Forest camping around Aledo means waking up under dense canopy, hearing owls at night, and spotting fox tracks on early-morning walks. You’ll find over 440 forest campsites here, most with showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Nightly rates average $34, but you can pitch a tent for as little as $25. Wildlife-watching is a given—keep your binoculars handy for deer and songbirds. In summer, local rivers draw swimmers; come winter, there’s fresh snow for sledding or cross-country treks. Tried-and-true spots include Draco Hill Nature Farm (316 reviews), River Camp (37 reviews), and Whispering Pines Events & Lodging (6 reviews). Take your pick and settle in—Aledo’s forests don’t disappoint.

96% (413) • 447 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Aledo

Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

1. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

98%

(30)

38mi from Aledo · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Draco Hill Nature Farm

2. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%

(707)

46mi from Aledo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

THANK YOU to all our guests who enjoyed Draco Hill Nature Farm, were considerate to one another and who left their sites as clean as they found them in 2025. Hipcampers Rock! We'll see you in 2026. Book in mid-June or October and catch our Community Potluck or Chestnut Festival. Come any time for privacy at your site or a hike trails. Take a dip in the pond if you dare! Learn more and see interactive map at dracohill.org 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. And check out our extras! -- Fatwood for starting fires easily -- Up to 3 extra bundles of firewood -- A 7-person tent -- A Coleman stove, matches and tank of fuel -- A personal tour of the exotic fruits and nuts and ecological restoration we're growing here. NO generators please. Campers like to 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 4 miles of trails on 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. This is "socks and shoes, jeans and boots" kind of camping. You're visiting wild places and a working perennial farm, so please dress appropriately for your optimal enjoyment. If you go off trails and other mowed places, you increase your chances of contact with poison ivy, wild parsnip and ticks. Please research these ahead of time and be prepared. We live here and encounter them frequently without more than a slight inconvenience.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

River Camp

3. River Camp

99%

(45)

50mi from Aledo · 1 site

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.

Pets

Full hookups

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

4. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

Park 31mi from Aledo · 152 sites

Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Wildcat Den State Park

5. Wildcat Den State Park

100%

(1)

State park 20mi from Aledo · 28 sites

Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.

Pets

Toilets

1951 Dream

6. 1951 Dream

80%

(5)

24mi from Aledo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. It is a working farm which naturally takes people, but it is unlikely you will encounter any other campers. Please keep in mind, the only running water is the creek and the only electricity comes from a single solar panel. We truck water in for showers and provide enough port-a-potties to match the event.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Well Within Farm Sanctuary

7. Well Within Farm Sanctuary

355mi from Aledo · 1 site

Well Within Farm Sanctuary is a forested 10 acres located minutes from hiking, biking, fishing and beautiful Traverse City, MI. Nestled 1/4 mile back from a main road but, only five minutes from The Village of Kingsley, MI with grocery store, gas station, brewery, shops, library, splash park, restaurants and more! You will stay at a rustic campsite with room for a tent or small RV. Recently we have added a 25 ft by 12 foot camping cabin. We provide one queen size air mattress and linens including pillows, sheets and a quilt. There is a private solar shower at each campsite. We do provide a clean well maintained port o potty for use.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Geode State Park

8. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

State park 42mi from Aledo · 168 sites

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

9. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

State park 45mi from Aledo · 97 sites

There’s nothing quite like a day outdoors, are we right or are we right!? For an exceptional day outdoors, head out to Johnson-Sauk Trail Recreation Area. Don’t let the name trip you up, it’s all smooth sailing when you’re on the lake or take to the trails. Visit the Ryan’s Round Barn for a look at a historic and...interesting take on barn architecture. Swing by any day of the year, winter or summer. Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh air.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Forest camping around Aledo means waking up under dense canopy, hearing owls at night, and spotting fox tracks on early-morning walks. You’ll find over 440 forest campsites here, most with showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Nightly rates average $34, but you can pitch a tent for as little as $25. Wildlife-watching is a given—keep your binoculars handy for deer and songbirds. In summer, local rivers draw swimmers; come winter, there’s fresh snow for sledding or cross-country treks. Tried-and-true spots include Draco Hill Nature Farm (316 reviews), River Camp (37 reviews), and Whispering Pines Events & Lodging (6 reviews). Take your pick and settle in—Aledo’s forests don’t disappoint.

