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26 campgrounds and RV Parks near Cedar Falls, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
26 campgrounds
2444 campsites
15 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Cedar Falls, IA
George Wyth State Park
Waterloo, IA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(69 sites)
+5
Waterloo/Lost Island KOA Resort
Waterloo, IA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(148 sites)
+6
Wilder Park
Allison, IA (23 miles away)
+7
Morwood Campground and Resort
Hazleton, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(114 sites)
+6
Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground
Oelwein, IA (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+8
River Ranch Camping
Nashua, IA (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(122 sites)
+5
Union Grove State Park
Gladbrook, IA (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+4
Pine Lake State Park Campground
Eldora, IA (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+4
Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing
Eldora, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
Rusty Ridge Campground
Toledo, IA (36 miles away)
Unhitched Lazy Acres RV Park
Center Point, IA (36 miles away)
(103 sites)
BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres
Center Point, IA (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+12
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Pet friendly Toilets Grills Dump station Playground Firewood Hiking Trails
Camping near Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls sits in Iowa's Cedar Valley, paired with neighboring Waterloo to form a metro area that doubles as a hub for trail-based recreation and river camping. The Cedar River runs through the region, and a network of paved multi-use trails connects campgrounds, parks, and downtown districts across both cities.
The closest camping is George Wyth State Park, an urban wildlife sanctuary located between Waterloo and Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County, built around four lakes with electric and non-electric sites and direct access to the Cedar Valley Trail. Families looking for a resort experience can book Waterloo/Lost Island KOA Resort, located near Lost Island Water Park with RV sites that include 50 amp service, water, sewer, cable TV, and WiFi, plus deluxe cabins and on-site recreation. Wilder Park and River Ranch Camping add smaller, river-oriented options to the north, and Union Grove State Park provides a quieter lake-focused alternative in Tama County, roughly an hour south. Together these properties cover everything from rustic state-park stays to amenity-heavy RV resorts.
Things to do near Cedar Falls
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area is built for outdoor time, with trails linked to a 100 mile trail network within the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls connecting parks, lakes, businesses, shopping districts, schools and neighborhoods. George Wyth State Park has 3.5 miles of paved multi-purpose trails for biking, in-line skating, running and walking, plus 10 miles of soft trails, with paddling on Brinker Lake, George Wyth Lake, Fisher Lake, and Alice Wyth Lake. Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are standard on the state-park lakes; Union Grove Lake holds bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, saugeye, walleye and northern pike. Families staying at Waterloo/Lost Island KOA Resort are across the street from Lost Island Waterpark, and the resort's Aloha Lake offers fishing, swimming, paddleboats, and kayaks. River Ranch Camping sits on the Little Cedar River for swimming, tubing, and float trips.
Camping spots and RV parks near Cedar Falls, IA
Seasonal patterns near Cedar Falls
- spring
March - May
57° / 36°F 85 mmState park sites reopen in April; wet, windy weeks common.
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 120 mmPeak bookings and storms; mosquitoes heavy near water.
- fall
September - November
63° / 39°F 65 mmCool nights, lighter crowds; facilities close mid-October.
- winter
December - February
28° / 10°F 28 mmFreezing and snowy; state park campgrounds closed.
Most public campgrounds in the area run a clear spring-to-fall season. George Wyth State Park's peak season runs May 1 through October 15, and the campground is closed January through March. Union Grove State Park's campground is closed for the season from January 1 through March 31, with water, showers, and dump stations generally turned on by mid April and closed down around mid-October depending on weather. Off-season camping in April or late October is possible at some Iowa state parks, but frost-free hydrants may be available for off-season camping if campers call the park to confirm, and modern facilities are not guaranteed.
Summer is peak demand for shoreline and full-hookup sites, and mosquitoes can be heavy in the warmer months around standing water. Fall brings cooler nights and lighter crowds. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are very popular on the George Wyth trails even when the campground itself is closed.
How to book a campsite near Cedar Falls
Iowa state-park sites are booked through the Iowa DNR reservation system, operated via ReserveAmerica. George Wyth's campground is 100% reservable with no first-come, first-served sites, and sites can be booked up to three months in advance. Union Grove is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 through October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival. For summer weekends and holiday windows, book the moment the three-month window opens, and set up cancellation alerts if a preferred loop is full. Waterloo/Lost Island KOA Resort is booked directly through KOA, with a $150 security deposit due at reservation booking on a credit card. River Ranch Camping takes bookings directly through its operator, with summer holiday weekends filling first.
