Big Woods Lake Campground Introduce
Welcome, Iowa outdoor enthusiasts! Are you searching for a tranquil yet engaging escape right here in our beautiful state? Look no further than Big Woods Lake Campground in Cedar Falls. This gem offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, whether you're a seasoned camper, a family seeking adventure, or someone simply looking for a peaceful retreat by the water. Big Woods Lake Campground provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for Iowans keen to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities close to home. This detailed overview will provide you with all the essential information to plan your next memorable camping trip to Big Woods Lake.
Big Woods Lake Campground truly embodies the spirit of local Iowa outdoor recreation. It’s designed to cater to a variety of camping preferences, from those with large RVs to individuals or families who prefer the simplicity of tent camping. The serene setting by Big Woods Lake offers not just a place to stay, but a vibrant backdrop for fishing, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the quietude of nature. For many Iowans, finding a reliable, enjoyable, and accessible campground is key to making the most of their weekends and vacations. Big Woods Lake Campground consistently aims to meet these needs, offering a blend of convenient amenities and natural attractions. It’s a place where children can safely play, parents can relax, and everyone can connect with the natural world around them. The feedback from visitors often highlights the calm and quiet ambiance, which is a significant draw for those looking to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a highly recommended spot for a rejuvenating experience right in our own backyard.
Big Woods Lake Campground boasts a convenient and appealing location in Cedar Falls, Iowa, making it easily accessible for residents across the state, particularly those in the surrounding Black Hawk County area. The address, 1501 E Lake St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA, places it strategically near Big Woods Lake, providing campers with immediate access to waterfront activities and scenic views. Its proximity to Cedar Falls means that while you’re enjoying the tranquility of nature, you’re also just a short drive from local conveniences and attractions, offering the best of both worlds.
The accessibility of Big Woods Lake Campground is a significant advantage for local Iowans. Situated within the well-developed community of Cedar Falls, the campground benefits from clear signage and well-maintained roads, ensuring a straightforward journey for all visitors. This ease of access means less time spent on complicated travel plans and more time dedicated to enjoying your camping experience. For impromptu weekend getaways or longer family vacations, the simple commute allows for more flexible planning and reduces travel fatigue. The campground's location not only offers direct access to the lake for fishing and relaxation but also provides proximity to the broader recreational opportunities that Cedar Falls and the surrounding natural areas afford. This blend of natural seclusion with urban convenience makes Big Woods Lake Campground an excellent choice for Iowans seeking a hassle-free and enjoyable outdoor escape. The convenience of its location contributes significantly to the relaxed atmosphere praised by previous visitors, ensuring a smooth start to your outdoor adventure.
Big Woods Lake Campground offers a thoughtful array of services designed to enhance your camping experience. Based on common campground offerings and customer reviews, you can expect the following amenities:
- Mixed Site Availability: Offers both reservation-based and first-come, first-served sites, providing flexibility for campers.
- Full Hookup Options: Some sites are equipped with electrical, water, and sewer connections for RVs, though availability may be limited.
- Restrooms and Showers: Features facilities with hot, personal stalls for showers, offering comfort and privacy. However, these facilities serve as both bathrooms and showers, which may lead to occasional waits.
- Dump Station: On-site facility for convenient wastewater disposal for RVs.
- Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase directly at the campground, ensuring you have what you need for a cozy campfire.
- Playground Area: A designated playground is conveniently located near the bathrooms, providing a great space for children to play.
- Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground generally welcomes dogs, though specific site considerations (like limited grass patches) and leash rules apply.
- Water Access: While full water hookups might be limited, there are likely shared water facets available, though potentially at a distance from some sites.
- Regular Patrols: DNR (Department of Natural Resources) staff are regularly present, ensuring rules are followed and providing assistance, though visitor interactions may vary.
Big Woods Lake Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a premier camping destination in Iowa:
- Relaxed and Quiet Atmosphere: Visitors frequently praise the peaceful and quiet environment, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and escaping daily stresses.
- Proximity to Big Woods Lake: The lake is just a stone's throw from the campgrounds, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the waterfront views.
- Beautiful Trails: The campground boasts access to well-maintained and scenic trails, perfect for hiking, walking, or enjoying nature.