96% (413) • 447 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Aledo

Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

1. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

98%

(30)

38mi from Aledo · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Draco Hill Nature Farm

2. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%

(707)

46mi from Aledo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

THANK YOU to all our guests who enjoyed Draco Hill Nature Farm, were considerate to one another and who left their sites as clean as they found them in 2025. Hipcampers Rock! We'll see you in 2026. Book in mid-June or October and catch our Community Potluck or Chestnut Festival. Come any time for privacy at your site or a hike trails. Take a dip in the pond if you dare! Learn more and see interactive map at dracohill.org 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. And check out our extras! -- Fatwood for starting fires easily -- Up to 3 extra bundles of firewood -- A 7-person tent -- A Coleman stove, matches and tank of fuel -- A personal tour of the exotic fruits and nuts and ecological restoration we're growing here. NO generators please. Campers like to 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 4 miles of trails on 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. This is "socks and shoes, jeans and boots" kind of camping. You're visiting wild places and a working perennial farm, so please dress appropriately for your optimal enjoyment. If you go off trails and other mowed places, you increase your chances of contact with poison ivy, wild parsnip and ticks. Please research these ahead of time and be prepared. We live here and encounter them frequently without more than a slight inconvenience.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

River Camp

3. River Camp

99%

(45)

50mi from Aledo · 1 site

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.

Pets

Full hookups

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

4. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

Park 31mi from Aledo · 152 sites

Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Wildcat Den State Park

5. Wildcat Den State Park

100%

(1)

State park 20mi from Aledo · 28 sites

Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.

Pets

Toilets

1951 Dream

6. 1951 Dream

80%

(5)

24mi from Aledo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. It is a working farm which naturally takes people, but it is unlikely you will encounter any other campers. Please keep in mind, the only running water is the creek and the only electricity comes from a single solar panel. We truck water in for showers and provide enough port-a-potties to match the event.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Well Within Farm Sanctuary

7. Well Within Farm Sanctuary

355mi from Aledo · 1 site

Well Within Farm Sanctuary is a forested 10 acres located minutes from hiking, biking, fishing and beautiful Traverse City, MI. Nestled 1/4 mile back from a main road but, only five minutes from The Village of Kingsley, MI with grocery store, gas station, brewery, shops, library, splash park, restaurants and more! You will stay at a rustic campsite with room for a tent or small RV. Recently we have added a 25 ft by 12 foot camping cabin. We provide one queen size air mattress and linens including pillows, sheets and a quilt. There is a private solar shower at each campsite. We do provide a clean well maintained port o potty for use.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Geode State Park

8. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

State park 42mi from Aledo · 168 sites

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

9. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

State park 45mi from Aledo · 97 sites

There’s nothing quite like a day outdoors, are we right or are we right!? For an exceptional day outdoors, head out to Johnson-Sauk Trail Recreation Area. Don’t let the name trip you up, it’s all smooth sailing when you’re on the lake or take to the trails. Visit the Ryan’s Round Barn for a look at a historic and...interesting take on barn architecture. Swing by any day of the year, winter or summer. Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh air.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kellogg

4 days ago

20 ft truck camper

1 night at Draco Hill Nature Farm

A perfect set up right on the river, in a quiet spot. Suzan was responsive and very nice. I highly recommend this gem of a getaway.

J

Jennifer

3 weeks ago

With kids

4 nights at Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Campground is beautiful and I look forward to my next stay!