What RV renters should expect
George Wyth's 74-site campground includes 47 electric sites with 20/30/50 amp hookups, 13 non-electric sites, 6 tent-only sites, 3 walk-to sites, and a youth group site, all with picnic tables and fire rings, plus modern restrooms with showers, a dump station, and water hydrants distributed throughout. Union Grove State Park offers electric and full hook-up campsites with a modern shower house, restrooms, and sanitary dump station, plus two modern year-round cabins. Every RV site at Waterloo/Lost Island KOA has 50 amp service, water, sewer, cable TV, and WiFi, with pull-through sites that accommodate big rigs. Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 99 counties in Iowa, and while firewood may be moved legally within Iowa, moving it can still spread EAB and other harmful pests, so plan to buy firewood locally.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Cedar Falls, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Cedar Falls, Iowa?
Good news: RV rental in Cedar Falls is one of the more affordable Midwest road trip options. On RVezy, you'll typically see travel trailers from about $90 to $160 per night, campervans and Class C motorhomes from $150 to $250, and larger Class A rigs from $250 to $400. Booking midweek or in shoulder months like April, May, or late September often shaves 15 to 25 percent off peak rates. For a cheap RV rental Cedar Falls trip, filter by travel trailers and look for hosts offering free local delivery, which can save you fuel costs to and from the pickup spot. Set a price filter, message the host with your dates, and you'll lock in a great deal before UNI Panther football weekends sell out.
cedarfallstourism.org/places-to-stay/camping-rv-parks/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Cedar Falls?
You're in luck: Iowa does not require any special license or endorsement to drive a recreational vehicle (RV) under 26,000 pounds, which covers virtually every RV on RVezy. A regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Iowa, whether it's a nimble Class B campervan or a roomy Class C motorhome. You'll need to be at least 25 years old, and we'll verify your ID right through the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Pick up an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto association before you fly into Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO). Most first-timers are surprised how quick and painless the whole process is.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat protection is included when I book an RV in Cedar Falls?
Every booking through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the Cedar Valley Trail or roll out toward the Mississippi River with real peace of mind. You choose your preferred protection level during checkout (guests select the package, not hosts), and it covers most physical damage to the RV during your trip. Pair that with our roadside team on call around the clock, and a flat tire on Highway 20 or a dead battery at Black Hawk Park becomes a quick phone call rather than a ruined weekend. Book your RV rental in Cedar Falls with confidence and focus on the fun.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Cedar Falls RV rental?
Booking should feel low-risk, and it is. RVezy sets the cancellation policy on every reservation (not individual hosts), and it includes a grace period after booking where you can cancel for a full refund. Beyond that window, refund eligibility depends on how far out you cancel before your trip start date. You can review the full policy details in the RVezy Help Center or reach our support team anytime. The takeaway: book your Cedar Falls RV trip when you find the right rig, knowing flexibility is built in if plans change.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Cedar Falls RV trip?
Absolutely, and Cedar Falls is a fantastic dog town. Many hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental Cedar Falls travelers love, so just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when you search RVezy to see eligible rigs instantly. Once you arrive, your pup will love the off-leash area at Pfeiffer Park, the paved Cedar Valley Nature Trail network, and the dog-welcoming patios along Main Street downtown. Black Hawk Park and George Wyth State Park both allow leashed dogs throughout their campgrounds. Pro tip: message your host before booking to confirm any pet fee and bring a copy of vaccination records in case your campground asks at check-in.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Cedar Falls?
Yes, RV delivery in Cedar Falls is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if you're new to RVing. Many local hosts will deliver and set up the RV right at your campsite at George Wyth State Park, Black Hawk Park, or Big Woods Lake Campground, level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. That means no driving a big rig your first time, no learning to back into a site, and no stress. Just look for the Delivery filter on RVezy, message the host with your destination, and confirm the delivery fee, which is usually based on mileage from their location.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Falls%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on a Cedar Falls RV trip?
