George Wyth State Park Campground

Hello, fellow Iowans! Are you looking for a fantastic outdoor escape that combines the tranquility of nature with easy access to urban amenities? Look no further than George Wyth State Park Campground in Waterloo. This remarkable park, often referred to as an "urban wildlife sanctuary," offers a diverse array of activities and a welcoming environment, making it a perfect destination for both quick getaways and extended stays right here in our beautiful state.

George Wyth State Park Campground consistently receives high praise for its accessibility and well-maintained facilities. Even in the depths of winter, it's open, as one reviewer noted, "Even in early January they were open! Nice big spots! Had electricity. No running water. Place was empty! Good for a stop over one night! Easy access." This highlights its versatility for year-round use and its convenience as a stopover. Another review simply states, "Great place to camp. Clean and well maintained," underscoring the park's commitment to providing a pleasant and hygienic environment for its visitors.

What truly sets George Wyth State Park apart is its incredible diversity of natural features and recreational opportunities. It boasts four distinct lakes—Brinker, George Wyth, Fisher, and Alice Wyth—each offering something unique, from power boating and water skiing on Brinker Lake to peaceful no-wake zones for fishing and windsurfing on George Wyth Lake. Anglers will be thrilled with the variety of fish, including crappie, bluegill, walleye, northern, bass, and channel catfish, across all lakes and the bordering Cedar River. The park is a haven for trail enthusiasts, with 3.5 miles of paved multi-purpose trails connected to over 100 miles of the Cedar Valley Trail system, perfect for biking, inline skating, running, and walking. Additionally, there are 10 miles of soft hiking trails for a more rugged experience. For those who love wildlife, George Wyth is a birder's paradise, with over 200 species recorded, and opportunities to spot white-tailed deer year-round. A sandy beach for swimming, universally accessible fishing piers, and rentals for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal boats further enhance the park's appeal, making it a truly comprehensive outdoor destination for all ages and interests, right in the heart of the Cedar Valley.

George Wyth State Park Campground is strategically located at GHJW+VW, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA. This puts it nestled between the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County, creating a unique "urban wildlife sanctuary" experience. While it offers a sense of being "away" from the metropolitan hustle, it remains incredibly easy to access.

Its proximity to major highways, including Highway 218 and Interstate 380, makes George Wyth State Park highly accessible for Iowans from various parts of the state. It's just a short 4-minute drive from Waterloo, and within reasonable driving distances from other major Iowa cities: approximately 52 minutes from Cedar Rapids, 1 hour 14 minutes from Iowa City, and 1 hour 25 minutes from Ames. The well-maintained roads leading to and within the park ensure easy navigation for all types of vehicles, from cars to large RVs. This excellent accessibility means that locals can quickly transition from their busy lives to a serene natural setting, maximizing their leisure time for outdoor enjoyment without enduring long, arduous journeys. The balance between natural immersion and urban convenience is a significant advantage of this park's location.

George Wyth State Park Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to cater to a wide range of campers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features 47 standard electric sites (with 20, 30, and 50 amp service) and 13 non-electric sites for tents and RVs up to 60 feet in length. There are also six tent-only sites, three walk-to sites, and one youth group-only site.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Campers have access to modern, clean shower facilities and flush toilets, which are well-maintained. A handicap-accessible shower house is also available.
• Dump Station: An on-site dump station provides convenience for RVers.
• Potable Water: Potable water hydrants are available throughout the campground, with city water provided.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit for traditional outdoor cooking and relaxation.
• Recreational Rentals (Seasonal): During peak season (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend), a concession stand offers recreational rentals including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, pedal boats, lake floats, and river tubes.
• Concession Stand (Seasonal): The concession stand also sells snacks, ice cream, firewood, ice, and fishing bait, providing convenience for campers' immediate needs.
• Universally Accessible Features: The park boasts universally accessible fishing piers and trails, ensuring that outdoor recreation is enjoyable for everyone.
• Picnic Shelters and Lodge: There are three open shelters available for reservation for day use, and a day-use lodge suitable for larger gatherings like family reunions or weddings, also reservable.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground provides direct access to the extensive paved and soft trail systems within the park and connecting to the larger Cedar Valley Trails network.
• Boat Ramps: Boat ramps are available at each of the four lakes and on the Cedar River, facilitating boating and fishing activities.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a convenient fish cleaning station is provided.

