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38 campgrounds and RV Parks near Hiawatha, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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2911 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Hiawatha, IA
Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area
Palo, IA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Mount Vernon, IA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+3
BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres
Center Point, IA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+12
Unhitched Lazy Acres RV Park
Center Point, IA (16 miles away)
(103 sites)
Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca
Solon, IA (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
North Liberty, IA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+6
Primitive - Lake Macbride State Park
Solon, IA (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(56 sites)
+3
Amana Colonies RV Park
Iowa (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(450 sites)
+10
Wapsipinicon State Park
Anamosa, IA (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+5
Cedar Valley Grove Campground
Mechanicsville, IA (22 miles away)
Unhitched Sleepy Hollow RV Park
Oxford, IA (25 miles away)
BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Oxford, IA (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(108 sites)
+9
Most common amenities
Tables Showers Toilets Pet friendly Grills Playground Dump station Hiking Trails Firewood
Hiawatha camping overview
Hiawatha sits just north of Cedar Rapids in Linn County, placing RV travelers within a short drive of state parks, county recreation areas, and private campgrounds along the Cedar River corridor. The terrain is a mix of oak-hickory woodlands, prairie remnants, and river bluffs, and most campgrounds cluster around lakes and river frontage rather than along interstates.
The closest options are Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area to the north near Palo, and Palisades-Kepler State Park to the southeast along the Cedar River about ten miles east of Cedar Rapids. Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca, BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres, and Scales Pointe Camping and Boating round out the private choices in the area.
Most sites within a 30-minute radius of Hiawatha offer electric hookups, with a smaller share providing full water and sewer service. Rigs of most lengths can be accommodated at the state parks, though back-in configurations and tree cover mean travelers with longer trailers should confirm site dimensions before booking.
Things to do near Hiawatha
Water recreation drives most trips in this region. Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area centers on a 410-acre no-wake lake used for boating, sailing, swimming, and fishing for largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, and channel catfish, and it also carries roughly eight miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Palisades-Kepler State Park offers hiking along limestone bluffs above the Cedar River, plus paddling and bank fishing for catfish, bass, and walleye.
Families staying near Hiawatha can reach downtown Cedar Rapids in under fifteen minutes for the science center, the African American Museum of Iowa, and NewBo City Market. Amana Colonies and the Indian Creek Nature Center are within a short drive, making rainy-day and evening options straightforward to plan.
Camping spots and RV parks near Hiawatha, IA
Seasonal information for Hiawatha
- spring
March - May
59° / 39°F 85 mmParks reopen by May 1; severe thunderstorm season
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 115 mmPeak bookings; warm, humid, afternoon thunderstorms
- fall
September - November
61° / 41°F 65 mmCool nights and strong hardwood color along river bluffs
- winter
December - February
30° / 14°F 30 mmCold and snowy; state park water systems shut off
Iowa state park campgrounds in this area typically open the reservation season in early spring and remain open through mid-November, with a subset of electric sites left available for cold-weather camping. Park staff generally turn water on and open shower buildings and dump stations by May 1 and start shutting them down around mid-October, so shoulder-season trips should plan for self-contained operation.
Summer is peak season. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day fill quickly at Pleasant Creek and Palisades-Kepler, particularly holiday weekends, when a two-night weekend minimum and three-night holiday minimum apply. Summers are warm and humid, with the wettest months of the year falling in this season, so afternoon thunderstorms should be built into any itinerary.
Fall brings cooler nights, lower bug pressure, and strong hardwood color along the Cedar River bluffs, typically peaking in mid-October. Winters are cold and snowy, while also being the driest time of year, and most private parks in the corridor close for the season.
How to book near Hiawatha
Iowa state park campgrounds, including Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area and Palisades-Kepler State Park, are reserved through the Iowa DNR online reservation system. The camping reservation window opens up to three months ahead of the arrival date, and popular electric sites for summer weekends are often claimed as soon as the window opens. From November through March, most sites shift to walk-in only, though a limited number of parks in the region continue to accept reservations into mid-November.
