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The best camping in Iowa with climbing

Name: Iowa
Address: Iowa
Rating: 4.6875

Sandwiched between the Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers, Iowa is characterized by a mix of plains and hilly countryside, farmlands, lakes, and rivers. This Midwestern state is full of spots to get out and adventure, with about 83 state parks and nearly 6,000 campsites spread among them. The state also has an extensive river system—with numerous lakes and reservoirs—and boating and angling are among the most popular summer activities here. Like elsewhere in the Midwest, the winter months often bring with them plenty of snow, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

94% (8) • 237 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Iowa

Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

1. Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

95%

(10)

Decorah, IA · 1 site

Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0 is a clean & quiet camper that is located just a few feet from your private cave & waterfall! KAYAK & CANOE RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE by Uncle Jon. A gem that you cannot find anywhere else in Decorah! A secret hideaway for photos, hiking, sightseeing & connecting to nature. A secluded area for easy R&R while listening to water flow, chirping birds & watching deer & horses pass by. 1 queen bed sleeps 2, 1 twin bed sleeps 1, and 2 full bunk beds sleep 2-4. We charge a $25 non-refundable pet fee. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings & have fun! Uncle Jon & Rose

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Lazy H Campground

2. Lazy H Campground

Akron, IA

Discover the unique charm of our campground, nestled within 235 acres of stunning natural beauty, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Little Pearle Lake, a 50-acre paradise for anglers, is teeming with a variety of fish, including Walleye, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Bass, three types of Catfish, and even Rainbow Trout, making it an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts. In addition to fishing, our campground offers a picturesque beach for swimming, where you can relax and soak up the sun. For those looking to explore the water, we provide rentals for boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, allowing you to fully enjoy the serene beauty of our 50+ acre lake. Venture into the heart of our campground, where over three miles of scenic trails wind through 100 acres of lush forest. These trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, geese, and a variety of birds, including Heron, Osprey, and majestic Bald Eagles. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking moments!

Lil' Bit of Country RV Park

3. Lil' Bit of Country RV Park

Strawberry Point, IA

Lil' Bit of Country RV Park stands out as a hidden gem in Northeast Iowa, nestled at the western edge of Strawberry Point along Highway 3, where the serene flatlands meet the majestic cliffs of the Mississippi River. This charming campground features 16 spacious full hookup campsites that are big rig friendly, offering both 30 and 50 amp options. Many sites are conveniently pull-through accessible, making your arrival and departure a breeze. Guests will appreciate the park's amenities, which include limited Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies (with pets on a leash), and sewer hookups at every site. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire circles, perfect for enjoying evenings under the stars. Essential facilities such as restrooms with hot showers and laundry services are also available to enhance your stay. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers a wealth of activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The local community features two banks, a grocery store, a hardware store, a pharmacy, and several dining options, including Casey's pizza and a historical hotel known for its ghostly tales. Just a scenic 40-mile drive away, the Mississippi River provides additional recreational opportunities, including a casino in Marquette, IA. Nearby attractions include Jakway Forest County Park, Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park

4. Backbone State Park

80%

(5)

State park in Iowa · 124 sites

Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.

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Walnut Woods State Park

5. Walnut Woods State Park

100%

(3)

State park in Iowa · 22 sites

Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.

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Palisades-Kepler State Park

6. Palisades-Kepler State Park

State park in Iowa · 40 sites

Discover the scenic beauty of Palisades-Kepler State Park.

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lauren

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

My boyfriend and I loved this spot. A quiet camper with a waterfall and horses close. Very relaxing if that’s what you’re looking for. John is extremely accommodating and quick to respond to needs. Definitely coming back!

Heather

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

What a beautiful hidden gem in the rolling hills of Iowa! We enjoyed the waterfall, the beautiful property, the well stocked RV and the customer service. Thanks for having us!

Iowa camping guide

Where to go

Northwest Iowa

Northwest Iowa has lots of parks and camping opportunities along the Des Moines River, including the massive Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Dolliver Memorial State Park. The Lakes Region—home to West and East Okoboji Lakes and Big Spirit Lake—is particularly popular among boaters, anglers, and birders, with a number of state parks and wildlife preserves across the region. Camping is available at Gull Point State Park.

Southwest Iowa

Southwest Iowa is characterized by wide-open farmland and pretty woodlands. Cyclists can take a tour of this region on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which stretches for 63 miles from the Missouri border up to Council Bluffs near the Nebraska border. The region's Loess Hills State Forest is one of the more popular areas for outdoor recreation, offering a fishing lake and more than 60 miles of trails.

Northeast Iowa

Iowa's Northeast is ideal for getting outside, with miles of recreation opportunities, from trout fishing to canoeing, on the Mississippi River and its Upper Iowa River tributary. Popular spots in the region include Backbone State Park, which offers camping, fishing, and cycling and hiking trails. The Effigy Mounds National Monument, which preserves hundreds of ancient effigy mounds built by Indigenous people during the first millennium, is also worth a visit.

Southeast Iowa

There's no shortage of lakes in Iowa's southeastern region, including Lake Keomah, Indian Lake, and Lake Bonnefield, in the charming town of Fairfield. This region is home to Lake Red Rock—the largest lake in the state—and the lakefront Elk Rock State Park offers camping, boat ramps, and 13 miles of trails. Other lake areas worth checking out include Geode State Park on the banks of Lake Geode and Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, which has camping, cabin rentals, and easy access to Lake Seguma.