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The best forest glamping sites in Iowa

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Looking for a luxurious camping experience among the trees of Iowa? Hipcamp has over 127 options for glamping in Iowa's forests. With top campsites like Horse Creek Adventures (255 reviews), Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and explore. Prices start as low as $15 per night and average around $85 per night. Popular amenities like cooking equipment, toilets, and pet-friendly options are available, and you can also enjoy activities like climbing, paddling, and wind sports. Choose from a variety of comfortable and unique glamping accommodations in Iowa's forests and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

98% (1.2K) 713 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Iowa

#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

1. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

99%
(135)
Oxford Junction, IA · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
About # About Welcome to our private **15-acre clothing-optional sanctuary**, one of Iowa's few private destinations where you can experience the freedom of clothing-optional recreation in a peaceful, natural setting. Whether you're curious about your first clothing-optional experience or have enjoyed nudism for years, you'll find a welcoming, respectful place to simply be yourself. Many of our guests are women seeking a peaceful escape—a place to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy body-positive freedom without judgment or unwanted attention. We proudly welcome LGBTQ+ guests, solo travelers, couples, friends, and people of all backgrounds, body types, gender identities, sexual orientations, and experience levels. Come alone, with a partner, or alongside friends to unwind, recharge, and experience the comfort of a truly inclusive environment. Many guests tell us they appreciate the peaceful, respectful atmosphere and the opportunity to truly relax without feeling watched, rushed, or judged. It's a place where you can simply slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy nature at your own pace. If you've grown tired of crowded commercial campgrounds, you've found something different. JTRidge offers just a few secluded campsites, a private primitive cabin, and Day Passes, allowing every guest to enjoy exceptional privacy, tranquility, and room to breathe. This isn't a campground packed with activities or noisy neighbors. It's a quiet, low-key retreat designed for rest, reflection, and a genuine connection with the outdoors. Our Day Pass is perfect for a relaxing lunch break, a sunny afternoon, or simply a few peaceful hours to recharge. Leave behind the pressures of everyday life as you stretch out in a reclining lounge chair, wander wooded trails, read beneath the trees, practice yoga, meditate, or simply bask in the warmth of the sun. If you need assistance navigating Hipcamp's Day Pass booking process, we're always happy to help. For guests looking to deepen their relaxation experience, **private bodywork sessions are available on-site by appointment**. These sessions are designed to complement your time at JTRidge by encouraging relaxation, mindfulness, and a deeper connection between body and mind. Each session is personalized to the guest, incorporating relaxation techniques, guided stretching, energy-based practices, and intentional bodywork in a calm, private setting. As with every part of your visit, comfort, communication, and personal boundaries are always respected. As stewards of this special property, we're honored to share it with those who appreciate nature, privacy, and the freedom of a clothing-optional environment. Clothing is optional throughout the property, but nudity is never required. Most first-time guests quickly discover how comfortable, natural, and liberating the experience can be. Whether you remain clothed or decide to experience nature without it, you'll be welcomed exactly as you are. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the sanctuary at their own comfort level while respecting one another's privacy, personal boundaries, and individuality. Our goal is to foster a body-positive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe, accepted, and welcome. As your hosts, we're committed to creating a space where every guest—especially those visiting for the first time—feels safe, welcomed, and completely at ease. There is never any pressure or expectation beyond respecting one another, the land, and the peaceful atmosphere we all share. Our hope is that you leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and more connected to yourself and nature than when you arrived. Nestled along the beautiful Wapsipinicon River, the sanctuary features mature hardwood forests, dramatic limestone bluffs, scenic hiking trails, open sun-filled spaces, and abundant wildlife. Listen to birdsong (the Merlin Bird ID app is a favorite here), watch cattle graze peacefully in the neighboring pasture, cast a fishing line into the river, relax in a hammock beneath the trees, or simply enjoy the gentle rhythm of nature. As evening settles in, breathtaking sunsets give way to brilliant star-filled skies free from city light pollution. Gather around a campfire, listen to the soothing sounds of the river, read a favorite book, photograph the landscape, or simply embrace the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. Looking for a little adventure? Launch your canoe, kayak, or tube in Olin and enjoy a scenic 3–4 hour float to our riverfront. Several Iowa state parks, fascinating caves, Iowa's only Presidential Library and Museum, and the Great Jones County Fair are all within a short drive, making JTRidge an ideal home base for exploring eastern Iowa. Whether you're seeking peaceful solitude, quality time with someone special, or simply a place to unplug and recharge, we hope you'll discover that JTRidge is more than a place to camp—it's a place to breathe deeply, reconnect with yourself, and experience nature as it was meant to be enjoyed. Your hosts are available whenever you need us and are always happy to socialize, but we equally respect your privacy. We're glad to answer questions, share local recommendations, or simply let you enjoy the sanctuary at your own pace. Many guests arrive planning for a single visit and leave already looking forward to returning. We look forward to welcoming you to our peaceful corner of Iowa.
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Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%
(502)
Earlham, IA · 55 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!
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Bend River Farms

