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38 campgrounds and RV Parks near Cedar Rapids, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
38 campgrounds
3160 campsites
23 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Cedar Rapids, IA
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Mount Vernon, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+3
Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca
Solon, IA (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
North Liberty, IA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+6
Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area
Palo, IA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
Primitive - Lake Macbride State Park
Solon, IA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(56 sites)
+3
Amana Colonies RV Park
Iowa (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(450 sites)
+10
Cedar Valley Grove Campground
Mechanicsville, IA (20 miles away)
BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres
Center Point, IA (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+12
Unhitched Lazy Acres RV Park
Center Point, IA (20 miles away)
(103 sites)
Wapsipinicon State Park
Anamosa, IA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+5
Unhitched Sleepy Hollow RV Park
Oxford, IA (21 miles away)
BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Oxford, IA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(108 sites)
+9
Most common amenities
Tables Showers Pet friendly Toilets Grills Playground Dump station Hiking Trails Firewood
Cedar Rapids camping overview
Cedar Rapids sits in eastern Iowa along the Cedar River, with a cluster of state and county parks within a short drive that suit RV travelers. The closest options range from wooded river-bluff sites at Palisades-Kepler State Park to open prairie sites around the 410-acre reservoir at Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area, plus lakeside camping at Lake Macbride State Park roughly 25 miles south near Solon.
Most campgrounds in the area are operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and run seasonally, generally April through mid-November. Palisades-Kepler lies about 10 miles east of Cedar Rapids off Highway 30, while Pleasant Creek is reached by taking Interstate 380 north to the Center Point exit. Lake Macbride is Iowa's largest state park at 2,180 acres and includes both a modern north campground and the Primitive - Lake Macbride State Park area on the south side.
Private and county options include Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca near Solon and Scales Pointe Camping and Boating on the Coralville Lake side, giving travelers a mix of hookup levels and lake access.
Things to do near Cedar Rapids
Water activities anchor most trips. Pleasant Creek Lake is a no-wake reservoir popular for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, pontoon boating, and scuba diving, with a designated swimming beach and multiple boat ramps. Lake Macbride offers a sandy beach and fishing for species including channel catfish, largemouth bass, and muskellunge.
Hikers can put in five to six miles of trail at Palisades-Kepler along Cedar River bluffs, walk the 8.5-mile multi-use trail looping Pleasant Creek Lake, or connect trails at Lake Macbride into the adjacent Coralville Lake system. Birding is strong at all three parks during spring and fall migration.
In town, families can add the Cedar Rapids Kernels minor league baseball, the National Czech and Slovak Museum, and day trips to the Amana Colonies and Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum in West Branch.
Camping spots and RV parks near Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids seasonal info
- spring
March - May
59° / 39°F 87 mmWildflowers bloom; May rain can leave sites soft
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 118 mmPeak bookings; humid, thunderstorm risk, book early
- fall
September - November
61° / 41°F 67 mmCool nights, prairie color, thinner crowds
- winter
December - February
30° / 16°F 27 mmCampgrounds closed; day-use trails open for skiing
Iowa state park campgrounds around Cedar Rapids follow a consistent seasonal cycle. Palisades-Kepler, Pleasant Creek, and the Lake Macbride campgrounds are closed from November 16 through March 31, with off-peak rates April 1 through April 30 and October 16 through November 15, and peak season May 1 through October 15. Water hydrants, showers, and dump stations are generally turned on around May 1 and closed down in mid-October depending on freeze risk.
Spring brings wildflowers along the river bluffs at Palisades-Kepler and strong lake clarity at Pleasant Creek, though late spring can be wet and low-lying sites may be soft. Summer weekends fill quickly, especially around the Fourth of July, the Pigman Sprint Triathlon held each June at Pleasant Creek, and Labor Day.
Fall delivers cool nights, thinner crowds, and prairie color at Pleasant Creek. Winter closes the campgrounds, but day-use trails remain open for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and eagle watching along the Cedar River.
How to book Cedar Rapids campgrounds
State-park sites at Palisades-Kepler, Pleasant Creek, and Lake Macbride are 100 percent reservable, and a reservation is required. Book through the Iowa State Parks system on ReserveAmerica or by calling 1-877-427-2757. Standard campsites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance, cabins up to 12 months in advance, and same-day bookings are accepted until 10 p.m. Central.
