Big Woods Lake Campground, Cedar Falls, IA

Introduction / Overview

For Iowa locals seeking a serene and engaging outdoor experience, Big Woods Lake Campground in Cedar Falls, IA, offers a compelling option that blends natural beauty with practical amenities. Situated within a beautiful park setting, this campground is designed to provide a relaxed and quiet atmosphere, making it a favorite for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. While some aspects of the campground might prompt consideration, its overall appeal for a fulfilling camping trip remains strong, as evidenced by positive feedback highlighting it as one of the most enjoyable camping experiences for many. The campground caters to a variety of preferences, featuring a mix of reservation and first-come, first-serve sites, providing flexibility for spontaneous weekend trips or well-planned vacations. Its proximity to Big Woods Lake, literally a "stone's throw" from the campgrounds, is a major draw for fishing enthusiasts or those simply wishing to relax by the water. Beyond the lake, the park boasts beautiful trails that invite exploration, perfect for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run. Families with children will particularly appreciate unique features like the "Story Walk," which transforms a simple walk into an interactive reading adventure. Though there are considerations such as site characteristics and bathroom availability, the core offerings of hot showers, on-site dump station, and firewood sales ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Big Woods Lake Campground, managed by the City of Cedar Falls and Black Hawk Conservation Board, provides a refreshing escape where Iowans can immerse themselves in the outdoors, whether for a quick overnight stay or a longer family adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Big Woods Lake Campground is ideally located at 1501 E Lake St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA, offering excellent accessibility for Iowa residents. Situated in the northeast corner of Big Woods Lake, its position provides campers with immediate access to the lake and the surrounding natural area. This makes it a prime spot for water activities and enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors without venturing far from the conveniences of urban life. The campground is well-connected within the Cedar Falls-Waterloo metropolitan area. It's just a short drive from downtown Cedar Falls, known for its revitalized area with nice restaurants, unique shops, and entertainment options. This means campers can easily pop into town for supplies, a meal out, or to explore local attractions. Its proximity to Highway 218 also contributes to its ease of access, allowing for straightforward travel from other parts of Iowa, including cities like Waterloo (just 10 minutes away), Cedar Rapids (around 57 minutes), Iowa City (about 1 hour 18 minutes), and Ames (approximately 1 hour 26 minutes). The campground is bordered on the south side by the Cedar Valley Trail System, a network of over 100 miles of interconnecting hard-surface bike trails. This direct trail access is a significant advantage for cyclists and walkers, allowing them to explore the scenic surroundings right from their campsite. While there might be some highway noise due to its location, the overall accessibility to both natural recreation and urban amenities makes Big Woods Lake Campground a convenient and appealing choice for Iowans seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and city convenience.

Services Offered

RV Sites with Full Hookups: The campground offers 55 RV campsites, with most providing full hookups, including water (seasonal), electricity (30 & 50 amp), and sewer.
Non-Modern Camping Area: In addition to full hookup sites, there is a non-modern camping area, offering options for those who prefer a more rustic experience, with or without electricity.
Cabin Rentals: Big Woods Lake Campground offers various cabin options for those seeking a camping experience without an RV or tent. This includes one modern, two-bedroom cabin and two one-bedroom rustic cabins. The modern cabin is heated, air-conditioned, and includes a bathroom with a shower, an open-style kitchen/living room/dining room, and a covered patio with lake views.
Showers: There are communal showers available, noted for being hot and having personal stalls, which is a significant convenience for campers. However, these are combined with bathrooms, potentially leading to waits.
Restrooms: Bathrooms are available, but as noted, they are combined with showers, and some are a long distance from certain camp areas.
Dump Station: A dump station is conveniently located on site, allowing RV campers to dispose of wastewater.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is sold on site, ensuring campers have access to fuel for their campfires.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All campsites include the use of a picnic table and a fire ring, essential for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi): Wireless internet service is available throughout the campground, allowing guests to stay connected if needed.
Online Reservations: Some sites are reservable online, offering convenience for planning. Others are first-come, first-serve.