3. Bend River Farms

99%
(214)
Runnells, IA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bend River Farmsis nestled in the gently rolling hills of central Iowa. Little Camp Creek flows through the property and continues on towards the mighty Des Moines river. Cool woodland meadows provide a comforting back drop to your tent site or glamping experience. All our sites come with complimentary firewood, we offer reduced prices during the summer and a 15% discount on weekday bookings. Our property offers private restrooms, showers, complimentary towels and firewood, 24/7 laundry room, Wi-Fi, a dish washing station, play area with jungle gym, hiking trails, hands on farm animal activities, a communal outdoor dinning area and a saltwater hot tub await your arrival! Bend River Farms was a former junk yard that has now been transformed into a cottage core dream. The farm is operated much like family farms of the 1920's. The focus is on small scale, multi system agriculture, we have fresh eggs, produce and honey for sale. Bend River Farms is not a resort or public camp ground. It is a place to enjoy wild spaces and recharge. Agri-tourism at it's best. Learn about native prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture and sustainable ranching from owners, Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese. Please understand that our property is a working farm, and our staff are often busy working on projects and have full careers, outside of farming. We do not have the same amenities as a public campground or "all inclusive" camp resort. Instead, we offer your wandering heart a place to rest. All travel to the farm is on paved roads, with no confusing dirt roads to navigate. The property is located near the small community of Runnells, Iowa in rural Camp Township. Enjoy a cold beer or hot food at one of the two local taverns, or check out the local ice cream shop or our local farmer's market on Tuesday evenings during the summer. Don't worry if you forget something! We have a nearby gas station and a general store. Don't forget, we have smores kits, farm fresh honey and eggs available for purchase, check out the EXTRAS option during checkout! Amy, our own resident biologist, will give you an opportunity to learn about livestock husbandry and the local wildlife. The farms orchard boasts several wild bird feeding stations, with edible landscaping! A stay on our farm will provide you with an opportunity to learn about Land Management in an agricultural setting. Learn about carpentry and welding from a master fabricator, or book an adventure to learn about gardening, poultry care, horsemanship, beekeeping and even falconry! These are also available in the EXTRAS option during checkout. Fancy a fireside meal or homestyle dinner? Dave is a trained chef and loves to cook for our guests. Select a meal during checkout. Off-site, but nearby opportunities: miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, kayaking and fishing. The Iowa State Fair Grounds and Adventureland Waterpark is only 20 minutes away, along with big city fine dining, music and art museums are all less than a thirty miles drive; when you need a break from camping and nature. Fee based transportation is available for guests flying in or needing a break from driving, or whenever you need a quick trip into town. Our philosophy: "Here at Bend River Farms we are passionate about regenerative agriculture. We strive to push ourselves and our partners to think of the future and the longevity of our agricultural practices. " Regenerative Agriculture is an agricultural philosophy that both acknowledges the degenerative impact of poor land stewardship, and the positive use of agricultural practices that foster restoration and productivity." Local conditions determine which practices are most appropriate. A well managed food system should improve the long-term health and function of the agricultural system and the communities that depend upon them, physically, culturally, spiritually, and economically. Regeneratively managed businesses protect and improve the natural function of our water, nutrient, and carbon cycles by taking steps to increase biodiversity in the agricultural system, and works to minimize reliance on external inputs, and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.”
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Pine Lake State Park

4. Pine Lake State Park

100%
(1)
State park in Iowa · 127 sites
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Black Hawk State Park

5. Black Hawk State Park

State park in Iowa · 128 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Black Hawk State Park.
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Chief’s Lookout

6. Chief’s Lookout

Moulton, IA · 3 sites
Two cozy guest cabins (Amish made)that can sleep up to 4 a piece and a kitchen cabin (Chief Keokuk) that also sleeps four. Tucked in a serene wooded cove with a small pond, great for swimming and fishing. Located just two miles North of the Missouri border, and 7 miles south of Moulton, IA. The kitchen cabin has a full bathroom and full kitchen. There is a community fire pit on the patio with three picnic tables offered, horse shoe pit, and a deer hanging post and first come first serve dog kennel with dog house. It is located 2 miles away from 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Iowa, called Sedan Bottoms and a couple miles away from about 3,500 acres of public hunting in Missouri and it’s called Rebels Cove.
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Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

7. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

98%
(214)
Menlo, IA · 13 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors.  We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins.  We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning.  We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
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Nature Heaven by lake red rock

8. Nature Heaven by lake red rock

96%
(340)
Knoxville, IA · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. The property name is Tri-pond Farm. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced farm camping site is on hilly-pond land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other. A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts. For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace, and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land were a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environmental health backgrounds, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills, and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what Google Maps shows now.
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1860's Botanical Homestead

