North Cedar Park

For Iowans seeking a peaceful escape into nature without venturing too far from home, county parks often provide the perfect solution. These hidden gems offer a chance to connect with the outdoors, enjoy simple pleasures, and create lasting memories with family and friends. In the charming area of Plainfield, Iowa, you’ll find North Cedar Park, a welcoming county campground that offers a serene setting right by the Cedar River, making it an ideal spot for your next local camping adventure.

North Cedar Park is a Bremer County Park located near Plainfield, Iowa, offering a clean, well-maintained, and peaceful campground experience. This park is particularly favored by those who enjoy river activities, as it provides direct access to the Cedar River, making it a "nice place to stay if you're canoeing or kayaking." Operated as a county park, it prioritizes providing essential amenities and a comfortable environment for campers, whether they are in an RV, a tent, or just visiting for the day. Reviews consistently highlight the park's cleanliness, tranquility, and the helpfulness of the staff or camp host, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. It's designed for those who appreciate nature's simplicity combined with convenient facilities, offering an affordable getaway right in Iowa.

The park's focus is on delivering a quality outdoor experience that emphasizes natural beauty and accessibility to recreational opportunities, rather than high-end resort amenities. This makes it a popular choice for Iowans looking for a genuine camping experience with reliable facilities.

North Cedar Park is conveniently located at 299-255 140th St, Plainfield, IA 50666, USA. While the precise street number might vary slightly in some listings (e.g., 1163 140th St.), it is consistently positioned in a peaceful setting just east of the town of Plainfield, not far off Highway 218. This location offers the best of both worlds: a quiet, natural environment along the Cedar River, yet still accessible to local services in Plainfield.

The park's proximity to the Cedar River is a major draw, offering direct access for water-based activities. For those traveling by road, its location near major routes makes it easily reachable from various parts of Iowa. Plainfield, while a smaller community, provides essential local amenities, meaning campers can quickly resupply or find necessities if needed. This accessibility ensures a hassle-free journey to a tranquil outdoor retreat, allowing Iowa locals to maximize their time enjoying nature.

North Cedar Park, as a well-regarded county campground, offers a range of essential services and amenities for a comfortable camping experience:

• Campsites (Electric & Non-Electric): The campground provides both electric sites and non-electric (primitive) sites to cater to different camping preferences. Electric sites typically offer 20 and 30 amp service, suitable for RVs and trailers. Reviewers mention electric sites being $15/night and non-electric at $10/night.

• Modern Bath/Shower House: A significant highlight consistently praised by visitors is the "modern bath/shower house onsite." These facilities are noted for being "very clean," providing hot showers and flush toilets, which is a major comfort for campers.

• Camp Host On-Site: The presence of a "camp host onsite during my visit" ensures that there is always a point of contact for assistance, questions, or emergencies, contributing to a sense of security and helpfulness within the park.

• Cedar River Access: The park features a "concrete boat ramp for access to the Cedar River," making it highly convenient for those wishing to canoe, kayak, or fish directly from the campground.

• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Standard at most campsites, these amenities allow campers to enjoy outdoor meals and traditional campfires.

• Drinking Water: While specific details aren't explicit for every site, a water hydrant is typically available for filling tanks, ensuring access to fresh drinking water.

• Dump Station: For RV campers, a sanitary dump station is available for waste disposal, a crucial service for longer stays.

• Spacious Sites: Reviewers mention that "Sites are generously sized," providing ample room between lots for privacy and comfort.

• Well-Maintained Grounds: Consistent feedback indicates that "The grounds are so well kept" and "Grounds are well maintained," reflecting the care taken by the county park system.

North Cedar Park in Plainfield, Iowa, stands out for several key features that make it a compelling choice for Iowa locals seeking an authentic and enjoyable camping experience:

• Riverside Location & Water Access: Its prime position right on the Cedar River with a concrete boat ramp is a significant highlight, especially for those interested in "canoeing or kayaking on the Cedar River." This offers immediate access to fishing and paddling adventures.

• Modern & Clean Facilities: The "modern bath/shower house" being "very clean" is consistently praised by campers, significantly enhancing the comfort of a camping trip. This attention to hygiene is a major draw.

• Affordable Rates: With electric sites at $15/night and non-electric at $10/night, North Cedar Park offers very competitive and "Affordable priced for all" rates, making quality outdoor recreation accessible to more Iowans.

• Friendly and Helpful Camp Host/Staff: The presence of a camp host and general feedback about "friendly and helpful staff" ensures a welcoming and supportive environment, enhancing the overall camping experience.

• Peaceful & Well-Maintained Environment: Reviews describe the park as "lovely and peaceful" and "very clean and nice park," emphasizing the tranquility and care taken in maintaining the grounds. This creates a relaxing atmosphere for campers.

• Spacious Sites with Natural Ambiance: Campers appreciate the "generously sized" sites with "plenty of trees," providing a sense of privacy and natural beauty that enhances the outdoor feel.

• Ideal for a Quick Getaway: Its size and focus on essential amenities make it perfect for a weekend trip or a longer, serene stay, especially for those who enjoy being immersed in nature without excessive distractions.

As a county park campground, North Cedar Park typically operates on a set fee structure rather than offering frequent, fluctuating promotions or special offers like commercial campgrounds. The consistent "Affordable priced for all" rates are a form of ongoing value.

Based on the available information, the key "offers" are their straightforward and budget-friendly nightly rates:

• Electric Sites: Approximately $15 per night.

• Non-Electric Sites: Approximately $10 per night.

These rates represent excellent value for the amenities provided, especially the modern bath/shower facilities and river access. Unlike many larger campgrounds, North Cedar Park is likely operated on a first-come, first-served basis for campsites, which means there might not be a reservation system for individual sites (though it's always best to verify directly).

For the most current information on pricing, availability, and any specific park rules or guidelines, Iowa residents are encouraged to directly contact Bremer County Conservation, which manages North Cedar Park.

To plan your visit or inquire further about North Cedar Park, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 299-255 140th St, Plainfield, IA 50666, USA (Note: Some listings show 1163 140th St, Plainfield, IA, which appears to be the main entrance/office area.)

Phone for Bremer County Conservation: (319) 882-4742 (This is the primary number for Bremer County Parks, including North Cedar Park).

It is always advisable to call ahead, especially if you have specific questions about site availability, amenities, or any local conditions before your visit.

For Iowa residents seeking a genuine and affordable outdoor experience, North Cedar Park in Plainfield is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its appeal lies in its perfect blend of natural beauty, essential modern amenities, and welcoming county park management.

The park's riverside location on the Cedar River, complete with a convenient boat ramp, makes it a prime spot for local canoeists, kayakers, and anglers. This direct access to water recreation is a significant draw for those who love to spend time on Iowa's waterways. Furthermore, the commitment to cleanliness, particularly evident in the "modern bath/shower house," ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay, elevating the typical county park experience.

The affordability of the campsites, coupled with the "friendly and helpful staff" or camp host, makes North Cedar Park a highly accessible and inviting option for all types of campers, from individuals to families. It offers a tranquil escape from daily routines, allowing Iowans to reconnect with nature in a peaceful, well-maintained environment. Whether you're planning a quick weekend trip or a longer, relaxing stay, North Cedar Park truly embodies the charm and accessibility of Iowa's beautiful county parks, making it a highly recommended choice for your next local adventure.