookup availability: Many sites offer 30-amp service. "We stayed here and will stay again. One of our favorite places to camp," notes a Palisades-Kepler State Park camper about the recently reopened electric sites.
Level parking areas: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The sites were extremely level and clean, electric and water hookups. The camp host was very friendly and had plenty of firewood and ice in stock," reports a visitor to Pinicon Ridge Park.