9. 1860's Botanical Homestead

97%
(174)
Bellevue, IA · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Happy to announce we’ve won "the best of" properties to visit in Iowa! We hope to keep striving and adding more amenities as we go! Thank you to our wonderful guests and hello to future guests! 👋🏽 Built in 1860 by its first caretaker botanist, this homestead was propagated over its many years of life and is busting at the seams with medicinal and edible herbs. We now run a flower farm and vegetable gardens on our homestead. If you’d like to learn about herbs or gardening/ homesteading, we love sharing our knowledge. If you’d just like some farm fresh eggs and enjoy your time alone amongst the songbirds, that's just fine too :) The property is built into the stone hillside allowing for breathtaking views but also stairs to get to the campsites. Please wear comfortable shoes (not flip flops 😉). If you have mobility issues property access will be difficult. Please no children under 5. !CLASSES! We run our small school/business: HOMESTEAD and HAMMER from the property and are bringing classes to YOU! Look in the "EXTRAS" for classes you can partake in on your visit OR for more information on what's included on class weekends check out our website below! Classes include, forAging wild edibles, mushroom identification, homesteading skills, soap making, forging metals and many more! Website: www.homesteadandhammer.com *For guest and host safety property managed 24-7 by video and security services*
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Dolliver Memorial State Park

10. Dolliver Memorial State Park

State park in Iowa · 24 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
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Nine Eagles State Park

11. Nine Eagles State Park

State park in Iowa · 61 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Nine Eagles State Park.
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Palisades-Kepler State Park

12. Palisades-Kepler State Park

State park in Iowa · 40 sites
Discover the scenic beauty of Palisades-Kepler State Park.
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Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

13. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

State park in Iowa · 74 sites
Discover the allure of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.
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Secluded riverside ranch

14. Secluded riverside ranch

100%
(42)
Goldfield, IA · 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.
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Arrowhead Lodge of SW. Iowa.

15. Arrowhead Lodge of SW. Iowa.

96%
(59)
Council Bluffs, IA · 1 site
This custom designed glamping lodge was a dream of mine for a long time. I wanted a place to go to unwind and be with one with nature. But! wanted it close to town so I do not have to travel far and still be close to the city attractions. AC and Heat are in the Lodge The lodge backs up to a large hill--called the Loess Hills. Many deer, raccoon, possum and turkey call it home and so does a few pets of mine to include a mini schwazer and two goats. They just love being adorned by new people. I think you will find this a perfect place for a good nights sleep. Learn more about this land: --Enjoy the deer setting amongst the tree's and nature. Hiking trails close by. Come enjoy a relaxing experience close to the city, the zoo and other attractions. MOST dogs are welcomed -- BUT need to be approved first! before booking. ADDITIONAL FEE REQUIRED - payment at the time of check in Walking trails close by! and restaurants. Verify with host before booking please. The bathroom/shower is located across the yard in the lower level of the main house. Thank you!
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Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

16. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(43)
Zearing, IA · 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.
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Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

17. Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

96%
(14)
Decorah, IA · 2 sites
Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0 is a clean and quiet camper that is located just a few feet from your private cave and waterfall! KAYAK and CANOE RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE after checking in. A gem that you cannot find anywhere else in Decorah! A secret hideaway for photos, hiking, sightseeing and connecting to nature. A secluded area for easy R&R while listening to water flow, chirping birds, watching deer and horses pass by. 1 queen bed sleeps 2, 1 twin bed sleeps 1, and 2 full bunk beds sleep 2 adults or 4 children. We charge a $25 pet fee. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and have fun! Uncle Jon and Rose
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Wooded Retreat Tiny House

18. Wooded Retreat Tiny House

100%
(11)
La Motte, IA · 1 site
Imagine this: a wooded creekside. Bird song and wildflowers. Campfire and starlight. Our 8' x 16' tiny house offers the essentials for a back-to-nature getaway without the trouble. We provide a full bed, cookstove, basic cooking and eating utensils, 2 gallons drinking water, outdoor eating area, firepit, and hammock. Bath facilities are on the rustic side including a shower bag and port-a-potty. Short hiking path into the woods and up to the meadow are marked. Creek stomping and fossil hunting are encouraged. Caves, state and county nature areas, canoeing and kayaking are all nearby.
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Cabin in the Woods

19. Cabin in the Woods

100%
(5)
Bondurant, IA · 1 site
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player. Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
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New Hope Farm

20. New Hope Farm

100%
(14)
La Motte, IA · 1 site
This farm is ancestral land of the Sauk and Fox peoples and has been our home since 2001. It offers diverse natural beauty including fresh springs and the Tetes des Morts Creek, quiet woods on sloping bluffs, various songbirds and other wildlife. We tend a few sheep and a flock of 20 laying hens, a small orchard and large vegetable gardens. Our black Labrador retriever wanders around here freely. The tiny house is equipped with a camp cookstove with an extra propane bottle, cooking and eating utensils, press coffee pot, 2 gallons drinking water, full bed, rocking chair, writing table, woodstove for winter heat. It has a back porch and front deck with patio furniture. There’s a firepit with two Adirondack chairs. Firewood provided for $5/bundle.
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