Private campgrounds such as BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres and Scales Pointe Camping and Boating handle bookings directly through their own websites or by phone, and Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca operates on its own seasonal schedule.
What to expect near Hiawatha
Expect wooded, gravel-pad sites at the state parks with picnic tables, fire rings, and electric hookups at most numbered sites. Modern shower buildings, flush restrooms, and centralized dump stations are standard at Pleasant Creek and Palisades-Kepler. Cell coverage is generally reliable across the Cedar Rapids metro but can weaken inside river valleys and heavily wooded loops.
Quiet hours are enforced and pets are welcome on leash in most campgrounds. Mosquitoes and ticks are active from late May through September, so travelers should pack repellent and check for ticks after hikes. Firewood should be purchased locally to reduce the spread of emerald ash borer and other pests.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Hiawatha, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Hiawatha, IA?
An RV rental in Hiawatha is one of the more affordable ways to explore eastern Iowa. On RVezy, nightly prices typically start around $100 to $150 for travel trailers and campervans, while larger Class A and Class C motorhomes generally range from $200 to $350 per night depending on age and amenities. To find a cheap RV rental in Hiawatha, travel in May, September, or October when summer demand dips, book midweek, and skip add-ons you do not need. Filter by Instant Book and sort by price low-to-high to surface the best Hiawatha deals, then message hosts about weekly discounts for stays of five nights or more.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hiawatha,%20IowaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Hiawatha, Iowa?
A regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Hiawatha. Iowa does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or special endorsement for the motorhomes and travel trailers listed on RVezy, regardless of size. RVezy approved drivers are generally 25 or older, and ID verification is handled securely through the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home-country license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP), usually under $20 from your local auto association. No RV class or test required, just pack and head for the Cedar River.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs roadside assistance and protection included with my Hiawatha RV rental?
Yes. Every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Interstate 380 toward Cedar Rapids or Highway 30 toward the Amana Colonies with confidence. You choose your level of coverage during checkout (not the host), so you can tailor protection to your comfort level. If you get a flat near Pinicon Ridge Park or need a jump at a campground, one call gets help dispatched any time, day or night. It is meaningful financial protection backed by real human support, and a major reason first-timers feel good booking an RV rental in Hiawatha.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Hiawatha, IA RV rental?
Plans change, and RVezy has you covered. Every booking is backed by RVezy's cancellation policy (not the host's), which includes a money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in dates with confidence. Refund amounts depend on how far in advance you cancel, and the RVezy support team is available to walk you through your options if severe Iowa weather like spring tornado warnings or January ice storms disrupts your trip. The full policy details are on the RVezy website and in your booking confirmation. Booking early is low-risk and helps you secure the best Hiawatha inventory before peak summer dates fill up.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on my Hiawatha RV trip?
Yes, finding a pet-friendly RV rental in Hiawatha is simple. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) in their rigs. Iowa is dog-friendly: the Cedar River Trail runs through Hiawatha and connects to miles of paved paths, and nearby Morgan Creek County Park, Wanatee Park in Marion, and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area all allow leashed pets on trails and at campsites. Mention your pet in your booking message, ask about any cleaning fee upfront, and bring a tie-out stake and water bowl. Tip: Tower Terrace Dog Park area options in the Hiawatha and Marion area give pups a chance to burn energy before departure.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/pleasant-creek-state-recreation-areaCan the RV be delivered to my campground in the Hiawatha area?
Yes, RV delivery in Hiawatha is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if it is your first time renting an RV. Many RVezy hosts will tow or drive the rig directly to your campsite at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, Palisades-Kepler State Park, Morgan Creek County Park, or to your driveway in Marion or Cedar Rapids. They handle leveling, hook up the 30 or 50-amp electric, connect water and sewer, and walk you through every system before they leave. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see available hosts and per-mile fees, which typically run $2 to $5 per mile from the host's base.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hiawatha,%20IowaHow far can I drive my RV rental from Hiawatha, and what are mileage policies like?
