The best forest campgrounds near Waterloo, Iowa

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a forest camping experience near Waterloo, Iowa, we've got you covered with over 158 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find the perfect accommodation for your forest getaway. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $39. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews), and Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews). Trash, potable water, and pet-friendly amenities are popular among our campers, and you can enjoy exciting activities such as whitewater paddling, wind sports, and off-roading (OHV). Get ready for an unforgettable forest camping experience near Waterloo, Iowa!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Waterloo

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a forest camping experience near Waterloo, Iowa, we've got you covered with over 158 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find the perfect accommodation for your forest getaway. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $39. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews), and Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River (157 reviews). Trash, potable water, and pet-friendly amenities are popular among our campers, and you can enjoy exciting activities such as whitewater paddling, wind sports, and off-roading (OHV). Get ready for an unforgettable forest camping experience near Waterloo, Iowa!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Waterloo

1. Spruce Tiny Cabin

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38mi from Waterloo · 1 site · Lodging

Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities. 100 private wooded acres 80-acre recreational lake Beach Fishing Boating Swimming Hiking Campfires Challenge Course Frisbee Golf

2. Black Oak Tiny Cabin

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38mi from Waterloo · 1 site · Lodging

Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more! Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.

3. George Wyth State Park

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69 sites · Cedar Falls, Iowa

Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Union Grove State Park

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa

Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

5. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

74 sites · Shellsburg, Iowa

Discover the allure of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

6. Pine Lake State Park

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127 sites · Eldora, Iowa

Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

7. Volga River State Recreation Area

82 sites · Fayette, Iowa

Discover the natural splendor of Volga River State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

8. Backbone State Park

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124 sites · Dundee, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

9. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Waterloo

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George Wyth Campground

4.2mi from Waterloo · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Wyth State Park

Union Grove Campground

31mi from Waterloo · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Union Grove State Park

Pleasant Creek Campground

37mi from Waterloo · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

A cabin, in the woods, by the river, on a snowy morning. The warmth inside from the fireplace. Life is quiet, and good.

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Pine Lake Campground

38mi from Waterloo · 127 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pine Lake State Park

Albany Campground

40mi from Waterloo · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Volga River State Recreation Area

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Six Pine Campground

41mi from Waterloo · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

Lakeview Campground

41mi from Waterloo · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in Volga River State Recreation Area

South Lake Campground

42mi from Waterloo · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

Beeds Lake Campground

49mi from Waterloo · 142 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beeds Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

H

Heather

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Oak Tiny Cabin

The little cabin is was nice! We really enjoyed our stay. The office manager/co-director was on top of anything we needed. She even brought us firewood!! The only thing I would add is the cabin is part of a larger camp. So there is no guarantee you will have it all to yourself as the description says. However, it was very quiet and we were not disturbed any other campers. I would recommend 10 out of 10!

Mark

May 2025

With pets

1 night at Spruce Tiny Cabin

The good: At night you'll have crickets and frogs singing for you, and in the morning birds will take over. Waking up to a sun rising over the lake is wonderful. The host was friendly, and they provide pretty much everything you'll need. There is a great truck stop just a few minutes away, too. The bad: There were dead bugs everywhere. The bed wasn't the most comfortable. The road is in terrible condition, and I worried about getting out if it rained. If I'd been on the motorcycle it would have been impossible to do.