The best forest campgrounds near Alden, Iowa

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.

99% (74)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (74)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%

(41)

24mi from Alden · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Zearing, IA

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.

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%

(41)

33mi from Alden · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Goldfield, IA

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.

3. Spruce Tiny Cabin

100%

(2)

49mi from Alden · 1 site · Lodging · Montour, IA

Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities. 100 private wooded acres 80-acre recreational lake Beach Fishing Boating Swimming Hiking Campfires Challenge Course Frisbee Golf

4. Pine Lake State Park

100%

(1)

127 sites · Eldora, Iowa

Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

5. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Black Oak Tiny Cabin

100%

(2)

49mi from Alden · 1 site · Lodging · Montour, IA

Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more! Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.

7. Oakwood RV Park

42mi from Alden · 21 sites · Clear Lake, IA

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.

8. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

9. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

10. Union Grove State Park

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa

Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

11. Ledges State Park

100%

(4)

94 sites · Luther, Iowa

Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

12. George Wyth State Park

100%

(1)

69 sites · Cedar Falls, Iowa

Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Alden

100%

(1)

Pine Lake Campground

18mi from Alden · 127 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pine Lake State Park

Beeds Lake Campground

19mi from Alden · 142 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beeds Lake State Park

Beach Campground

33mi from Alden · 252 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Dolliver Campground

37mi from Alden · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dolliver Memorial State Park

Union Grove Campground

42mi from Alden · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Union Grove State Park

100%

(4)

Ledges Campground

45mi from Alden · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ledges State Park

100%

(1)

George Wyth Campground

49mi from Alden · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Wyth State Park

Stories from the community

H

Hans

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Secluded riverside ranch

Very friendly hosts, cool property with lots of walking trails and cute animals

J

Josh

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Great land, and always will enjoy seeing all the animals! Definitely will have to make a stop here again in the future!

Natasha

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded riverside ranch

Awesome private campsite, right next to the river! Clear line of communication with Tyler the whole time. Next time I'll bring a wagon to haul my gear out there, but definitely worth it! My dog loved all the space to run and all the swimming he got to do!

R

Ramsey

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Secluded riverside ranch

I absolutely loved camping at Tyler’s place! It felt so welcoming and private, shout out to Conor being the lil farm cat that showed us around lol Will definitely be returning for another awesome night

Lauren

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler and Sarah were so nice, meeting us the moment we arrived. We were given the option of a few sites and essentially, anywhere really. The space we set up camp at was like a shire tucked away not far from the main yard and bathroom. But somehow felt totally secluded. Our music didn't even cut through the trees. The dogs got to run their butts off, we soaked up the gurgling creek and hooting owls. We will definitely be back. My personal highlight- The cows. Next time I need to meet and pet the pig!

Our barn dormitory with 7 bedrooms, a lounge, men's and women's restrooms with showers, and kitchenette on the lower level. The upper level has a full kitchen, a large dining hall/dance hall, and a stage.

Richard

August 2025

5 nights at Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

Our stay at the TLC Learning Center was an incredible experience. I only wish I had more time to explore and take advantage of the many available activities. And next time I would bring more friends and family to enjoy the experience. There’s room for everyone!!

K

Kirsten

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

This was a great place to stay. Tyler greeted us upon arrival and showed us around pointing out several options for setting up our tent. We were disappointed that it rained the next day so we had to leave without the chance to explore the trail and meet the animals. We’ll have to go there again.

T

Terry

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer

1 night at Secluded riverside ranch

We enjoyed the camp site, the welcoming host and meeting the well cared for rescue animals! Easy to find location, would certainly stay again.

R

Rob

June 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler was a great host and the site was just what I was looking for! A peaceful place for a getaway complete with a Noah’s Ark full of animals!!

H

Heather

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Oak Tiny Cabin

The little cabin is was nice! We really enjoyed our stay. The office manager/co-director was on top of anything we needed. She even brought us firewood!! The only thing I would add is the cabin is part of a larger camp. So there is no guarantee you will have it all to yourself as the description says. However, it was very quiet and we were not disturbed any other campers. I would recommend 10 out of 10!

T

Tyrsa

June 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

We had a great stay at Lazy J's! It was very peaceful and nice to be close to so many different animals. Our kids and dogs loved spending time here and being out in nature. We will definitely be back again sometime!

R

Raymond

May 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler was an excellent host. He greeted us upon arrival, gave us the layout of the land. The campsite by the river front was amazing. It’s about 97% shaded with a fire pit right by the river. It’s a great place to unwind and recharge. He even makes his own maple syrup from trees on his land, which is fantastic. And, if you happen to be in the mood to feed some of his animals he’s s rescued, you can purchase some food to give to his critters. We will definitely be going back out to unwind at the riverfront sight again.

K

Katie

May 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Great lil find! The house is secluded so no busy roads or highway lights. Tyler was friendly and accommodating with my late arrival. The animals were the sweetest and the cows just stared at me haha! They've got a cat who followed me on my morning walk - super cute! Would recommend to anyone!

Mark

May 2025

With pets

1 night at Spruce Tiny Cabin

The good: At night you'll have crickets and frogs singing for you, and in the morning birds will take over. Waking up to a sun rising over the lake is wonderful. The host was friendly, and they provide pretty much everything you'll need. There is a great truck stop just a few minutes away, too. The bad: There were dead bugs everywhere. The bed wasn't the most comfortable. The road is in terrible condition, and I worried about getting out if it rained. If I'd been on the motorcycle it would have been impossible to do.

J

Jessica

April 2025

Tent

3 nights at Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler was a great host, very friendly and helpful. The site by the river was everything we wanted and hoped for. With only the sounds of nature around, we had total privacy. Tyler had a nice trail mowed through the tall grass which was a great relaxing walk. Would highly recommend this spot and will probably be back. Plus he has really cool cows :)