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Welcome to Hidden Valley Campground!
Hidden Valley Campground is a quiet, family owned campground located 1 mile east of Vinton on the Cedar River since 1966. We offer RV and tent sites, a convenient boat ramp, and a great view of the river. Sites are reservation only, so give Matt a call at (319) 241-1410 when you’re ready to book your spot.
Pop a Tent
The simple life! Electric & water or primitive sites available. Clean, portable restrooms provided.
Park Your Camper
Electric and water at your site so you can park, set up and settle in.
Float Your Boat
Private boat ramp for campers. Call ahead for a Kayak River Report.
Open
May 1st - October 1st
7 Days a Week
What You'll Find Here
– Sounds of wildlife, playing children,
campfire crackles & casual conversation.
– Outdoor theater of stars.
– Courteous & friendly neighbors.
– Family friendly & respectful.
– Monitored gate that closes at night.
– Carry in/carry out trash policy.
– Well maintained grounds & campsites.
20-30-50
amp Electric
Water
Dump Station
Clean Portable Restrooms
Boat Ramp
Green Space for Play
Single & Group Campsites
Things To Do
Hidden Valley Campground is nestled in a beautiful river valley one mile East of Vinton, right on the Cedar River. You can choose to stay put and relax in nature or go into town for some urban adventures.
Fishing
By boat or bank, you’re bound to catch something as the Cedar sports species like catfish, walleye, bass, carp, turtle, and more.
Wildlife
There are many opportunities to catch a glimpse or hear any of the turkey, deer, fox, mink, otter, songbirds, waterfowl, or owls that call Hidden Valley home.
Green Space
Large open areas for playing a game with the kids or the dogs! At night when the stars are out, grab a chair and enjoy our outdoor IMAX theater!
Adventures
You’ll find tons of adventures to fill your time in Vinton, such as:
– Splash Pad
– Trails
– Movies
– Mini Golf
– Rollerskating
– Local Events
Going to Town
Whether you’re thinking of a longer stay or forgot something, Vinton has you covered with options for:
– Shopping
– Restaurants
– Grocery
– Pharmacy
– Bait Shop
What's in Vinton?
There’s certainly no shortage of things to do and places to go in the city of Vinton. Check out our full list of local businesses and events below.
Our Roots
Hidden Valley Campground began in 1966 by the sweat equity and ingenuity of Meg & Ruth Dulin. They reshaped parts of the family farm, and turned river bottom and timbers into a place where families and friends could come to make lasting memories for generations. By the 1970’s business was booming with over 100 campsites sprawled over 40 acres of lush river bottom with lots of room to play and a fantastic view.
Around 1975, an old open air cattle shed was converted into a Lodge that hosted many potlucks, parties, and live bands to dance to. The Johnny Ketelsen Band was a regular at making feet shuffle.
As time marched on, traffic from the main highway through town dropped off sharply as the interstate system was built, re-routing north and south traffic around Vinton, camping hit a lull through the 1990’s into the new century. In 2008 the worst flood on record in Vinton left behind quite a mess, and as we said goodbye to Meg the next year, the torch was officially passed to the next generation, Matt, the youngest son.
In 2009, Matt & Angie Dulin started their journey of sweat equity and ingenuity with the campground and we’re still at it despite 2011….
July 11, 2011, just 2 years after Meg & Ruth passed the torch, a violent derecho shredded trees and homes in Vinton and surrounding areas. The damage was extensive. After 3 days of cleaning out debris to get into the campground, everything, and we mean everything, was damaged or destroyed.
Since the derecho of 2011, we have been able to update electric and water lines, remodel campsites for the modern size of campers, add a dump station, start building a playground, and start to rebuild the lodge, with so much more yet to come! It’s amazing how one storm can change the course of your dreams… so we used that wind to fill our sails and head in a new direction! More than a decade later, we are still just as excited to keep the campground growing and creating countless memories.
Hidden Valley has been helping families make memories since 1966, and we invite you to come make yours!
Hidden Valley Campground began in 1966 by the sweat equity and ingenuity of Meg & Ruth Dulin. They reshaped parts of the family farm, and turned river bottom and timbers into a place where families and friends could come to make lasting memories for generations. By the 1970’s business was booming with over 100 campsites sprawled over 40 acres of lush river bottom with lots of room to play and a fantastic view.
Around 1975, an old open air cattle shed was converted into a Lodge that hosted many potlucks, parties, and live bands to dance to. The Johnny Ketelsen Band was a regular at making feet shuffle.
As time marched on, traffic from the main highway through town dropped off sharply as the interstate system was built, re-routing north and south traffic around Vinton, camping hit a lull through the 1990’s into the new century. In 2008 the worst flood on record in Vinton left behind quite a mess, and as we said goodbye to Meg the next year, the torch was officially passed to the next generation, Matt, the youngest son.
In 2009, Matt & Angie Dulin started their journey of sweat equity and ingenuity with the campground and we’re still at it despite 2011….
July 11, 2011, just 2 years after Meg & Ruth passed the torch, a violent derecho shredded trees and homes in Vinton and surrounding areas. The damage was extensive. After 3 days of cleaning out debris to get into the campground, everything, and we mean everything, was damaged or destroyed.
Since the derecho of 2011, we have been able to update electric and water lines, remodel campsites for the modern size of campers, add a dump station, start building a playground, and start to rebuild the lodge, with so much more yet to come! It’s amazing how one storm can change the course of your dreams… so we used that wind to fill our sails and head in a new direction! More than a decade later, we are still just as excited to keep the campground growing and creating countless memories.
Hidden Valley has been helping families make memories since 1966, and we invite you to come make yours!
Matt & Angie Dulin
Meg & Ruth Dulin