For peak summer weekends, put reservations in as soon as the three-month window opens at 7 a.m. Central. Cabins at Palisades-Kepler are available for weekly rental during the summer season, with two-day minimums in the spring and fall.
Private and county campgrounds such as Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca and Scales Pointe Camping and Boating are booked directly with the operator and often have more flexible short-stay options.
What to expect at Cedar Rapids campgrounds
Sites in the area are generally level and family-friendly. Palisades-Kepler has 44 campsites, 26 with electric hookups, plus modern showers, restrooms, and a trailer dump station along the Cedar River. Pleasant Creek runs three non-equestrian campground areas with electric and non-electric sites, two modern shower and restroom buildings, and a dump station, but no water hookups at individual sites, so RV travelers should arrive with full fresh-water tanks.
Lake Macbride's modern north campground has electric sites that accept larger rigs, while the Primitive - Lake Macbride State Park area on the south side is tent-focused with non-electric sites. Shade varies: Palisades-Kepler is heavily wooded, while much of Pleasant Creek is open prairie with limited canopy.
Buy firewood locally rather than transporting it, since Iowa has ongoing emerald ash borer restrictions on moving untreated wood.
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 Rapids, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Cedar Rapids?
RV rental in Cedar Rapids is one of the most affordable ways to explore eastern Iowa. On RVezy, nightly prices typically start around $100 to $150, with smaller travel trailers and campervans on the lower end and larger Class A motorhomes priced higher for bigger groups. To score a cheap RV rental in Cedar Rapids, book midweek, travel in the shoulder seasons of late April or September, and look for hosts offering weekly discounts. You can filter listings by price, RV type, and sleeps count to match your budget. Pro tip: pairing a budget travel trailer with a stay at a Linn County park like Morgan Creek keeps your total trip cost very manageable.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Rapids%2C%20IowaDo I need a special license to drive an RV rental in Cedar Rapids?
Good news: your regular Class C driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Cedar Rapids for virtually every motorhome, campervan, and travel trailer on RVezy. The Iowa Department of Transportation only requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for vehicles over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, which is well above any rental on the platform. Visiting from abroad? Iowa accepts valid foreign licenses, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home auto association translates it into English for easy roadside checks. You must be 25 or older to book on RVezy, and the platform handles ID verification securely during checkout, so you can finish the process from your couch.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat protection and roadside help comes with my Cedar Rapids RV rental?
You are covered from the moment you hit Interstate 380. Every RVezy booking in Cedar Rapids includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on Highway 30 or a dead battery at Palisades-Kepler State Park is just a phone call away. The protection plan covers most accidental damage to the RV during your trip. During booking you can choose from multiple protection plan tiers, with higher tiers offering lower out-of-pocket responsibility. Pro tip: snap a quick walkaround video at pickup so any pre-existing scuffs are documented, and travel relaxed.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Cedar Rapids RV trip plans change?
Booking is low risk. RVezy sets a clear, platform-wide cancellation policy (hosts do not set it themselves) that includes a grace period after booking for a full refund, plus partial refund windows depending on how far out from your trip you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy provides a refund or travel credit. Review the cancellation details at checkout so you know your dates. Pro tip: if you are booking a popular summer weekend around RAGBRAI or Amana Colonies festivals, lock in your RV early since refunds are friendlier than scrambling for a last-minute rig.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Cedar Rapids?
Absolutely, your pup is welcome on the road. Pet-friendly RV rental in Cedar Rapids is easy to find on RVezy: just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see motorhomes and trailers whose owners welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Cedar Rapids is a dog-loving city with off-leash spots like Cheyenne Dog Park and Ellis Dog Park, plus miles of pet-friendly trails along the Cedar River Trail and Sac and Fox Trail. Most local campgrounds, including Morgan Creek County Park and Pinicon Ridge Park, allow leashed pets. Pro tip: message the host before booking to mention your dog's size and breed; many hosts waive small extra cleaning fees for well-behaved travelers.
cedar-rapids.org/residents/parks_and_recreation/parks/dog_parks.phpCan the RV be delivered to my campground or driveway in Cedar Rapids?