You have plenty of road ahead. Many RVezy hosts in Hiawatha offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, while others include a daily allotment (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day) with a modest per-mile fee beyond that. Popular drives from Hiawatha include the Amana Colonies (about 25 miles southwest), Iowa City and the University of Iowa (about 30 miles south), Maquoketa Caves State Park (about 75 miles east), the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville (about 60 miles northeast), and Effigy Mounds National Monument on the Mississippi (about 130 miles north). For multi-state loops, sort listings by mileage policy and message hosts about weekly mileage packages, which can save real money.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hiawatha,%20IowaWhat are the best campgrounds near Hiawatha, IA for an RV?
The best campgrounds near Hiawatha for RV camping include Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in Palo (about 15 miles north, with electric sites and a sandy swim beach), Palisades-Kepler State Park along the Cedar River (limestone bluffs and electric sites about 20 miles southeast), Morgan Creek County Park (a quiet Linn County park minutes from Cedar Rapids), Amana Colonies RV Park and Event Center (full-hookup sites about 25 minutes south), and Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City along the Wapsipinicon River. Most offer a mix of full-hookup and electric-only sites that fit any rig. Iowa state park sites open for reservations up to three months in advance through the Iowa DNR system, and prime summer weekends sell out quickly.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/palisades-kepler-state-parkWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Hiawatha?
Mid-May through early October is the sweet spot for a Hiawatha RV trip. Late spring brings highs in the 60s and 70s with blooming wildflowers at Palisades-Kepler, summer (June to August) averages 80 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit with warm river evenings perfect for tubing the Cedar, and September and early October bring fall color across Linn County with cooler 60 to 70-degree days. Winters are cold (often 15 to 30 degrees with snow), and most state park hookups close mid-October to April. Late September is a quieter, cheaper window with great weather and harvest season in full swing at the Amana Colonies.
weather.gov/dmx/I have never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting in Hiawatha?
Yes, and Hiawatha is a friendly place to learn. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering propane, water, electric, slide-outs, leveling, and dumping, so you are not left guessing. Hiawatha sits along Highway 100 and Interstate 380 with wide, flat roads (eastern Iowa has almost no mountain driving), and you can practice in large parking lots around Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids before heading out. If you would rather skip the driving entirely, choose Delivery and your host will set the rig up at your campsite. For your first time renting an RV, pick a smaller Class C or travel trailer under 25 feet, you will fit anywhere in Iowa with ease.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my Iowa trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so whether you have a flat on Interstate 380, a dead battery at Pleasant Creek, or a generator issue near the Amana Colonies, one call gets help dispatched. Your host is also a message away through the RVezy app and can usually troubleshoot small issues (like which breaker controls the AC) in minutes. RVezy customer support is reachable before, during, and after your trip. Tip: snap photos of your hookups and the breaker panel at pickup, it makes any troubleshooting call much faster.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my RV rental across state lines or into Canada from Hiawatha?
Yes, an RV road trip from Hiawatha into neighboring states is welcomed by most hosts. Popular destinations include Wisconsin Dells (about 175 miles northeast), Mississippi River towns in Illinois (about 90 miles east), Minneapolis-St. Paul (about 250 miles north), and the Black Hills of South Dakota (about 550 miles west). Cross-border travel to Canada may be allowed depending on the host and insurance terms, so message the host before booking to confirm and bring your passport. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Many Hiawatha hosts offer better weekly rates than nightly, so ask about extended-trip discounts.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an RV trip from Hiawatha?
Iowa typically has some of the lowest gas prices in the Midwest, often below the national average, which helps keep your fuel budget reasonable. Expect roughly 8 to 10 MPG for a Class A motorhome, 10 to 13 MPG for a Class C, 12 to 15 MPG for a Class B campervan rental Hiawatha hosts often have, and 14 to 18 MPG combined when towing a travel trailer. For a 300-mile weekend loop in a Class C, plan on roughly $80 to $110 in fuel at current prices. Tip: use GasBuddy and fuel up at larger stations along Boyson Road or Edgewood Road in Hiawatha and Cedar Rapids, where prices stay competitive and pull-through access fits big rigs.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Hiawatha?
