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The best camping near Lake Macbride State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Macbride adventure.

100% (2 reviews)
100% (2 reviews)

Discover the natural charm of Lake Macbride State Park.  

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Community favorites near Lake Macbride State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Macbride State Park

98%
(563)

Draco Hill Nature Farm

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents75 acres ¡ West Branch, IA
Early Bird Special! Book an April camping trip and get another 20% off. A convenient 7 miles north of Interstate 80 but feels like an oasis away from it all. Enjoy nature in a private, wooded river valley setting. Go to sleep under the stars to the sound of frogs, cicadas, coyotes, deer and the rustling wind through the tallgrass prairie. Wake to an amazing sunrise over the river. Enjoy a hike through our 75 acres of rolling woodlands and prairie, picking berries, finding mushrooms, scaring up a turkey or pheasant in the brush or listening to the birds. (Pull out your Merlin app to see who's singing!) Play in the river or upland pond, cut cattails and prairie grasses for souvenirs and enjoy being unplugged for a while. Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace.
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$34
 / night
99%
(217)

Folk School Farm Stay

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres ¡ Oxford, IA
Come enjoy the natural beauty of a working farm! In our transition to agroforestry, wetland restoration and perennial ag, you'll find some great spaces to walk your dog, let your children run and learn about ecological conservation. The farm is also home to a flower cutting garden, a food forest garden, and a folk school. Guests are welcome to cut flowers for a donation, and enjoy the sheep, chickens and resident cat. The setting is also great for taking in sunrises, sunsets and star gazing. Come explore the landscape, book a farm tour or enjoy some studio space at Land Alliance Folk School.
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$40
 / night
100%
(131)

n*Everland Barnyard Camping

12 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Anamosa, IA
Learn more about this land: n*Everland Barnyard is an eccentric art installation space created from found, recycled, and repurposed building materials in the heart of Grant Wood Country in Jones County, Iowa. We are not a commercial campground. Firmly in the realm of Outsider Art, Gothic and rustic, Bob Kellogg has created a place unlike anywhere else in the world that represents freedom and inspires endless creativity. The land provides multiple camp sites for easy access to bike and walking trails taking visitors into town or through the Wapsipinicon State Park across the river from the property. Anamosa offers several restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses all within walking distance and less than a mile from our land. Kayak the Wapsi (we recommend a Matsell Bridge put in with a stop at the historic General Store Eatery in Stone City) and end only a mile away from your campsite at the Barnyard in Anamosa at the dam takeout. Visit the State Penitentiary Museum, hang out with the Barnyard chickens, hike our wooded trails, or simply unwind. This place is a magical retreat unlike anywhere else in the world. If you are seeking to disconnect from the world, find presence and live in the Now, this is the place for you.  There is a beautiful spring-fed water hole ideal for swimming in the state park, as well as access to the river from our property (although we do not recommend swimming in the river due to pollutants.)  Watching the sunset at the river is one of our absolutely favorite ways to end the day.  As of 2021, we have a newly constructed wood-fired pizza oven. Inquire upon booking about availability and pricing. You will not be disappointed, roasting any food and baking pizza in the outdoor oven is absolutely amazing!
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$55
 / night
100%
(27)

#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

11 sites ¡ Tents15 acres ¡ IA
3/8/24 The site is having some booking issues, if you can’t book a spot drop us a message and we will work with you. Are you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. To test out your camping skills and or for those who just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax. Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people? Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Very private and peaceful, perfect for those looking for some alone time or time with family/friends. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing! Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully. We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available. Day passes are the same as booking a sunbathing spot. Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Perfect little spot to float down the river to your camping spot. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill. Welcoming to all, we love to meet new people and let them share in the joy of bonding with nature freely.
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$20
 / night
98%
(27)

River Camp

3 sites ¡ RVs28 acres ¡ Iowa City, IA
Learn more about this land:Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
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$49
 / night
99%
(403)