George Wyth State Park stands out with an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa.

• Four Diverse Lakes: The park is unique for having four distinct lakes—Brinker (180 acres, open for power boating and water skiing after 9 am), George Wyth (75 acres, no-wake, ideal for fishing and windsurfing, with a sandy beach and universally accessible fishing pier), Fisher (40 acres, natural lake), and Alice Wyth (60 acres, electric motors only, popular for fishing).
• Extensive Trail Network: A paradise for active individuals, the park offers 3.5 miles of paved multi-purpose trails (for biking, inline skating, running, walking) and 10 miles of soft trails. These connect directly to the Cedar Valley Trail system, providing over 100 miles of paved trails linking Waterloo and Cedar Falls. These trails are also used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in winter.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Anglers can target a variety of species including crappie, bluegill, walleye, northern pike, bass, and channel catfish across all four lakes and the Cedar River. Fishing docks, jetties, and a fish cleaning station are available.
• "Urban Wildlife Sanctuary": Despite its urban proximity, the park is teeming with wildlife. It's a birdwatcher's dream with over 200 species recorded, and white-tailed deer are common year-round. A bird blind enhances viewing opportunities.
• Year-Round Activities: George Wyth offers recreation in all seasons, from swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking in warmer months to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling in winter.
• Sandy Swimming Beach: A popular feature on George Wyth Lake, providing a designated area for swimming and relaxation during the warmer seasons.
• Water Sports Rentals: Convenient on-site rentals for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pedal boats, lake floats, and river tubes make enjoying the water accessible to everyone.
• Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail: The park is part of the first looped water trail in the region, a 10-mile path that connects the four lakes, Cedar River, and two lakes at Hartman Reserve Nature Center, with portages.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently noted for its cleanliness and upkeep, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable visit.

To plan your visit to George Wyth State Park Campground, you can use the following contact information:

Address: GHJW+VW, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA (The official park address is also listed as 3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703)

Phone: (319) 232-5505 (Iowa DNR Park Office)

For campsite reservations, it's best to utilize the Iowa State Parks reservation system online through the Iowa DNR website or by calling their reservation call center at 1-877-427-2757. Reservations can typically be made up to 3 months in advance for campsites.

For us Iowans, George Wyth State Park Campground is an absolutely ideal destination for a quick and comprehensive outdoor escape right in our backyard. Its designation as an "urban wildlife sanctuary" means we get the best of both worlds: genuine immersion in nature with the incredible convenience of being located directly between Waterloo and Cedar Falls. This unparalleled accessibility cuts down on travel time, allowing us to maximize our enjoyment of the park's extensive offerings.

What makes George Wyth truly suitable for locals is its incredible versatility. Whether you're a family looking for a sandy beach and a playground, an avid angler hoping to catch walleye or bass in one of its four lakes, a dedicated runner or cyclist eager to explore over 100 miles of paved trails, or simply someone seeking a quiet spot for birdwatching, this park has it all. The diverse water bodies cater to every aquatic interest, from power boating to tranquil kayaking, all easily facilitated by on-site rentals. Even in the quieter winter months, locals can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, making it a truly year-round recreational hub.

The consistent praise for the campground's cleanliness and excellent maintenance, along with amenities like modern restrooms, showers, and electric hookups, ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience. This commitment to quality makes George Wyth a reliable and appealing choice for Iowans who appreciate well-managed public lands. It’s a place where you can easily disconnect and recharge amidst nature, then seamlessly transition back to urban life, having experienced the best of Iowa's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

George Wyth State Park Campground

GHJW+VW, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA