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Little Bear Campground

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Little Bear Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (319) 627-2676

Address 1961 Garfield Ave, West Liberty, IA 52776, USA

Website https://www.facebook.com/LittleBearCampground/

Hours

Little Bear Campground Location & Map

IowaCedar CountyWest LibertyGarfield Avenue

Little Bear Campground About

Hello there, fellow Iowans and road-trippers! If you’re traveling through the heart of our beautiful state or simply looking for a quiet, convenient, and wonderfully welcoming place to park your RV or pitch your tent, then Little Bear Campground in West Liberty is an absolute must-consider. This hidden gem offers a delightful blend of accessibility and tranquility, making it an ideal stopover or a comfortable base for exploring eastern Iowa.

Little Bear Campground prides itself on being a clean, well-maintained, and friendly establishment. For those of us who appreciate a hassle-free camping experience, the consistent praise for their clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities is a significant highlight. The level, gravel sites are perfect for RVs of all sizes, ensuring an easy setup after a day on the road. What truly sets Little Bear apart, however, is the genuine hospitality. Visitors consistently mention the responsiveness and helpfulness of the staff, often specifically praising Mike, the friendly owner, who goes out of his way to ensure guests are well-settled and happy.

Whether you're making a last-minute reservation for a full hookup site or planning a longer stay to visit the surrounding attractions, Little Bear Campground offers a reasonable price point without compromising on quality or comfort. It’s a place where you can unwind, walk your dog in a spacious field, and enjoy the peace and quiet, even with the highway conveniently close by. It's truly a great find for anyone seeking a comfortable and friendly camping experience in Iowa.

Location and Accessibility

Little Bear Campground is strategically located at 1961 Garfield Ave, West Liberty, IA 52776, USA. Its most significant advantage for travelers and locals alike is its exceptional accessibility: it's situated "right off the highway," specifically just off I-80 at exit 259. This makes it an incredibly convenient stopover for those traversing the state, offering easy "off and easy on" access back to the interstate.

Despite its proximity to a major highway, reviewers consistently note that the campground remains "very quiet," with only a "little road noise from the highway." This allows campers to enjoy a peaceful retreat while still benefiting from the convenience of being near a main transportation artery. The campground is also reportedly right behind the West Liberty Travel Plaza BP truck stop, which offers fuel, including diesel lanes for large RVs and trucks. Some even note that the travel plaza has "great pizza," providing a convenient nearby food option.

Beyond being a perfect overnight stop, Little Bear Campground's location offers reasonable access to larger Iowa cities. It's approximately 21 minutes from Iowa City, making it a convenient base for visiting the University of Iowa, its museums, and diverse dining and shopping options. Coralville is about 18 miles away, and Davenport is also within a manageable driving distance (around 44 miles). This strategic positioning allows campers to enjoy a quiet stay while still having the option to explore urban attractions. Additionally, West Liberty itself offers some local conveniences, including a convenience store and even a "Taste of India" restaurant within walking distance, adding to the practicality of the location.

Services Offered
  • Full Hookup RV Sites: Offers numerous RV sites (reportedly 45) equipped with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric (30 Amp and 50 Amp available). Many are pull-through sites, accommodating big rigs up to 70 feet long.
  • Tent Sites: Dedicated tenting areas are available with 20-amp electricity and Wi-Fi access.
  • Cabin Rentals: Provides a few "cute little cabins" for rent, offering an alternative lodging option for those without an RV or tent.
  • Clean Restrooms & Showers: Features well-maintained bathrooms with hot showers, consistently praised for their cleanliness.
  • Laundry Facilities: An on-site laundry room with coin-operated washers and dryers is available for guest convenience.
  • Wi-Fi: Strong Wi-Fi is available throughout the park and at sites, supporting mobile devices and even streaming (e.g., Netflix).
  • Swimming Pool: A "sparkling clear pool" is available for relaxation and enjoyment during the warmer months (typically closed in the off-season).
  • Playground Area: A dedicated playground for children, providing a space for kids to play and explore.
  • Dump Station: On-site dump station for RV waste disposal.
  • Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase to enjoy campfires.
  • Pet-Friendly: The campground is dog-friendly, with a large field nearby suitable for walking pets.
  • Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Typically included at each campsite for outdoor dining and campfires.
  • RV Services: Offers on-site RV service, secure RV storage, and self-service/staffed RV wash facilities.
  • Onsite Rentals: While not explicitly detailed, the mention of "Onsite Rentals: 2" could refer to specific RVs or cabins for rent.
  • Game Room: Includes a game room with amenities like a pool table, ping pong, foosball, and table shuffleboard for indoor entertainment.
  • Owner Sponsored Outdoor Movie Nights: A unique recreational offering that harkens back to traditional camping experiences.
Features / Highlights
  • Convenient I-80 Access: Located directly off Interstate 80 (Exit 259), making it an ideal and easy-to-reach stop for travelers across Iowa.
  • Quiet & Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite highway proximity, the campground is noted for being "very quiet" and a "peaceful retreat," allowing for genuine relaxation.
  • Exceptional Cleanliness: Consistently praised by guests for its "clean and well maintained" grounds, and especially for its "sparkling clear pool" and "very clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Friendly & Helpful Staff: The owner, Mike, is frequently highlighted for being "very friendly and helpful," contributing significantly to a welcoming and positive guest experience.
  • Full Hookup & Big Rig Friendly: Offers numerous level, gravel, pull-through sites with 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer, accommodating RVs of all sizes with ease.
  • Excellent Wi-Fi Connectivity: Provides strong Wi-Fi that supports mobile devices and even streaming services like Netflix, a highly valued amenity for modern campers.
  • Pet-Friendly with Space for Dogs: Welcomes dogs and offers a large adjacent field perfect for walking pets, a major plus for pet owners.
  • Family-Oriented Amenities: Features a swimming pool, playground, and even owner-sponsored outdoor movie nights, making it a great choice for families.
  • On-Site Entertainment: A game room with various activities provides indoor recreation options, especially useful during inclement weather.
  • Local Amenities Within Walking Distance: Proximity to a convenience store and a "Taste of India" restaurant adds to the convenience for campers.
  • Versatile Camping Options: Offers RV sites, tent sites, and cabins, catering to diverse preferences and needs.
Promotions or Special Offers