Windy Goat Acres

6 sites ¡ Lodging15 acres ¡ Chelsea, IA
We love animals, plants, art, and outdoor recreation and love sharing these things with people! We found the perfect little plot for all of these things we love. Nature, art, animals, and lots of space! The hilly, lush land is also known as the Bohemie Alps and it's quite a beautiful area tucked away in Iowa.Visit with the llamas, goats, peacocks, potbelly pigs and the horses and hike around the property or stay in for a quiet stay with a good book and enjoy all the sights and sounds. Lots of extra 'add ons' to enhance the experience!Semi wooded property with hiking trails, hammocks, aerial silks, campfire pit. 5 mi away is Otter Creek Lake, a recreational park for fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. We have 2 kayaks available. So much to do! Also perfect to just relax, meditate, yoga, sleep...
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$65
 / night
100%
(11)

Rainbow's End Farm

3 sites ¡ Tents55 acres ¡ Lisbon, IA
Rainbows End Farm is a 55 acre property with a mix of pasture, field, forest, and creek bottom. Mown paths are maintained for exploring the landscape. The creek is spring-fed and has several spots for access and recreation. Campsites are located south of the house/barn. Each includes a fire ring, with wood provided.
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$25
 / night
100%
(12)

Blueberry Hill

1 site ¡ RV, Tent10 acres ¡ Oxford, IA
Welcome to our idyllic 10-acre historic farmstead in rural Johnson County, Iowa (about 8 miles west of Iowa City). We are a bookish, quiet couple with a 6-year-old daughter, 2 llamas, 12 chickens, 3 housecats, and 5-10 barn cats. In June and July, we open our farm to the public for U-pick organic blueberries. We're looking for Hipcampers who are respectful and clean.
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$50
 / night
100%
(61)

Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

2 sites ¡ Lodging4 acres ¡ Williamsburg, IA
We offer one private site on four acres, including a small pond*, beach, treehouse, trails and peace and quiet. In addition to the tipi, there are kayaks, canoe, fire ring, wood supply, cooking equipment, dutch ovens, hammock, and tables and chairs. Campers will need to bring sleeping bags and food. Dogs are welcome. There is a rustic restroom (outhouse), with an outdoor shower. Water and electricity are available at the restroom and campsite. In addition, Navigation Play-Williamsburg, provides outdoor play opportunities at the farm on a seasonal basis. If interested, find her on her facebook page or find her link on my website www.walkingstickadventurescom.com Our dream was to restore an old farmstead to prairie and woods, grow our own food, make some wine and create a wonderland for grandchildren. The tipi and pond campsite is our way of sharing our place. We love meeting new people, especially those that are looking for a new camping experience. *A short note as of January 2024- we have been experiencing a drought. Our pond is the highlight of activity during the summer. Presently it is half it's size, about 1/2 acre. This may affect how campers will use our site, ie kayaking, fishing, swimming, etc. Hopefully, we will have a rainy spring!
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$116
 / night

The best camping near Lake Macbride State Park guide

Overview

About

Nestled right on a big blue lake, Lake Macbride State Park boasts 2,180 acres of lush forest, grassy fields, and a handful of stellar camping spots. Outdoor enthusiasts of all walks will be pleased as punch to hear about all the activities you can get up to at Lake Macbride. We’re talking hiking, fishing, boating, and much, much more. Lake Macbride is particularly well-known for being a prime fishing spot—cast a line and try your hand at fishing for catfish, muskies, and spotted bass. Even in the winter this popular state park has got a heck of a lot to offer, featuring everything from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, to winter camping. Stop by, camp under the stars, and soak up that nature goodness.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Macbride State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer brings warm temperatures perfect for water activities, though it can be quite busy. Winters are less crowded but can be cold, so dress accordingly if you plan a visit during this season.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and dress in layers to accommodate changing conditions.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 6am to 10:30pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions before your trip.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
  • Take advantage of the available facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas, for a comfortable visit.

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