Independence RV Park & Campground

For Iowans seeking a truly affordable, well-maintained, and friendly camping experience, Independence RV Park & Campground, located at 305 8th St SE in Independence, IA 50644, USA, stands out as an excellent choice. This city-run campground prides itself on offering basic yet comfortable amenities at an incredibly budget-friendly price point, making it a favorite for both short stays and longer getaways. Its prime location provides fantastic access to the scenic Wapsipinicon River, affectionately known as the "Wapsi," which is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

What truly sets Independence RV Park & Campground apart, beyond its affordability, is the dedication of its staff, particularly the highly praised camp host, Shar. Reviewers consistently describe Shar as "2nd to none," a "straight shooter," and someone who "goes out of her way to make sure your stay is pleasant." This personal touch ensures that even though it's a "basic campground," the atmosphere is welcoming, clean, and well-managed. While some might find its amenities simple, the emphasis here is on value, access to nature, and a genuinely pleasant experience, proving that a great camping trip doesn't have to break the bank. It's a testament to the City of Independence's commitment to providing accessible outdoor recreation for its residents and visitors.

Independence RV Park & Campground boasts an excellent and highly accessible location at 305 8th St SE, Independence, IA 50644, USA. Situated right within the charming city of Independence, this campground offers a unique blend of urban convenience and immediate access to natural beauty. Its position along Highway 150 ensures easy arrival for campers traveling by RV or car.

One of the campground's most significant advantages is its direct and convenient access to the Wapsipinicon River. This makes it an ideal base for Iowans looking to enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water. The river access is a recurring highlight in customer reviews, emphasizing how easy it is to enjoy the "Wapsi" from this location.

Being located "right in town" means campers are just a stone's throw away from Independence's local amenities. This includes various dining options, a grocery store, and other essential services, providing a significant convenience that many more secluded campgrounds lack. While there might be some "traffic sounds during the day" due to its in-town location, reviewers note that it "quiets down at night," allowing for a peaceful sleep.

For Iowans traveling from larger metropolitan areas, Independence is readily accessible. From Cedar Rapids, it's roughly a 45-minute drive northwest. From Waterloo, it's about a 30-minute drive southeast. Even from Des Moines, the state capital, the journey is manageable, typically around 2 hours and 15 minutes northeast. This ease of access, combined with its in-town location and river proximity, makes Independence RV Park & Campground a highly convenient and desirable choice for a quick getaway or an extended stay for Iowa residents.

• RV Sites with Full Hookups: The campground offers RV sites with full hookups, which include 50 Amp electric service (some older reviews mention 30 Amp/50 Amp, current city website lists 50 Amp). Water and sewer hookups are also available at these sites. There are 42 full hookup sites in total, with some being pull-through (6 sites, 20x65 ft) and others back-in (20x55 ft).
• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are available for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience.
• Restrooms (Vault Toilet) & Showers: While some reviews mention "vault toilets," newer information indicates a shower house is available "in the ON season." For the off-season, showers are available for use at the Falcon Center in town, which is a notable perk.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available, though it's important to note that "WATER IS TURNED OFF FOR THE WINTER MONTHS" (typically December 1st to April 1st), reflecting a seasonal operation for water services.
• Fire Rings & Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Free WiFi: The campground offers free WiFi at 50 Amp sites, allowing campers to stay connected.
• Dump Station: While not explicitly detailed, campgrounds with full hookups typically have a dump station for convenience.
• Campground Host: A dedicated campground host (Shar) is on-site, providing excellent customer service, assistance, and ensuring the park is well-maintained.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at the campground, allowing campers to bring their furry companions along (leash rules apply).
• Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, some larger RV parks often have laundry facilities; it's advisable to confirm directly if this is a key need.
• Seasonal Operation: The RV Campground season typically runs from April 1st to December 1st, meaning full water services and the shower house are operational during these months.

