For Iowans seeking a convenient yet refreshing escape into nature, Big Woods Lake Campground in Cedar Falls presents a compelling option. This popular campground, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful lakeside setting, offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural tranquility. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway with the family, a fishing excursion, or simply an overnight stop on a longer journey, Big Woods Lake Campground provides a welcoming environment for all types of campers.
Developed as a collaborative effort between the City of Cedar Falls and the Black Hawk County Conservation Board, Big Woods Lake Campground has evolved into a well-regarded camping destination. Its centerpiece is the 86-acre Big Woods Lake, a no-wake lake that invites activities such as fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. While some parts of the park feel more open and exposed, the overall charm lies in its connection to the lake and the extensive trail system that encircles it.
Visitors consistently highlight the clean facilities and the enjoyable activities available, from fishing to exploring the scenic trails. The campground also offers a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, providing flexibility for planners and spontaneous adventurers alike. Despite some areas with less shade and the occasional urban ambient noise, Big Woods Lake Campground remains a highly recommended spot for its convenient location, excellent amenities, and the overall positive camping experience it delivers.
Big Woods Lake Campground is ideally situated at 1501 E Lake St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA. This location places it within the city limits of Cedar Falls, making it exceptionally accessible for residents across Iowa. It's just a short drive from downtown Cedar Falls, providing campers with easy access to groceries, restaurants, and various city attractions, including the vibrant Main Street district.
The campground's proximity to major roadways, including Highway 218, ensures a straightforward journey for those traveling from other parts of the state. To reach the campground, you would typically take exit 189 for Lone Tree Road from Highway 218, turn west onto Lone Tree Road, then take the first left onto Big Woods Road, and finally a left onto E Lake Street, where the campground will be on your right. Its urban edge location means you benefit from both natural surroundings and the conveniences of a larger city.
This accessibility is a key advantage, allowing Iowans to enjoy a quick camping trip without the need for extensive travel. Despite being close to urban areas and a highway, many sites still offer a sense of peaceful retreat, particularly those deeper within the park or closer to the lake's more secluded areas. The presence of paved trails leading directly from the campground also offers an immediate connection to a vast network of outdoor recreation, making it incredibly convenient for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Big Woods Lake Campground is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience with a range of useful services:
Big Woods Lake Campground boasts several features that make it a highly enjoyable destination for campers in Iowa:
For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information about Big Woods Lake Campground, you can contact the Black Hawk County Conservation Board, which manages the park:
Address: 1501 E Lake St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA
Phone: (319) 433-7275
Mobile Phone: +1 319-433-7275
It is always advisable to call ahead for the most current information on site availability, especially for reservable sites, and to confirm the seasonal operation of specific facilities.
For Iowans, Big Woods Lake Campground offers an exceptional blend of natural recreation and urban convenience, making it a highly suitable choice for a local getaway. Its location within Cedar Falls provides easy access for many residents, eliminating the need for long drives to experience quality outdoor activities. This means more time enjoying the lake, trails, and campfire, and less time on the road.
The campground’s commitment to providing hot showers, various site options (including full hookups), and family-friendly amenities like the playground and unique StoryWalk® ensures a comfortable and engaging experience for all ages. The ability to fish or paddle on a no-wake lake, then seamlessly transition to a bike ride on the extensive Cedar Valley Trails, highlights the versatile recreational opportunities available right at your doorstep. While some sites might lack extensive shade, and noise from nearby roads can occasionally be present, the overall positive experience, often noted as one of the "most enjoyable camping trips," outweighs these minor considerations.
Big Woods Lake Campground allows Iowans to truly "relax and recharge" in a beautiful setting without sacrificing access to city conveniences. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend escape, a family vacation, or even a quick overnight trip to reconnect with nature and enjoy the best of what Cedar Falls and the surrounding Black Hawk County have to offer. For those seeking a well-rounded camping experience that combines outdoor adventure with modern comforts, Big Woods Lake Campground is undoubtedly a top choice for locals.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Cycling lanes
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Tent sites
Camping fee
Good for kids
Good for kids birthday
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
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! :)
Beautiful 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.
I'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.
Campground 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!
CAMPERS 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!