Booking ahead pays off. Iowa state parks like Palisades-Kepler, Lake Macbride, and Pleasant Creek open reservations up to three months in advance through the Iowa DNR online reservation system, and prime summer weekends, Memorial Day, July 4th, RAGBRAI week, and Labor Day often fill within hours of release. Many state park campsites become walk-in only during the winter off-season. For private parks like Amana Colonies RV Park, book four to six weeks ahead in summer. If Palisades-Kepler is full, try Morgan Creek County Park or Pinicon Ridge Park, which often have last-minute openings even on busy weekends.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/make-reservationWhat are local driving conditions like around Hiawatha?
Driving an RV around Hiawatha is straightforward. The terrain is flat to gently rolling, Interstate 380 connects you north to Waterloo and south to Iowa City with wide lanes, and Highway 100 (the Cedar Rapids beltway) makes it simple to skirt downtown traffic. Two local quirks to watch for: summer thunderstorms can pop up quickly (pull off if you see a derecho-style wind warning), and winter brings ice and snow December through February. Avoid low-clearance bridges in older parts of downtown Cedar Rapids if you are driving a tall Class A. Check Iowa 511 before any long drive for real-time road and weather alerts.
hb.511ia.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Hiawatha?
Eastern Iowa campgrounds are well-equipped for RVs. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offers electric hookups, a modern shower building, a dump station, and potable water fill, while Palisades-Kepler has electric sites plus restrooms and a centrally located dump station. Amana Colonies RV Park is full-hookup (water, sewer, 50-amp) with Wi-Fi, laundry, and a camp store, ideal for longer stays. Most Linn County parks like Morgan Creek and Pinicon Ridge include electric and water with shared dump stations. Tip: top off your fresh water tank before leaving the host, since not every state park site includes site-side water.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/make-reservationWhat is included inside a typical Hiawatha RV rental?
A typical motorhome rental from Hiawatha hosts is ready for a full vacation: a queen or king bed, convertible dinette or bunk beds for kids, a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a wet or dry bathroom with toilet and shower, roof air conditioning, a furnace for cool nights, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many include a TV, Wi-Fi hotspots, outdoor speakers, awnings, and onboard generators (great for boondocking at Linn County conservation areas). Bedding, cookware, and basic kitchen supplies are commonly included, check the listing or ask the host. Travel trailers usually sleep more people per dollar than motorized rigs, perfect for a family RV trip from Hiawatha.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hiawatha,%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options can I expect when I rent an RV in Hiawatha?
Hiawatha hosts make trip prep easy with optional add-ons: bedding and linen packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits ($25 to $50), camp chairs and outdoor rugs, generators, bike racks, kayak racks, portable propane fire pits (great where wood fires are restricted), and pet packages. Pickup is typically at the host's home base in Hiawatha or nearby Marion or Cedar Rapids, with a 30 to 60-minute orientation walkthrough included. Standard mileage policies run 100 to 150 miles per day, with unlimited-mileage options available. Confirm late pickup or early drop-off windows in your booking. Tip: ask about a starter pack bundle, many hosts discount add-ons when you grab three or more at once.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hiawatha,%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on an RVezy rental in Hiawatha?
Payment is straightforward and secure. You pay through RVezy directly (never cash to the host) using a credit or debit card, and your booking total includes the nightly rate, RVezy service fee, and the protection plan you select. A refundable security deposit is held on your card before your trip starts, the exact amount is shown on the listing before you book and varies by RV. As long as the rig comes back in the agreed condition with fuel and tanks as specified, the deposit is released after the trip ends. To avoid any deposit issues, take date-stamped photos and a quick walkaround video at both pickup and drop-off, follow the host's instructions for fuel and propane, and message any concerns through the RVezy app so everything is documented.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works