• Super Affordable Rates: One of the most frequently highlighted features is the campground's incredible affordability. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are offered, making it a budget-friendly option for all types of stays. For instance, 50 Amp sites are $35/day, $145/week, or $385/month, with even lower rates for seniors.
• Exceptional Campground Host (Shar): Reviewers consistently rave about the campground host, Shar, describing her as "2nd to none," "super understated," and someone who "goes out of her way to make sure your stay is pleasant." Her dedication to keeping the park clean and her helpfulness are major draws.
• Direct Access to the Wapsipinicon River: The campground boasts "great access to the Wapsi River," making it an ideal spot for fishing (a license is required for ages 16+), kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying the riverside atmosphere.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Park: Despite being a "basic campground," the cleanliness of the park is frequently praised, thanks in large part to the efforts of the city and the camp host.
• In-Town Convenience: Being located within the city of Independence, campers have easy access to local amenities like shops, restaurants, and other services, providing the best of both worlds – nature and urban convenience.
• Variety of Sites: With 42 full hookup RV sites, including pull-through options up to 65 ft in length, and tent sites, the campground accommodates a wide range of camping setups.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere (with imagination!): While one reviewer noted it's "not a real kid friendly park" in terms of built-in amenities (beyond a swing set and slide), they also highlighted how their family used imagination to have "a blast" with activities like sack races and water balloon fights, indicating the park provides a good base for creating your own fun.
• Community Engagement: Being city-run, the campground often benefits from the city's broader park and recreation initiatives, which might include nearby events or access to local facilities like the Falcon Center.
• Long-Term Stay Options: The availability of weekly and monthly rates makes it an attractive option for those needing extended stays or looking for a seasonal home base in Eastern Iowa.

Independence RV Park & Campground, being a city-operated facility, structures its pricing to be inherently affordable rather than relying on complex promotional schemes. Their primary "offers" are built into their transparent and budget-friendly daily, weekly, and monthly rates.

• Super Affordable Daily Rates:
  • Tent Sites: $7.00 per night.
  • 50 Amp Regular WiFi Sites: $35.00 per night.
• Value-Driven Weekly Rates:
  • 50 Amp Regular WiFi Sites: $145.00 per week.
• Economical Monthly Rates:
  • 50 Amp Regular WiFi Sites: $385.00 per month.
• Senior Discounts: A notable "special offer" is the discounted rate for seniors (60 years & up), making camping even more accessible:
  • 50 Amp Senior WiFi Sites: $30.00 per night.
  • 50 Amp Senior WiFi Sites: $135.00 per week.
  • 50 Amp Senior WiFi Sites: $350.00 per month.
• Inherent Value of City-Run Park: The low cost combined with the benefits of a well-maintained park, direct river access, and the presence of a dedicated camp host like Shar, represent significant value for money that might be considered a perpetual "promotion" for budget-conscious Iowans.

While you won't typically find seasonal coupons or limited-time sales, the consistent affordability and the specific senior discounts are the key financial benefits of choosing Independence RV Park & Campground. For the most current rates and to confirm availability, especially during peak season, it is always recommended for Iowa locals to contact the campground directly or visit the City of Independence Parks & Recreation website for their most up-to-date RV Campground brochure.

For reservations, current availability, or any questions regarding Independence RV Park & Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: 305 8th St SE, Independence, IA 50644, USA

Phone: (319) 440-0472

Mobile Phone: +1 319-440-0472

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially if you are planning to stop by overnight or during busier periods, as spots can fill up. Reviewers specifically mention the helpfulness of the camp host, Shar, who can provide immediate assistance and accurate information regarding site availability and any specific needs you may have. For a detailed overview of rates and policies, visitors can also consult the "RV Campground Brochure" which is typically available through the City of Independence's official website under their Parks & Recreation section.

For Iowans seeking a convenient, affordable, and genuinely pleasant outdoor experience, Independence RV Park & Campground is an exceptionally suitable choice. Its core appeal lies in its "super affordable" rates, which make a camping getaway accessible to a wide range of budgets, a significant advantage for families and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors without overspending. This budget-friendly approach doesn't compromise on quality, as evidenced by consistent praise for the park's cleanliness and the outstanding dedication of its camp host, Shar. Her personal touch ensures that every stay is made as pleasant as possible, fostering a welcoming and well-managed environment that truly sets this city-run campground apart.

The campground's strategic location right in the heart of Independence offers the best of both worlds. Campers enjoy immediate and "great access to the Wapsi River" for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water, tapping into Iowa's natural beauty. Simultaneously, the in-town location means easy access to local amenities, shops, and restaurants, providing conveniences that are often missed at more remote campgrounds. This blend of nature and urban proximity makes it ideal for those who want to experience the tranquility of camping but also appreciate having town services within reach.

Whether it’s a quick weekend escape to fish the Wapsi, a longer family vacation exploring local attractions in Independence, or even an extended stay for work or family visits, the combination of affordability, a clean environment, excellent customer service, and prime river access makes Independence RV Park & Campground a top-tier choice for Iowa locals. It's a testament to how a city-managed facility can deliver immense value and a truly enjoyable experience.