- Story Walk: A unique feature where a children's book is spread out along a trail, offering an engaging and educational activity for kids and families.
- Personal Shower Stalls: The availability of hot, personal shower stalls is a significant convenience, providing a more comfortable and private bathing experience.
- Flexible Site Options: The mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites offers flexibility for various camping plans, accommodating both spontaneous trips and planned vacations.
- Family-Friendly Layout: The playground's proximity to restrooms can be both convenient for parents, allowing for easy supervision, and a central point for family activity.
- Overall "Nice Park" Experience: Despite minor drawbacks, many visitors describe the park as a whole as "beautiful" and "nice," indicating a positive overall impression and enjoyable experience.
- Well-Maintained Grounds (Overall): While some individual site characteristics may vary, the general appearance and upkeep of the park contribute to its positive reputation.
For direct inquiries, reservations, or more information about Big Woods Lake Campground, please use the following contact details:
Address: 1501 E Lake St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA
Phone: (319) 433-7275
Mobile Phone: +1 319-433-7275
It is always recommended to call ahead or check their official website (if available) for the most current information regarding site availability, booking procedures, seasonal hours, and any specific park rules or updates that might affect your visit.
For Iowans seeking a convenient and enriching outdoor experience, Big Woods Lake Campground in Cedar Falls is an excellent choice. Its prime location offers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of nature right by Big Woods Lake and easy access to the amenities of Cedar Falls. This means less time spent on travel and more quality time enjoying your camping adventure. The mixed availability of sites, including both reservable and first-come, first-served options, caters to various planning styles, making it suitable for both spontaneous weekend trips and carefully planned family vacations.
The positive reviews highlighting the "relaxed atmosphere," "quiet" environment, and the presence of "beautiful trails" and a "Story walk" underscore its suitability for families and individuals alike who are looking for a genuine escape. While some considerations like potential waits for combined bathroom/shower facilities or limited shade on certain sites exist, the overall consensus points to a highly enjoyable and recommended camping experience. The added convenience of a dump station and firewood sales on-site further enhances the practical aspects of your stay. For those who value a serene setting, access to recreational activities like fishing and hiking, and a family-friendly environment close to home, Big Woods Lake Campground stands out as a top-tier local destination. It’s a place where lasting memories are made, and the simple joys of nature are easily accessible, right here in Iowa.
Big Woods Lake Campground Photos










Big Woods Lake Campground Location
Big Woods Lake Campground
1501 E Lake St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA
Big Woods Lake Campground Reviews
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 sitesShowers are hot and personal stalls.Lake for fishing or just relaxing is a stones throw from the campgrounds.Beautiful trailsStory 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 upNot much shade.Bathrooms are long distance from camp if not in the front of the park.Hope you enjoy your trip! :)
Sep 23, 2024 · SierraBeautiful park! But the camping side lacked. Our sites were gravel with little grass patch next to the road which is not dog friendly. For $30 a night, I have stayed at other campgrounds that had better sites for $20 a night. There's 4 bathrooms but they are both shower and bathroom so there was a wait to use the restrooms. It would have been nice to have just bathrooms available so we didn't have to wait for people to be done showering. DNR are constantly driving through, one of them wasn't friendly at all and was rude.
May 26, 2025 · Courtney KuhagenI've had more good experiences than bad here. The showers are large and good for families with young children. They keep the facilities clean. They sell fire wood, but it's not always accessible. DNR can be a bit overzealous. The trails are nice.
May 14, 2025 · Tabitha HansonCampground is nice! Great prices! Nice level sites with crushed rock and plenty of grass. We were surprised by the train, but it only went by while we were awake!
May 25, 2025 · Nicole BolthouseCAMPERS BEWARE! We camped here two years ago and this is a very nice campground but be certain of your dates when scheduling because if you should need to cancel you will not receive any Refund AT ALL!! Unbelievable! While traveling this spring our schedule and route had to change and so I called to cancel, at least a month in advance, and was told they could reschedule the reservation (if there is availability) but if you cancel you get no refund! Tha might work out if you are local folks but we would be traveling thru so rescheduling is not an option. I would understand deducting a processing fee - but this is unacceptable!
Apr 10, 2025 · Lori Bibler
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