Little Bear Campground offers reasonable pricing for its sites and amenities, making it a budget-friendly option for many Iowans. While specific, ongoing "promotional codes" or seasonal discounts aren't extensively detailed in readily available public information, campgrounds like Little Bear often participate in popular discount clubs and may offer unadvertised deals.

Based on common practices in the RV park and campground industry, potential areas for special offers or discounts to inquire about directly include:

  • Discount Club Options: Little Bear Campground is listed as potentially participating in major discount clubs such as:
    • Good Sam Club: Members of Good Sam typically receive a percentage discount on nightly rates.
    • Passport America: This program often provides 50% off nightly rates at participating campgrounds.
    • Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts: While Little Bear Campground is not a Jellystone Park, some platforms list it in the context of other campground discount options. It's always worth asking if they have affiliations or honor similar programs.
  • Longer Stay Discounts: Campgrounds often offer reduced per-night rates for weekly or monthly stays compared to daily rates. If you plan a longer visit, be sure to inquire about these options.
  • Off-Season Rates: During shoulder seasons (e.g., early spring or late fall), campgrounds may offer lower rates due to reduced demand or fewer amenities being fully operational (like the pool). Little Bear is open from April 1 to November 1, providing a long season to potentially find varied rates.
  • Last-Minute Reservations: As one reviewer noted, they were "happy to find that the price was very reasonable for a full hookup site" for a last-minute reservation, suggesting good value even without explicit promotions.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, discount eligibility, and any current special offers, it is always best to contact Little Bear Campground directly using the phone numbers provided below. The friendly staff will be able to confirm pricing and any available deals that best suit your travel plans.

Contact Information

Ready to plan your next camping trip or convenient overnight stay at Little Bear Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch:

  • Address: 1961 Garfield Ave, West Liberty, IA 52776, USA
  • Phone: (319) 627-2676
  • Mobile Phone: +1 319-627-2676

Don't hesitate to give them a call to inquire about availability, specific site features, or any questions you may have about making your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The responsive and helpful staff are ready to assist you.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For us Iowans, Little Bear Campground in West Liberty offers an incredibly suitable and appealing option for a variety of camping needs. Whether you're embarking on a cross-state road trip, seeking a weekend getaway, or simply need a reliable and comfortable place to stay near home, this campground checks all the boxes.

Its primary suitability stems from its outstanding convenience. Being "right off the highway" (I-80) means it’s effortlessly accessible, saving precious travel time and making it a stress-free choice for a quick stopover or a base for exploring Eastern Iowa. Yet, despite this prime location, the consistent feedback about its "quiet" atmosphere ensures a peaceful night's rest, a crucial factor for many campers.

Beyond convenience, Little Bear Campground delivers on comfort and hospitality. The consistently praised cleanliness of its restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities ensures a pleasant experience, a detail highly valued by any seasoned camper. The very friendly and helpful staff, particularly the owner, creates a welcoming and supportive environment that reflects true Midwestern hospitality. Furthermore, for families, the swimming pool and playground offer great recreational outlets, while pet owners will appreciate the dog-friendly policy and nearby open fields. For any Iowan seeking a clean, convenient, affordable, and genuinely friendly camping experience, Little Bear Campground stands out as an excellent choice, promising a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Customer Reviews

4.0
283 reviews
K
Katherine Root
Apr 15, 2025

We stayed in our RV at Little Bear Campground with our dog. The spot was quiet (with a little road noise from the highway) and clean and dog friendly. There was a large field right next to the site to walk our dog. The staff was responsive and helpful. There was a Taste of India and a convenience store walking distance. Overall a great time!

J
J R
May 18, 2025

We called for a last minute reservation and we happy to find that the price was very reasonable for a full hookup site. Mike greeted us and was very friendly and helpful. The location was right off the highway yet was very quiet. The bathrooms, showers and laundry were clean and the site was level.

D
DR Tossey Family Adventures
May 06, 2025

I stayed at this campground twice. I made a trip to Colorado and I stayed there on the way there and on the way back home. Mike and his wife were very helpful and responsive. They even offered one of the little cabins due to some bad weather coming in. I was car camping and declined the offer and stayed in my car. Thanks for having place and being so accommodating.

L
Lindsay Fish
Apr 22, 2025

Wonderful hospitality! The hosts are great to work with and make this spot a stress free stay. Thank you for my wonderful last minute safe haven!

D
Diamond Family
May 17, 2025

Definitely worth the stop!! They were so kind to us! Thanks for letting us fill our water tank as we passed through!!!