State Parks Near Waterloo, Iowa
9 state park units lie within 50 miles of Waterloo. The closest is George Wyth State Park, about 4 mi northwest of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- George Wyth State Park4 mi northwest
- Within 25 miles
- 1of 9 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 76 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 1pets allowed
State parks near Waterloo, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Waterloo; driving distance is usually longer.
George Wyth State Park
Popular activities here are swimming, boating, wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for George Wyth State Park →Cedar Rock State Park
The park supports hiking and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Cedar Rock State Park →Union Grove State Park
Visitors come for boating and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with full hookups and showers. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Union Grove State Park →Pine Lake State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Pine Lake State Park →Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
The park supports horseback riding, hunting in season, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area →Volga River State Recreation Area
Things to do include horseback riding, boating, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 20 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Volga River State Recreation Area →Backbone State Park
Visitors come for historic sites, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Backbone State Park →Beeds Lake State Park
The park supports boating, fishing, and hiking. On the water side, there is a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups and group camping. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Beeds Lake State Park →Fort Atkinson State Preserve
In Winneshiek County, about 13 miles southwest of Decorah, Fort Atkinson State Preserve covers about 8 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Atkinson State Preserve →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Waterloo
- George Wyth State Park 4 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Union Grove State Park 32 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi west · Campground listed
- Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 38 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Volga River State Recreation Area 40 mi northeast · Campground listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Waterloo
- George Wyth State Park 4 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Union Grove State Park 32 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 38 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Backbone State Park 42 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
+ 1 more in the list above
Dog-friendly state parks near Waterloo
- Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 38 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Waterloo
- George Wyth State Park 4 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 38 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Backbone State Park 42 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Waterloo
- George Wyth State Park 4 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Cedar Rock State Park 30 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Union Grove State Park 32 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 38 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Fishing near Waterloo
- George Wyth State Park 4 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi west · Fishing listed
- Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 38 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Volga River State Recreation Area 40 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Backbone State Park 42 mi east · Fishing listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Waterloo
What is the closest state park to Waterloo?
George Wyth State Park is the closest, about 4 miles northwest of Waterloo in a straight line. Next are Cedar Rock State Park and Union Grove State Park.
How many state parks are near Waterloo?
9 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Waterloo have camping?
7 parks list camping, the nearest being George Wyth State Park, Union Grove State Park and Pine Lake State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Waterloo?
Yes, at 1 park, including Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Waterloo?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Cedar Rapids, IA50 mi southeast
- Near Mason City, IA62 mi northwest
- Near Newton, IA65 mi southwest
- Near Iowa City, IA72 mi southeast
- Near Ames, IA72 mi southwest
- Near Dubuque, IA84 mi east
- Near Oskaloosa, IA84 mi south
- Near Austin, MN87 mi north
Or see all Iowa state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.