The best forest camping near Alden

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Camping in Alden’s forests means waking to the sound of wind in the trees and having trails just steps from your tent. With over 730 forest campsites in the area, you’ll find spots that back onto riverbanks, hidden groves, and even working ranches. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average hovering around $40. Many sites offer toilets, showers, and let you build a campfire—perfect for chilly evenings or s’mores. You can spend your days swimming, hiking, or strapping on snowshoes in winter. For proven favorites, check out Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), or the Spruce Tiny Cabin (2 reviews). Bring layers—the forest can cool off quickly after sunset—and don’t forget your hiking boots. Alden’s woods are ready to explore.

98% (71) 755 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Alden

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
24mi from Alden · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory.  Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips.  As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to  offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open.  We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them.  Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC.  We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Secluded riverside ranch

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%
(41)
33mi from Alden · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Oakwood RV Park

3. Oakwood RV Park

42mi from Alden
Nestled in the heart of Clear Lake, Oakwood RV Park stands out as a premier destination for those seeking an upscale camping experience. Established in 1987, this privately owned RV park has become a beloved fixture in the community, offering a unique blend of comfort and nature. Our park features spacious premium pull-through sites designed for easy accessibility, making it ideal for larger RVs. Guests can choose between pull-through or back-in sites, both equipped with full hookups and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a convenient stay. In addition to our top-notch amenities, Oakwood RV Park is surrounded by a wealth of outdoor activities and natural attractions. Visitors can explore nearby swimming holes, hiking trails, and local parks, while also enjoying access to a variety of restaurants and shops in the area. Whether you're looking to relax or embark on an adventure, Oakwood RV Park is the perfect base for your Clear Lake getaway.
Pine Lake State Park

4. Pine Lake State Park

100%
(1)
State park 18mi from Alden · 127 sites
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Beeds Lake State Park

5. Beeds Lake State Park

State park 19mi from Alden · 142 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

6. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

State park 33mi from Alden · 252 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Dolliver Memorial State Park

7. Dolliver Memorial State Park

State park 37mi from Alden · 24 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Union Grove State Park

8. Union Grove State Park

State park 42mi from Alden · 22 sites
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Ledges State Park

9. Ledges State Park

100%
(4)
State park 45mi from Alden · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
George Wyth State Park

10. George Wyth State Park

100%
(1)
State park 49mi from Alden · 69 sites
Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Camping in Alden’s forests means waking to the sound of wind in the trees and having trails just steps from your tent. With over 730 forest campsites in the area, you’ll find spots that back onto riverbanks, hidden groves, and even working ranches. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average hovering around $40. Many sites offer toilets, showers, and let you build a campfire—perfect for chilly evenings or s’mores. You can spend your days swimming, hiking, or strapping on snowshoes in winter. For proven favorites, check out Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), or the Spruce Tiny Cabin (2 reviews). Bring layers—the forest can cool off quickly after sunset—and don’t forget your hiking boots. Alden’s woods are ready to explore.

98% (71) 755 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Alden

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
24mi from Alden · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory.  Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips.  As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to  offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open.  We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them.  Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC.  We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Secluded riverside ranch

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%
(41)
33mi from Alden · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Oakwood RV Park

3. Oakwood RV Park

42mi from Alden
Nestled in the heart of Clear Lake, Oakwood RV Park stands out as a premier destination for those seeking an upscale camping experience. Established in 1987, this privately owned RV park has become a beloved fixture in the community, offering a unique blend of comfort and nature. Our park features spacious premium pull-through sites designed for easy accessibility, making it ideal for larger RVs. Guests can choose between pull-through or back-in sites, both equipped with full hookups and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a convenient stay. In addition to our top-notch amenities, Oakwood RV Park is surrounded by a wealth of outdoor activities and natural attractions. Visitors can explore nearby swimming holes, hiking trails, and local parks, while also enjoying access to a variety of restaurants and shops in the area. Whether you're looking to relax or embark on an adventure, Oakwood RV Park is the perfect base for your Clear Lake getaway.
Pine Lake State Park

4. Pine Lake State Park

100%
(1)
State park 18mi from Alden · 127 sites
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Beeds Lake State Park

5. Beeds Lake State Park

State park 19mi from Alden · 142 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

6. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

State park 33mi from Alden · 252 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Dolliver Memorial State Park

7. Dolliver Memorial State Park

State park 37mi from Alden · 24 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Union Grove State Park

8. Union Grove State Park

State park 42mi from Alden · 22 sites
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Ledges State Park

9. Ledges State Park

100%
(4)
State park 45mi from Alden · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
George Wyth State Park

10. George Wyth State Park

100%
(1)
State park 49mi from Alden · 69 sites
Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field