Wapsipinicon Campground

The Great Outdoors

For an easy immersion into nature, you can stroll just outside of the campground and straight into the Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa. There are a few hiking trails leading through the forest along the Wapsi River and toward the unique limestone bluffs and formations, so there’s plenty of exploring to partake in at this little gem. For something truly unusual in Iowa, you can visit the caves. The Horse Thief Cave is rumored to have been the hiding spot of several historic horse thieves in the area, and the Ice Cave is known for its peculiarly chilling air. If you feel like taking in the fresh air in a slightly different way, you can enjoy a game of golf on the park’s nine-hole course.A short drive northwest of the RV campground is the Matsell Bridge Natural Area near Springville, Iowa. Just shy of 2,000 acres, Matsell Bridge encompasses several different Iowan habitats and ecosystems all within one park. You can enjoy a leisurely hike through the various sections of the park or secure a canoe or kayak and head down the Wapsi River. Another positive of the river is the abundance of fish, such as catfish, smallmouth bass, and walleye, just waiting for an angler to test their luck. If you’re traveling to Iowa in the winter, you can still enjoy the 12.5 miles of hiking trails because they transform into cross-country skiing trails when the snow starts to fly.With some gently rolling hills and Wapsi River views, the Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City gives you a real sense of the variety of Iowa. You can climb to the top of the observation tower and, on a clear day, can see for miles around. If you’re traveling in the summer, you can rent a boat from the on-site boathouse and enjoy the scenic views of the Wapsi from a different perspective.

Explore the City

For all lovers of "hogs," the open road, and Americana, a trip to the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa is a great step into history. Here, you can learn about the beginnings of the bicycle and evolution to the motorbike and motorcycle, view temporary exhibits, and even attend a variety of events hosted by the museum. You can also try your luck and enter the contest to win a motorcycle.Campers looking for something a little more reserved can head to the Grant Wood Art Gallery in downtown Anamosa for a great afternoon trip. The gallery is entirely devoted to Grant Wood, arguably Iowa’s most famous artist. You can also learn more about the historical sections of the town while touring this excellent site.Just a short drive east of town is the Edinburgh Pioneer Village. Here, you can learn about the pioneer beginnings of the Great Plains. You can wander around historic buildings, such as a log cabin, the schoolhouse, and the church. You can also learn even more at the on-site museum, which features historical photographs, preserved furniture, and important documents.When enjoying your adventure with a camper rental in Anamosa, you might need to restock and refuel to keep things moving smoothly. There are a couple of grocery store and gas station options just north of the park in Anamosa.While you may immediately think of corn when you think of the Midwest, Iowa has its own comfort food that’s sure to delight at the end of a day of exploring. Find the local diner and sit down to a hot breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.