Yes, and RV delivery in Cedar Rapids is one of the easiest ways to start your trip. Many RVezy hosts will tow or drive the rig directly to your campground, a driveway in Marion or Hiawatha, or popular spots like Amana RV Park and Event Center or Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. They will level it, hook up water and 30/50-amp electric, and walk you through every system before they leave. This is ideal if it is your first time renting an RV, or if you would rather skip driving a big rig through downtown Cedar Rapids. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see options and per-mile fees, which typically range from $2 to $5 per mile.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Rapids%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on a Cedar Rapids RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You have plenty of road ahead. Many RVezy hosts in Cedar Rapids offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, while others include a generous daily allotment (often 100 to 150 miles per day) with a small per-mile fee beyond that. From Cedar Rapids you can reach the Amana Colonies in about 25 minutes, Iowa City in roughly 30 minutes, the Mississippi River at Davenport in about 80 miles, Des Moines in about 130 miles, and Chicago in roughly 220 miles. Each listing clearly shows its mileage policy before you book. Pro tip: if you are planning a big loop, sort by mileage policy and message hosts directly to ask about weekly mileage packages, which can save you serious money.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Rapids%2C%20IowaWhere are the best campgrounds to stay near Cedar Rapids?
You're spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Cedar Rapids include Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in Palo (about 15 miles north, with electric sites and a swimming beach), Palisades-Kepler State Park along the Cedar River (gorgeous limestone bluffs and modern hookups), Morgan Creek County Park (a quiet Linn County gem 10 minutes from downtown), Amana RV Park and Event Center (450+ sites with full hookups, 20 minutes south), and Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City. Most have a mix of full-hookup and electric-only sites for any RV size. Pro tip: state park sites can be reserved up to four months ahead through Iowa DNR's online system, and prime summer weekends sell out fast, so book early.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/State-Park-Camping-LodgingWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Cedar Rapids?
Late spring through mid-fall is the sweet spot for RV camping in Cedar Rapids. May, June, and September deliver mild temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, fewer mosquitoes, and stunning scenery along the Cedar River. July and August are warmer (highs in the mid-80s to low 90s with humidity) and great for swimming at Pleasant Creek or Lake Macbride. October is a hidden gem: crisp days, lower campground rates, and brilliant oak and maple foliage across eastern Iowa. Winters are genuinely cold (often below freezing December through February), so most campgrounds close seasonally. Pro tip: book your motorhome rental Cedar Rapids for late September to catch peak fall colors and harvest festivals in the Amana Colonies.
weather.gov/dvn/I have never rented an RV before. Will I actually know how to use it?
You will feel confident before you pull out of the driveway. First time renting an RV in Cedar Rapids is genuinely easy on RVezy because every host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup: how to dump tanks, level the rig, run the propane stove, fire up the generator, retract the awning, and switch from shore power to battery. Most orientations take 30 to 60 minutes, and hosts welcome questions. You can also message your host anytime during your trip if something feels confusing. Pro tip: ask your host to record a quick phone video of the dump and hookup steps. You will thank yourself the first time you are hooking up at Palisades-Kepler after dark.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360003359994-Renting-an-RVWhat happens if my rental RV breaks down during my Iowa trip?
Help is one phone call away, 24/7. Every RVezy rental in Cedar Rapids includes round-the-clock roadside assistance with the renter protection plan, covering common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and tows. Whether you are on Interstate 80 heading to Iowa City, parked at Wapsipinicon State Park, or exploring the Driftless Area, a quick call gets a qualified technician dispatched to your location. Your host is also a great first contact since they know their rig's quirks. Pro tip: before pulling out, save the RVezy support number and your host's number to your phone favorites, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN sticker so help can be dispatched without delay.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Cedar Rapids RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, this is prime road trip country. An RV road trip from Cedar Rapids easily reaches Wisconsin (Wisconsin Dells is about 175 miles), Minnesota (Minneapolis is about 235 miles), Illinois (Chicago is about 220 miles), and Missouri (St. Louis is about 290 miles). Some RVezy hosts also allow travel into Canada with advance approval, since coverage can extend across the border; message the host before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: popular loops from Cedar Rapids include the Great River Road along the Mississippi and the Driftless Area through northeast Iowa, both stunning in early October.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Cedar Rapids RV road trip?