You've got serious range from Cedar Falls. Some hosts offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage, while most include a daily mileage allowance (often 100 to 150 free miles per day) with a small per-mile fee after that. Popular drives from Cedar Falls include the Amana Colonies (about 60 miles south), Effigy Mounds National Monument near the Mississippi River (about 110 miles northeast), the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville (about 70 miles east), Minneapolis (about 240 miles north), and Chicago (about 280 miles east). Mileage policies appear right on each listing, so map your route first, then filter for the package that fits. Message the host if you need extra miles bundled in.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Falls%2C%20IowaWhere are the best campgrounds near Cedar Falls?
You've got some gems within 30 minutes of downtown. George Wyth State Park sits right between Cedar Falls and Waterloo with 47 electric sites, modern showers, a sand beach, and direct access to the Cedar Valley Trail. Black Hawk Park north of town offers 21 full-hookup sites and 176 electric sites across 1,768 acres along the Cedar River. Big Woods Lake Campground has 55 full-hookup sites overlooking an 86-acre lake. About 25 miles south, Hickory Hills Park has 30 full-hookup sites and a 55-acre lake. For full resort vibes, the Waterloo/Lost Island Waterpark KOA accommodates big rigs up to 100 feet. Reserve early for summer weekends.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/make-reservation/overnight-campingWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Cedar Falls?
Late May through early October is prime time for RV camping Cedar Falls, with average highs from 70°F in May to 84°F in July and warm evenings perfect for campfires. June, July, and August are the warmest and busiest, while September brings cooler nights, fewer bugs, and gorgeous early fall color along the Cedar River. April and October are shoulder-season sweet spots if you want lower rates and quieter campgrounds, just pack layers since nights can dip into the 30s. Insider tip: time your trip for the Sturgis Falls Celebration in late June or UNI Homecoming in October for a true Cedar Falls experience, and book your rig at least four to six weeks ahead for these dates.
weather.gov/dmx/Can I rent an RV in Cedar Falls during winter?
Yes, winter RV rental Cedar Falls trips are doable, and a handful of hosts keep their rigs available year-round for hunters, ice fishing fans, and snowy getaways. Iowa winters are cold (January averages around 28°F high and 11°F low with regular snowfall), so look for RVs equipped with heated holding tanks, an enclosed underbelly, and a reliable furnace. Many private parks offer winterized stays, and several hosts will deliver and set up so you skip winter driving entirely. Pro tip: if you're new to cold-weather RVing, ask your host for an extended walkthrough on tank heaters, antifreeze in the gray tank, and how to manage condensation.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never rented an RV before. Is Cedar Falls a good place to start?
Cedar Falls is one of the friendliest first-time renting an RV destinations in the Midwest. Roads here are flat, well-maintained, and refreshingly low-stress compared to mountain or coastal driving, and most campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive of town. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through propane, slide-outs, water systems, and dump procedures so you're not guessing later. You can also message the host with questions before you book. Start small with a Class C motorhome or travel trailer, choose a host who offers delivery to George Wyth State Park, and you'll spend your first night relaxing by the Cedar River instead of fumbling with hookups in the dark.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Falls%2C%20IowaWhat if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so a flat tire on Highway 218, a dead battery at Hickory Hills Park, or a tow situation outside Waverly is one phone call away from help. Your host is also reachable for quick questions about quirks of their specific rig (like how their awning retracts or which breaker controls the microwave). For anything bigger, RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip. Save the roadside number in your phone before you leave the driveway, and you'll have backup whether you're 5 miles or 200 miles from Cedar Falls.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take a Cedar Falls RV rental into other states or Canada?
Interstate travel is welcome, and a Cedar Falls RV trip easily opens up the Upper Midwest. Most hosts allow travel throughout the lower 48 states, with popular RV road trips from Cedar Falls heading to the Black Hills (about 600 miles west), the Wisconsin Dells (about 220 miles northeast), and the North Shore of Lake Superior. Crossing into Canada may be allowed depending on the host, so message the host before booking and confirm coverage with RVezy support. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage doesn't extend across that border. Map your route, confirm with your host, and you're set.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for in Iowa?
