RV Parks In Independence, Iowa
42.4686° N, 91.8893° W
Quick Overview
Independence is the county seat of Buchanan County, sitting along the Wapsipinicon River in northeast Iowa. With about 6,000 residents, it's large enough to have solid services but small enough that you won't deal with traffic hassles navigating your rig through town. The area has several RV park listings, with some offering free access. RV parks in the Independence area cater to a mix of river recreation enthusiasts and travelers moving through on US Highway 20 or Highway 150. The Wapsipinicon River is a real asset here -- it's a popular paddling and fishing river that winds through scenic wooded bluffs. Most parks offer standard hookups and can handle mid-size to large rigs comfortably. The town has a charming downtown district and hosts the Wapsipinicon Mill, a restored flour mill that's worth a quick visit. If you're looking for a base to explore the rivers and trails of northeast Iowa without the tourist-town markup, Independence fits the bill. Review the current listings below for availability and site details. Buchanan County sits in the transition zone between the flat Iowa prairie and the more rugged Driftless Area to the east, giving the landscape around Independence a pleasantly varied character. The town has invested in its downtown and park systems in recent years, creating a welcoming environment for visitors. For RVers who enjoy water-based recreation, the Wapsipinicon is one of Iowa better paddling rivers with good access points and a scenic corridor of wooded bluffs.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Independence
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All Dump Stations Near Independence
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence RV Park & Campground | 0.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Morwood Campground & Resort | 7.1 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Fontana Park Campground | 9.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Fontana County Park | 9.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hazleton Mobile Home Park | 10.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lime Creek County Park | 10.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Jakway Forest Campground | 11.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Oelwein City Park | 12.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lakeshore RV Resort & Campground | 12.4 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Lakeshore RV Resort & Campground | 12.5 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
Independence RV Park & Campground
0.5 miMorwood Campground & Resort
7.1 miFontana Park Campground
9.4 miFontana County Park
9.4 miHazleton Mobile Home Park
10.2 miLime Creek County Park
10.8 miJakway Forest Campground
11.8 miOelwein City Park
12.3 miLakeshore RV Resort & Campground
12.4 miLakeshore RV Resort & Campground
12.5 miTraveling to Independence by RV
US Highway 20 runs east-west just south of Independence, providing a direct connection to Waterloo (about 30 miles west) and Dubuque (about 60 miles east). Highway 150 runs north-south through town. If you're coming from I-380, take Highway 20 east from the Waterloo area. The four-lane stretch of Highway 20 handles big rigs well, though Highway 150 is a two-lane road where you'll encounter slower farm equipment seasonally. Diesel fuel is available at Casey's and other stations in town. For major supplies, Waterloo has Walmart, Menards, and full-service RV dealers. Independence itself has a Hy-Vee and several smaller stores for day-to-day needs.
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Dump Station Costs in Independence
Camping near Independence is reasonably priced for northeast Iowa. Of the available parks, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a fee. Paid sites typically range from $20 to $35 per night, with full hookups at the upper end and electric-only spots on the lower end. State park campgrounds in the area offer electric sites for around $16 to $21, which is excellent value given the scenic settings. Weekly rates are sometimes available at private parks. If you're comparing costs, camping in Independence is notably cheaper than parks closer to Waterloo or the Cedar Valley metro area while still keeping those services within a 30-minute drive.
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What RVers Are Saying About Independence
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Best Time to Visit Independence by RV
Winter
Dec - Feb
5-28°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close for winter as Buchanan County sees significant snowfall and sustained freezing temperatures from December through February.
Spring
Mar - May
32-68°F
Crowds: Low
Spring brings high water on the Wapsipinicon River which is great for kayaking, though some riverside sites may be muddy or temporarily closed.
Summer
Jun - Aug
62-88°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak season for river recreation with warm water temperatures perfect for canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the Wapsipinicon.
Fall
Sep - Nov
32-68°F
Crowds: Low
Fall color along the Wapsipinicon River bluffs is excellent, and the cooler weather makes hiking more enjoyable without the summer humidity.
Explore the Independence Area
The Wapsipinicon River is the highlight for outdoor enthusiasts -- bring a canoe or kayak if you have one, as the stretch through Buchanan County is scenic and swimmable in summer. Wapsipinicon State Park is nearby and offers hiking trails through limestone bluffs and caves that kids love exploring. The historic Wapsipinicon Mill downtown is interesting for a quick walkthrough and has some local artisan products for sale. For dining, Independence has a few solid local restaurants along the main drag. Fill up your water tank and grab propane at the co-op before heading to more remote camping spots along the river. If you're here in mid-summer, the county fair is a classic Iowa experience with livestock shows, rides, and carnival food.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Independence
Where can I find RV parks in Independence, Iowa?
Independence has {{stationCount}} RV park listings in our directory. Parks are located in and around town along the Wapsipinicon River corridor, with additional options available at nearby state parks.
What outdoor activities are near Independence for RVers?
The Wapsipinicon River is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Wapsipinicon State Park offers hiking through limestone bluffs and caves, and the town hosts seasonal events including a county fair in summer.
How much does RV camping cost in Independence?
Paid RV parks near Independence typically charge $20 to $35 per night. State park campgrounds in the area offer electric sites for $16 to $21 per night, providing great value with scenic riverside settings.
Is Independence close to major Iowa cities?
Yes, Waterloo is about 30 miles west on US Highway 20, giving you access to major shopping, RV services, and other metro amenities. Dubuque is about 60 miles east along the same highway.
Where can I find RV parks in Independence, Iowa?
Independence has {{stationCount}} RV park listings in our directory. Parks are located in and around town along the Wapsipinicon River corridor, with additional options available at nearby state parks.
What outdoor activities are near Independence for RVers?
The Wapsipinicon River is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Wapsipinicon State Park offers hiking through limestone bluffs and caves, and the town hosts seasonal events including a county fair in summer.
How much does RV camping cost in Independence?
Paid RV parks near Independence typically charge $20 to $35 per night. State park campgrounds in the area offer electric sites for $16 to $21 per night, providing great value with scenic riverside settings.
Is Independence close to major Iowa cities?
Yes, Waterloo is about 30 miles west on US Highway 20, giving you access to major shopping, RV services, and other metro amenities. Dubuque is about 60 miles east along the same highway.
Are there free dump stations in Independence?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Independence.
All Dump Stations Near Independence (112)
RV ParkIndependence RV Park & Campground
RV Park with Dump StationsMorwood Campground & Resort
RV ParkFontana Park Campground
RV ParkFontana County Park
RV ParkHazleton Mobile Home Park
RV ParkLime Creek County Park
RV ParkOelwein City Park
RV Park with Dump StationsLakeshore RV Resort & Campground
RV Park with Dump StationsLakeshore RV Resort & Campground
RV Park