Fuel is one of the most predictable parts of your budget. Iowa typically has some of the lowest gas prices in the Midwest, often 15 to 30 cents below the national average, and Cedar Rapids has plenty of large stations along Interstate 380 and Highway 30 that can accommodate Class A and Class C motorhomes. Expect roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG) for larger motorhomes, 12 to 15 MPG for Class B campervans, and 14 to 18 MPG combined for a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer. Pro tip: use the GasBuddy app and fuel up on the south side of Cedar Rapids near the Eastern Iowa Airport, where competition keeps prices a few cents cheaper than downtown.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Cedar Rapids?
Booking ahead pays off, especially for the marquee spots. Iowa state parks like Palisades-Kepler, Lake Macbride, and Pleasant Creek open reservations up to four months in advance through the Iowa DNR's online reservation system, and prime summer weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) often fill within hours of release. Linn County parks like Morgan Creek and Pinicon Ridge typically book one to two months out. Private parks like Amana RV Park and Event Center and Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres usually have more flexibility but can sell out during the Amana Colonies' Oktoberfest. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for exactly four months before your travel date and book the moment the window opens at midnight Central time.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/ReservationsWhat are driving conditions like in and around Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is one of the easier metro areas in the country to drive an RV. Traffic is light compared to Chicago or Minneapolis, the terrain is gently rolling rather than mountainous, and major routes like Interstate 380, Interstate 80, and Highway 30 have wide lanes and generous shoulders. Watch for two seasonal quirks: summer thunderstorms can bring strong crosswinds and the occasional tornado warning (download the National Weather Service app), and winter brings ice and blowing snow, which is why most rentals are summer-season. Avoid the low clearance at the 1st Avenue rail bridge downtown (10 feet 6 inches). Pro tip: choose RV delivery if you'd rather skip driving through downtown entirely.
hb.511ia.org/Where can I dump tanks and fill fresh water near Cedar Rapids?
You'll never be far from a dump station. Most campgrounds around Cedar Rapids, including Morgan Creek County Park, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, Palisades-Kepler State Park, and Amana RV Park, have on-site dump stations and potable water fills, usually free for registered campers and $5 to $10 for day visitors. Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City and the Linn County Fairgrounds also offer convenient dumping. Full-hookup sites at private parks let you stay connected the whole stay (water, electric 30/50 amp, sewer). Pro tip: if you're returning to Cedar Rapids on the last day, dump and refill at the Amana RV Park dump station on your way back; it saves a messy goodbye at your host's home.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/State-Park-Camping-LodgingWhat features and amenities should I expect inside a Cedar Rapids RV rental?
You'll be impressed by how livable these rigs are. Most RVezy rentals in Cedar Rapids come equipped with a full kitchen (fridge, microwave, propane stove, sink), a bathroom with toilet and shower, sleeping for 4 to 8 people, climate control with both furnace and air conditioning, and a dinette that converts to extra beds. Many include perks like a flat-screen TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, generator for boondocking, and seatbelts for everyone traveling. Larger Class A and Class C motorhomes often add slide-outs, solar panels, and king beds. Each RVezy listing shows photos and a full amenities checklist. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count and look for listings that mention generator and outdoor speakers for a true Iowa tailgate-style campout.
nps.gov/efmo/planyourvisit/camping.htmWhat popular add-ons and pickup options do Cedar Rapids RV hosts offer?
Hosts make it easy to customize your trip. Common add-ons for an RV rental in Cedar Rapids include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits with pots, pans, and dishes ($25 to $50), generator usage, bike racks, camping chairs, propane refills, and pet cleaning fees. Delivery and setup is popular: many Cedar Rapids hosts deliver within 25 to 50 miles, with per-mile fees clearly listed. Pickup is typically at the host's home in Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, or Robins, and walkthroughs run 30 to 60 minutes. Mileage policies vary, so check each listing. Pro tip: bundle linens, kitchen kit, and delivery when you book to lock in package pricing rather than adding them piecemeal later.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cedar%20Rapids%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book your Cedar Rapids RV rental, RVezy charges your card for the rental cost, protection plan, and any add-ons through the platform; you never hand cash to the host. A refundable security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV size) is pre-authorized on your card a few days before pickup and released after the host confirms the rig was returned in good condition. To avoid any deposit issues, return the RV on time, with fuel and propane levels matching pickup, and tanks emptied if required. Pro tip: do a video walkaround with your host at both pickup and dropoff so everyone is aligned.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works