Iowa's flat terrain is actually kind to your fuel budget. Class B campervans average 18 to 22 miles per gallon (MPG), Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 MPG, and larger Class A rigs typically run 6 to 10 MPG. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle but usually knock about 25 percent off its normal MPG. Gas prices in Cedar Falls tend to run slightly below the national average, and you'll find easy fill-ups at the Casey's General Stores and Kwik Stars all along Highway 20 and Interstate 380. Pro tip: top off in Cedar Falls before heading into smaller towns north of Waverly where stations are sparser, and you'll keep your motorhome rental Cedar Falls budget on track.
gasprices.aaa.com/state-gas-price-averages/How far in advance should I book a campground near Cedar Falls?
For Iowa state parks like George Wyth and nearby Backbone, you can reserve campsites in advance through the official Iowa DNR reservation system, and the most popular weekends fill quickly when the booking window opens. For summer holiday weekends, expect a multi-night minimum stay at many state parks. County parks like Black Hawk Park and Hickory Hills often book a few weeks out for prime sites. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for the day the booking window opens, log in early, and grab a riverfront site at George Wyth before they vanish.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/reserve-a-campsiteWhat are the driving conditions like in and around Cedar Falls?
Cedar Falls is one of the easier places in the Midwest to drive an RV. Terrain is gently rolling, highways are well-maintained, and Highway 20, Highway 218, and Interstate 380 give you wide lanes with generous shoulders. Watch for occasional summer thunderstorms (pull over if you see severe weather warnings on your phone), and in late spring keep an eye out for farm equipment on rural roads. Downtown Cedar Falls has some narrow streets near Main Street and UNI, so taller Class A rigs should stick to Highway 58 and University Avenue. Insider tip: avoid driving through downtown Waterloo during weekday rush hour (4 to 6 p.m.) and you'll glide right to your campground.
511ia.org/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Cedar Falls?
You'll find solid amenities at most local campgrounds. Black Hawk Park, George Wyth State Park, and Big Woods Lake all offer modern restrooms with hot showers, dump stations, potable water fill stations, and a mix of 30-amp and 50-amp electric sites. Full hookups (water, sewer, electric) are available at Big Woods Lake, Hickory Hills, and the Waterloo/Lost Island KOA, while George Wyth offers electric-only sites at lower rates. Most campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and paved or gravel pads. Dump and water fill are typically included for registered campers. Pro tip: arrive with at least a quarter tank of fresh water and empty holding tanks so your first hookup is quick and your evening is for campfires, not chores.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/reserve-a-campsiteWhat features come with most RV rentals in Cedar Falls?
Most RVs on RVezy come fully equipped for a family RV trip Cedar Falls travelers can enjoy out of the box: a queen or king bed, convertible dinette and sofa sleepers, a kitchen with stove, fridge, and microwave, an indoor bathroom with shower, air conditioning, furnace, and seatbelts for everyone traveling. Many include extras like a TV, Wi-Fi hotspot, generator, outdoor speakers, and bike racks. Kitchen kits, bedding packages, camp chairs, and outdoor grills are common add-ons (typically $25 to $75 each) that you can request right in the listing. Check the amenities section before booking, message the host about anything specific you need, and you'll arrive at George Wyth with a rig that already feels like home.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Falls%2C%20IowaHow do pickup, drop-off, and add-ons work for a Cedar Falls RV rental?
Pickup is refreshingly simple. You'll meet your host at their location (or have them deliver to your campground) where they'll do a full walkthrough of the RV, hand over keys, and exchange contact info. Standard pickup is usually 1 to 3 p.m. and drop-off by 11 a.m., though many Cedar Falls hosts are flexible if you message ahead. Popular add-ons include delivery and setup, generator use, extra mileage packages, bedding and linens, kitchen kits, and bike or kayak racks. Each host sets their own add-on pricing right in the listing. Pro tip: book mid-week pickup to dodge weekend traffic and to give yourself extra time at George Wyth State Park.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Falls%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is straightforward and secure. You'll pay your trip total through RVezy when you book (no cash, no checks, no surprises), and most hosts request a refundable security deposit that's pre-authorized on your card a few days before pickup. The security deposit is separate from your booking payment, and it's released back to your card after the host confirms the rig was returned in the same condition. To avoid any deposit issues on your campervan rental Cedar Falls trip, snap photos at pickup and drop-off, return the RV with fuel and tanks per the host's instructions, and message the host right away if anything comes up during the trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works