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Big Woods Lake Campground
Overview
Big Woods Lake Campground offers a serene, natural escape for travelers looking to enjoy the quiet side of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Operated by the Black Hawk County Conservation Board, this park provides a classic Midwestern camping experience centered around a beautiful 46-acre lake. It is designed for those who appreciate a relaxed environment where the focus remains on the surrounding landscape rather than high-end resort amenities. The park maintains a modest, well-kept atmosphere that feels like a hidden local gem.
Location & Surroundings
Situated on the northern edge of Cedar Falls, the campground enjoys a prime position nestled between the lake and the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The park is surrounded by mature trees and lush green spaces, providing a scenic backdrop for every campsite. The location feels secluded enough to offer peace and quiet, yet it remains within minutes of city conveniences, making it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant heart of the Cedar Valley area.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features approximately 30 campsites, many of which provide electrical hookups to accommodate various RV sizes. Guests have access to modern, clean shower facilities and convenient restrooms throughout the season. The park also includes a popular boat ramp for easy water access, as well as several picnic areas and playgrounds. Open green spaces and shaded sites are common throughout the grounds, ensuring that visitors have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the direct access to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a paved path perfect for cycling, walking, or jogging. The nearby lake is a hotspot for kayaking and fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch bass, bluegill, or catfish. For those interested in local culture, downtown Cedar Falls is just a short drive away, offering local dining, craft breweries, and interesting shops that showcase the unique character of this college-town community.
Who This Park Is Best For
Big Woods Lake Campground is best suited for nature lovers and weekend warriors who prefer a low-key, rustic camping vibe. It is an excellent choice for families looking for a quiet place to retreat after a day of cycling or exploring the trails. If you are an RV traveler who values scenic lakefront views and proximity to recreational paths over luxury resort features, this park offers exactly the type of authentic, peaceful environment you need.
User Reviews
S S
Only stayed one night at this campground. It was so packed, but there’s plenty of space between the RVs. The lake seemed really pretty and they had a nice walking track. The grounds of the RV park were very well maintained.
Rhonda Roseboom
This is a beautiful campground, with lots to do as a single camper like myself, or a family as it sits on a lake with walking and biking trails, cabins can be rented, full hook up sites, electric only sites, and tent sites available. Bathrooms and showers are big and very well kept and nice. Firewood can be purchased on site by the camp host who is very nice and helpful. Will definitely be coming back.
Doug Robinson
Nice level lots, roomy, pull through, full hookup. Some can be reserved, others 1st come. Only stayed 1 night, but I put in my return book.
Courtney Saunders
The only reason why I'm giving it 3 stars is because almost every time we camp there we have to clean someone else's garbage out of the fire pit. Also the sites are pretty close together which is unfortunate as they are the only campground in Cf that doesn't close due to flooding so it gets packed Not very many trees out there so barley any shade. Black Hawk is much better but always floods unfortunately.
Sierra
Relaxed atmosphere. Quiet. The playground is located right beside the bathrooms. I found this both a blessing and a curse. lol, I'm sure other parents can relate. Overall, this was in our top 3 for the most enjoyable camping trip. I would recommend and I would camp here again. Pros: Mix of reservation and first come, first serve sites Showers are hot and personal stalls. Lake for fishing or just relaxing is a stones throw from the campgrounds. Beautiful trails Story walk (book placed spread out a long the trail. Great activity for kids) Dump station and firewood sold on site. Overall, nice park. Cons: The front of the park feels overcrowded. Limited water facets, if not full hook up Not much shade. Bathrooms are long distance from camp if not in the front of the park. Hope you enjoy your trip! :)
Judy Peterman
Not enough lights for at night. Very quiet unless you have partiers but the DNR shuts that down by 10:00. Peaceful! Need a shower/bathroom in the very back area.
Ron Lundy
Love this campground there is something for everyone. From biking, kayaking, or just hanging by the lake .
Missi Beebe
Great place to camp. We love it
Nate Cheville
Very nice campground. Great trail around the lake to walk or bike around. Lake is great for Kayaking also.
Diane Gray
Nice place