The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Alden, Iowa

Looking for river camping around Alden? You’ll find over 580 campsites hugging the water—think early mornings with fog lifting off the river and the sound of songbirds echoing through the trees. Average rates run about $40 a night, with spots dipping as low as $15 if you’re watching your budget. Top picks include Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), and DILLON TREE FARM (4 reviews). Most sites let you build a campfire, bring your dog, and take a hot shower after a long hike or a day spotting wildlife. Winter? Bring your boots—snow sports are on the menu when the weather turns. If you want riverside peace and plenty of options, Alden delivers.

99% (82)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for river camping around Alden? You’ll find over 580 campsites hugging the water—think early mornings with fog lifting off the river and the sound of songbirds echoing through the trees. Average rates run about $40 a night, with spots dipping as low as $15 if you’re watching your budget. Top picks include Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), and DILLON TREE FARM (4 reviews). Most sites let you build a campfire, bring your dog, and take a hot shower after a long hike or a day spotting wildlife. Winter? Bring your boots—snow sports are on the menu when the weather turns. If you want riverside peace and plenty of options, Alden delivers.

99% (82)

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. Sunny Rock

100%

(4)

42mi from Alden · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Rockford, IA

This secluded property is just south of Rockford, Iowa on the Shell Rock River. The site has water and electric. There is a portapotty / portashower available on site. This area has up to 4 sites for group use. FOR INDIVIDUAL USE, BOOK SITE #1. Book sites #2, #3 or #4 only if you have other parties in your group. This property has a river view, walking trails, and a fire ring, Daily, weekly, monthly rates available.

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. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. DILLON TREE FARM

100%

(10)

1.8mi from Alden · 7 sites · RVs · Alden, IA

Up-and-coming Christmas tree farm sits near the Iowa River (1/4 mile away). Up to 7 electrical hookups. In between two smaller towns (Alden and Iowa Falls) with restaurants and things to do. We have a big gravel lot. Christmas trees, timber, and a creek to explore. A nice peaceful setting to enjoy with friends and family.

7. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

8. 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

9. 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

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

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!

K

Kim

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Sunny Rock

Very clean, well taken care of. Mark was very responsive with any questions. We had a great time and will be back!

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!!

Z

Zachary

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Sunny Rock

It was a perfect campsite right by the water. Had electric and water hook ups. Would definitely camp here again! Thank you

L

Linda

July 2025

40 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to DILLON TREE FARM

Very very clean, Ryan & family very friendly, you can tell they take much pride in their farm & sharing it with making campsites to share. The aroma walking thru the pines was amazing. Definitely stay there again.

Jayne

July 2025

24 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to DILLON TREE FARM

WONDERFUL FIRST TIME EXPERIENCE WITH HIP CAMP!!! Ryan’s family was the bonus on top of amazing camp sites and beautiful countryside. We loved everything about our 1 night stay, and we will be back! Clean, pristine grounds, pickleball, walking trails. A fire was already started and Ryan’s came out to share snores with us! Loved their pups! The tree farm and we bought fresh sweet corn to take with us! An amazing experience!

A

Abby

July 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Sunny Rock

Scenic and isolated spot next to a river! A great spot to get away.

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.

A

Amy

June 2025

20 ft Class B

With kids

1 night at DILLON TREE FARM

Passing through Iowa we found Dillon Tree farm to supplement us with water & electric. Family friendly, family owned business. Quiet off off the highway between US-65 and I-35. Nice place to have some peace a quiet overnight. We were the only ones that night but spots are spaced very well. Highly recommend if you need a quiet, safe place for the night.

C

Cindy

June 2025

27 ft Class B

2 nights at DILLON TREE FARM

We’ve been traveling for over a month in our RV. So far The Tree Farm is our favorite stay! The property is stunning and easily accessed. There’s plenty of room and lots of walking paths, if you’re so inclined. Ryan and his family are very kind and responsive. There was a giant thunderstorm during our stay. This was the perfect place to ride it out. Ryan even offered us refuge should the storm get to gnarly! Also, if you need to dump your tanks, there is a little free dump station in the town of Iowa Falls, just as you enter the town. It’s in a little park next to the National Guard armory, only a few miles away.

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!!

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

Kimberly

May 2025

37 ft fifth wheel

1 night at DILLON TREE FARM

Host was quick to respond and very accommodating. Spot couldn’t have been more perfect. Easy access for our 37 ft fifth wheel to get in and out easily. Great tree farm with a walking path and peaceful surrounding. Would book 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!