George Wyth State Park

4.25

18 reviews

3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, Iowa, 50703, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

883 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

883 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

George Wyth State Park

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 to $30 per night depending on the type of site chosen (electric or non-electric).

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 18 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

"User reviews highlight the park as a well-maintained and enjoyable camping destination, with the shaded campsites and trails being particularly appreciated. However, some negative experiences include occasional issues such as a strong sulfur odor in the water and heavy mosquito presence."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, Iowa, 50703, United States

George Wyth State Park

3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, Iowa, 50703, United States

Driving directionsLocated off of Hwy 218. Coming from the south follow Hwy 218 north and take Broadway Street/Waterloo Airport Exit and follow the signs. Coming from the north, follow Hwy 218 south and take the Broadway St./Waterloo Airport Exit, then turn right at the stoplight. The park is on the right. Coming from the west, take Hwy 20 east to Hwy 58 north, to Hwy 218 south, then take the Broadway St./Waterloo Airport exit, turn right at stoplight, and the park will be on the right. Coming from the east, take Hwy 20 west to Hwy 218 north, then take the Broadway St./Waterloo Airport exit and follow the signs.

The park is accessible via major highways (Hwy 20 and Hwy 218). Roads are paved and navigable year-round, with no seasonal closures noted.

Nearby places

Cedar Falls (less than 5 miles), Waterloo (less than 5 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, firewood, snacks, bait & tackle, and ice are available less than 1 mile away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at George Wyth State Park

Experience four distinct seasons that transform this park into an ever-changing canvas. Winter brings crisp, frosty mornings perfect for peaceful solitude, while summer welcomes you with warm days reaching the mid-80s – ideal for swimming and water activities. Spring awakens the landscape with gentle breezes and blooming wildflowers, while autumn paints the trails in brilliant golds and crimsons, accompanied by refreshing moderate winds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: swimming, boating and hiking most popular; reviewers most positive in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Trails and wooded areas offer good fall experiences; fewer facility notes but generally positive.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Trails and wildlife viewing return in spring though mosquitoes can be an issue in warm wet spells.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter good for snowshoeing/skiing per reviews but fewer amenities active.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, concessions operational from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

About George Wyth State Park

Discover your personal wilderness retreat at George Wyth Memorial State Park, where nature thrives just minutes from the city's edge. This remarkable urban wildlife sanctuary seamlessly blends the convenience of modern amenities with the tranquility of lakeside and riverside camping. Wander through miles of scenic trails, refresh in spotless restroom facilities, and experience how 'getting away from it all' doesn't require going far at all.

The park accommodates campers with electric and non-electric sites, offers options for primitive camping, and provides access to a day-use lodge for group events.

Historical SignificanceBeyond its natural beauty, George Wyth Memorial State Park pulses with athletic energy throughout the summer. Challenge yourself alongside hundreds of competitors at the exhilarating Accel Triathlon each July, or test your endurance on rugged terrain during the George Wyth Mountain Bike Race every August. These signature events have transformed the park into a premier destination for outdoor athletes and spectators alike.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons that transform this park into an ever-changing canvas. Winter brings crisp, frosty mornings perfect for peaceful solitude, while summer welcomes you with warm days reaching the mid-80s – ideal for swimming and water activities. Spring awakens the landscape with gentle breezes and blooming wildflowers, while autumn paints the trails in brilliant golds and crimsons, accompanied by refreshing moderate winds.

ElevationThe park's gentle terrain makes it accessible to adventurers of all abilities, with minimal elevation changes throughout the grounds.

Natural Features and SceneryFour distinct lakes create a water lover's paradise, each with its own personality and purpose. Feel the thrill of power-boating across Brinker Lake, cast your line in the peaceful no-wake waters of George Wyth Lake (which also offers refreshing swimming), explore the pristine natural oxbow of Fisher Lake as it curves alongside the Cedar River, or enjoy serene electric motor cruising on Alice Wyth Lake. This aquatic wonderland attracts over 200 bird species, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities where herons wade through shallows, eagles soar overhead, and countless other creatures call this sanctuary home.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Black Hawk County, this metropolitan oasis showcases Iowa's diverse natural heritage. Ancient oxbow lakes tell the story of the Cedar River's meandering past, while modern trails wind through varied ecosystems that prove wilderness and civilization can coexist beautifully. Here, urban convenience meets natural splendor in a unique geological tapestry of waterways, wetlands, and wooded havens.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day consecutive maximum stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is not stated.

Groups

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNo specific layout information available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for shelters and lodges can be made through an online system. Specific website for campsites is unclear.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific mention of walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not specified.

AccessibilityThe park offers universally accessible fishing piers and jetties. There is also handicap access to various facilities within the park.

Privacynull

Recommended SitesSeek primitive tent sites near the river for shade and proximity to water activities. Modern restroom facilities are well-maintained.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

George Wyth State Park provides a rich variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The trails at the park are connected to a larger trail system that runs for 100 miles, linking parks, lakes, and neighborhoods in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area. The park also offers unique water activities such as access to the Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail.

HikingThe park offers 3.5 miles of paved multi-purpose trails and 10 miles of soft trails. These trails are also linked to a 100-mile network of trails within the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area. Reviewers have described the trails as 'great for enjoying some fresh air connecting with nature.'

FishingFishing opportunities are available in the park's lakes and the Cedar River, with anglers trying their luck for crappie, bluegill, walleye, northern, bass, and channel catfish. There are boat ramps at each lake and three universally accessible jetties around George Wyth Lake.

SwimmingA beach on George Wyth Lake is one of the most popular swimming spots in the area. Wind surfing is also a popular activity here.

BikingThe park has 3.5 miles of paved trails that are great for biking. These trails connect to a larger 100-mile network of biking trails across the surrounding urban areas.

BoatingGeorge Wyth has four lakes: Brinker Lake (for power boating), George Wyth Lake (a 'no-wake' lake), Fisher Lake, and Alice Wyth Lake (electric motors only). Boat ramps are available at all lakes.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to a bird blind where over 200 bird species have been spotted, including rare species. Other wildlife can also be observed from this blind.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention strong sulfur smells near water and mosquitoes described as 'The Hunger Games outside.'

Weather at George Wyth State Park

Reviews

4.3

18 reviews

Satisfactory

George Wyth State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park as a well-maintained and enjoyable camping destination, with the shaded campsites and trails being particularly appreciated. However, some negative experiences include occasional issues such as a strong sulfur odor in the water and heavy mosquito presence.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, the accessible trails for walking and biking, and the camping options close to the river.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted a strong sulfur smell in the water and heavy mosquito activity. As one reviewer stated, 'The sulfur smell is so strong it made me gag,' and another described the mosquitoes as 'like...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring mosquito repellent, especially during the summer. Using the trails during early morning hours is recommended to avoid peak crowd times.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months receive the most positive feedback for activities like swimming and hiking, whereas winter is praised for snowshoeing and skiing. However, mosquito activity is a significant...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Enjoy camping here. I particularly enjoy the primitive tent sites close to the river.' - 'The walking/biking trails are great for enjoying some fresh air connecting with nature.' - 'The sulfur...

Based on 18 reviews