Features / Highlights

Beautiful Lake Access: The campground is situated right on Big Woods Lake, a 55-acre, no-wake lake, perfect for fishing (known for bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and yellow bass), kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing by the water. There is also a boat ramp and kayak launch.
Extensive Trail System: The campground is bordered by the Cedar Valley Trail System (over 100 miles of paved trails), including the 1.7-mile paved Big Woods Lake Trail that surrounds the lake. This offers excellent opportunities for walking, running, and biking.
Story Walk: A unique and engaging feature for families, the Story Walk involves books placed along a trail, encouraging kids to read and explore simultaneously.
Playground: A playground is conveniently located near the bathrooms, offering entertainment for children.
Mix of Site Types: Offers a blend of reservation and first-come, first-serve sites, providing flexibility for different planning styles.
Hot and Private Showers: Campers appreciate the availability of hot water and personal stalls in the shower facilities.
On-Site Essentials: The presence of a dump station and firewood sales on site adds significant convenience for campers.
Variety of Accommodation: From full hookup RV sites to rustic and modern cabins, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences.
Relaxed and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite some minor concerns, the overall environment is described as relaxed and quiet, contributing to an enjoyable camping trip.
Disc Golf: The broader Big Woods Lake Recreation Area includes an 18-hole disc golf course.
Fishing Jetty: An accessible fishing dock/jetty is available for anglers.

Promotions or Special Offers

While direct, specific promotions for Big Woods Lake Campground aren't always broadly advertised in casual reviews, as part of the City of Cedar Falls and Black Hawk Conservation Board, it's common for such public campgrounds to offer seasonal rates or standard discounts. Iowa residents interested in camping here should directly contact the Black Hawk County Conservation Office for the most up-to-date information on any available deals. It is known that weekly and monthly discounts are often available for RV sites, which can be a significant saving for those planning longer stays. For instance, booking 7 nights typically results in a weekly discount, and 28-30 nights for a monthly discount. Additionally, some cabins may also have specific booking offers, especially during off-peak seasons. Given that the campground offers a mix of reservation and first-come, first-serve sites, while not a "promotion," the first-come, first-serve option itself can be a cost-effective choice for spontaneous travelers. It is also worth checking if they offer any specific rates for Iowa residents, seniors, or military personnel, as these are common at publicly managed parks. The best way to inquire about any current promotions, package deals for cabins, or discounts for extended stays is to call the campground's main contact number. Keep an eye on the official websites of the City of Cedar Falls Parks & Recreation or Black Hawk County Conservation Board, as they would be the primary channels for announcing any special offers or booking incentives for Big Woods Lake Campground. Planning your trip directly with them ensures you receive the most accurate information.

Contact Information

To learn more about Big Woods Lake Campground, check availability, or make a reservation for your Iowa outdoor adventure, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1501 E Lake St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA

Phone: (319) 433-7275

Mobile Phone: +1 319-433-7275

For more detailed information regarding campground reservations, it is recommended to contact the Black Hawk County Conservation Office directly, as they manage the bookings and can provide the most precise information on site availability, cabin rentals, and current rates. Direct communication is the most effective way to plan your enjoyable trip to Big Woods Lake Campground.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Iowa locals, Big Woods Lake Campground offers an incredibly suitable and accessible escape into nature without the need for extensive travel. Its prime location in Cedar Falls ensures that residents from across the state can reach it with relative ease, making it perfect for both quick weekend getaways and longer family vacations. The direct access to Big Woods Lake, a no-wake lake ideal for fishing, kayaking, and relaxation, provides a built-in recreational hub right at your campsite. This is particularly appealing for Iowans seeking water activities during the warmer months. Furthermore, the seamless integration with the Cedar Valley Trail System means that outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy miles of paved trails for biking and walking right from their site, promoting an active lifestyle. Families will find the Story Walk and playground to be delightful additions, fostering engaging and memorable experiences for children. While some minor points like site characteristics or shared bathroom facilities exist, these are often offset by the overall peaceful atmosphere, the convenience of on-site amenities like hot showers, firewood, and a dump station, and the friendly overall environment. The option for both reservation and first-come, first-serve sites also caters to different planning styles, providing flexibility for local campers. Big Woods Lake Campground embodies the accessible outdoor recreation that Iowa is known for, offering a relaxing, active, and family-friendly environment that encourages residents to embrace the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available right in their own backyard.