Stephanie

December 2025

29 ft Class A

With pets

1 night at Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

We loved Whispering Pines! It was peaceful & quiet. There were showers & bathrooms on site. It had a walking trial, playground, basketball hoop, chapel & event space. There are also rooms & cabins for rent. They had a fire pit, water & electric. It was private since we were there in the winter. In the summer, I would think it could have more people. I would recommend Whispering Pines & would stay here again!

Sunny

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

I arrived later than I anticipated and was able to find everything really well with the instructions provided. It is a nice camping park with some facilities like bathrooms and showers. I enjoyed my stay thank you!

K

Kelly

October 2025

34 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.

T

Tim

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

What a great little hideaway! Close to my home, super quiet and peaceful right next to the river. Everything is well marked and well kept. Nice trails to explore and super nice host. I will definitely be coming back to this one at least once a year.

C

Christopher

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Great solitude and privacy along the river! We met for a small reunion with old friends and this was a perfect halfway point for all of us. Would return again!

M

Michelle

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at River Camp

This is the perfect spot for people who love fishing, the Hawkeyes, or have family in Iowa City. Full hook-ups and a quiet spot. Loren is easy to work with and very accommodating.

M

Melissa

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

This was our second time staying at Whispering Pines Campground, and we just had to come back for their Fall Fest! My little boys (ages 4 and 2) had an absolute blast — from the mini pumpkin patch and petting zoo to the pony petting, playground, and carnival games. There was so much to do, and the amazing food trucks meant we never had to leave the campground for meals! The staff were so friendly and helpful, and both the cabin and bathhouse were spotless and well-maintained. We can’t wait to come back again next year! Spring break can't come soon enough!

C

Colleen

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Draco Hill Nature Farm

This is our second trip to Draco Hills and we love it! Absolutely beautiful scenery, sounds and sights of the local wildlife, and peace and quiet. The perfect little grounding getaway just minutes off of I-80.

T

Travis

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Had a great time tent camping at this location. I have camped here multiple times and will continue. Host is great and very quick to return messages when you have questions. 5/5

D

Deanne

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

We are typically super primitive camping types but my daughter said “hey mom can we have 4 walls, AC, and electricity but still have adventure?”. Well of course I said and this was the perfect mix. AC, microwave and mini fridge with actual beds was a great treat! We cooked on the grill and had a fire in the fire pit every night. Close to the Hennepin Canal for a hike or Geneseo for a cute town. Loved the close bathrooms and shower yet felt like you were away. Suggestions: bring a wagon if you have a lot to bring to your site or cabin as you cannot pull up to your spot. Bring your own bedding. Do not bring firewood as it can endanger the local trees but firewood there is very very well priced!

N

Nick

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Great little place with lots to do, wish we had more time to stay and enjoy it all

Eric

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Had a great time at this location. It would be a great place to reserve with friends due to the fact that the sun and shade rentals are close together. The view of the river is AMAZING and is a perfect spot to relax.

The view from site 2. Space is tighter getting in here.

Georgie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Wow! What a weekend!! I would LOVE to not give a good rating, only so I could keep this lovely place all to myself, but that would be very selfish of me. I can honestly say that this has been my favorite camping weekend of the year - and I camp a lot! It is very primitive, and very secluded. SO quiet and peaceful! It was everything we wanted! Being fairly new to Hipcamp, I sometimes have a few questions, and Suzan was always so quick to respond. This special place is definitely a do-over for me!

R

Randall

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Draco Hill Nature Farm

Lots of trails to walk around and large campsites.

P

Patrick

September 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Loved it. Beautiful place, great people. Lots of fun things to do on the property. Well maintained.

R

Ragan

September 2025

24 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Super campsite! Riley was very helpful and showers and bath emaculant?

T

Taylor

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Draco! This was our second time here and it is definitely a favorite. The property is beautiful and abundant with cleared trails to hike, forage, and explore as you please. Susan is a wonderful host that takes pride in sharing her space and making her guests feel comfortable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful & private camping experience! Thank you, Susan. See you soon!