Most wildfires are preventable. Be fire safe
98% (1.4K) • 26 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Iowa
Windy Goat Acres
1. Windy Goat Acres
99%
(876)
Chelsea, IA · 5 sites
We love animals, plants, art, and outdoor recreation and love sharing these things with people! We found the perfect little plot for all of these things we love. Nature, art, animals, and lots of space! The hilly, lush land is also known as the Bohemie Alps and it's quite a beautiful area tucked away in Iowa.
Visit with the llamas, goats, peacocks, potbelly pigs and the horses and hike around the property or stay in for a quiet stay with a good book and enjoy all the sights and sounds. Lots of extra 'add ons' to enhance the experience, like a waffle bar kit, smore's package, hikes, and more!
Semi wooded property with hiking trails, hammocks, aerial silks, campfire pit. 5 mi away is Otter Creek Lake, a recreational park for fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. We have 2 kayaks available. So much to do! Also perfect to just relax, meditate, yoga, sleep...
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Nature Heaven by lake red rock
2. Nature Heaven by lake red rock
97%
(343)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Draco Hill Nature Farm
3. Draco Hill Nature Farm
98%
(739)
West Branch, IA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
If you've never seen the tallgrass prairie, this is your chance! Right now, the prairie is in full bloom. Turkey tail, Indiangrass, partridge pea and many other beautiful native plants are at their best.
The orchard trees are also loaded with fruit and nuts. If you've never seen a chestnut burr, a bundle of heartnuts, or Asian pears book now. No picking please - they aren't ripe yet.
The weather is great and the campsites are mowed and ready for you! The river is low enough for you to walk down to it. You can only do that from Sun and Swimming and Shade and Swimming so be sure to book one of those if you want to dip your toes in the water.
We know everything's expensive these days. Camping is a cheap and easy way to get away. Don't own a tent? Rent one from us. Would rather use a gas stove than struggle with a fire? We've got those too. We've also reduced our Sycamore Site to a super low $20/night for those of you pinching pennies. We hope you can enjoy it at that rate. Remember, a load of firewood is included. Please don't reserve this site if you're towing a trailer.
Book over the October 17 weekend and catch our Chestnut Festival. Come any time for privacy at your site or a hike trails. Take a dip in the pond if you dare! Learn more and see map at our website.
A convenient 7 miles north of Interstate 80 but feels like an oasis away from it all. Enjoy nature in a private, wooded river valley setting. And check out our extras!
-- Fatwood for starting fires easily
-- Up to 3 extra bundles of firewood
-- A 7-person tent for rent
-- A Coleman stove, matches and tank of fuel
-- A personal tour of the exotic fruits and nuts and ecological restoration we're growing here.
NO generators or large RVs please. Campers like to go to sleep under the stars to the sound of frogs, cicadas, coyotes, deer and the rustling wind through the tallgrass prairie. Wake to an amazing sunrise over the river. Enjoy a hike through our 4 miles of trails on 75 acres of rolling woodlands and prairie, picking berries, finding mushrooms, scaring up a turkey or pheasant in the brush or listening to the birds. (Pull out your Merlin app to see who's singing!) Play in the river or upland pond, cut cattails and prairie grasses for souvenirs and enjoy being unplugged for a while. Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace.
This is "socks and shoes, jeans and boots" kind of camping. You're visiting wild places and a working perennial farm, so please dress appropriately for your optimal enjoyment. If you go off trails and other mowed places, you increase your chances of contact with poison ivy and ticks. Please research these ahead of time and be prepared. We live here and encounter them frequently without more than a slight inconvenience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
4. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
99%
(152)
Oxford Junction, IA · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
# About
Welcome to our private **15-acre clothing-optional sanctuary**, located at our personal residence in eastern Iowa. One of the state's few private clothing-optional destinations, JTRidge offers a peaceful, natural setting where you can experience the freedom of clothing-optional recreation surrounded by woods, river bluffs, and abundant wildlife.
Whether you're curious about your first clothing-optional experience or have enjoyed nudism for years, you'll find a welcoming, respectful environment where you can simply be yourself.
Many of our guests—especially women seeking a peaceful escape—appreciate the opportunity 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 every background, body type, gender identity, sexual orientation, and experience level. Come alone or with those you care about—you'll be welcomed exactly as you are.
Guests often tell us they appreciate the sanctuary's peaceful atmosphere and the chance to truly unwind without feeling watched, rushed, or judged. Here, you can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature at your own pace.
Unlike large commercial campgrounds, JTRidge offers only a handful of secluded campsites, a private primitive cabin, and Day Passes. With very few guests on the property at any given time, you'll enjoy exceptional privacy, tranquility, and plenty of room to breathe. This isn't a campground filled with organized activities or noisy neighbors—it's a quiet retreat created for rest, reflection, and genuine connection with the outdoors.
Our Day Pass is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, a peaceful lunch break, or simply a few hours away from everyday life. Stretch out in a reclining lounge chair, explore wooded trails, relax in a hammock, read beneath the trees, practice yoga, meditate, or simply bask in the sunshine. If you need assistance with Hipcamp's Day Pass booking process, we're always happy to help.
As stewards of this special property, we're honored to share it with those who appreciate privacy, nature, and the freedom of a clothing-optional environment. Clothing is optional throughout the property, but nudity is never required. Many first-time visitors quickly discover how natural and liberating the experience feels, while others choose to remain clothed throughout their stay. Both are equally welcome.
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 every guest feels safe, accepted, and comfortable.
As your hosts, we're committed to making every guest—especially first-time visitors—feel genuinely welcome and completely at ease. There is never any pressure or expectation beyond treating one another, the land, and the peaceful atmosphere with respect. Our hope is that you leave feeling refreshed, restored, and more connected to yourself and the natural world.
Nestled along the scenic Wapsipinicon River, the sanctuary features mature hardwood forests, dramatic limestone bluffs, scenic hiking trails, open sunny spaces, and abundant wildlife. Listen to birdsong (the Merlin Bird ID app is a favorite here), watch cattle grazing peacefully in the neighboring pasture, cast a fishing line into the river, or simply enjoy the quiet rhythm of nature.
As evening arrives, colorful sunsets give way to brilliant star-filled skies free from city light pollution. Gather around a campfire, listen to the gentle sounds of the river, read a favorite book, capture photographs of 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- to 4-hour float directly 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 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.
We're always available if you need us and enjoy getting to know our guests, but we equally respect your privacy and personal space. Whether you'd like local recommendations, have questions, or simply prefer quiet solitude, we're happy to accommodate your style of visit.
Many guests arrive expecting a one-time experience and leave already planning their return. We look forward to welcoming you to our peaceful corner of Iowa.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
R
Ryan
1 week ago
Tent
The hosts were incredibly warm and welcoming! The property is beautifully laid out with lots on amenities! Clean walking trails with benches along the way. There is a wall of bluffs along one trail that was especially cool to walk along. I attended this property for quiet wildlife photography and it didn't disappoint! No public traffic! I would highly recommend this as a place to visit!
See more
J
Joseph
1 week ago
Tent
I'm not sure what I could say about Scott and Kimberly that hasn't been said before. My wife and I have been to their place camping several times now and will be back again. Easily our favorite place to go.
See more
R
Robert
1 week ago
Tent
There were two groups at the river area where I camped. We all got along very well and hung out. Pretty awesome when a bunch of strangers can get together and just laugh and tell stories. Scott and Kimberly came down Sunday morning and we all had a great time visiting with them as well. I love that I found this little slice of heaven.
See more
N
Nicklaus
1 week ago
Tent
We had another great time at Scott and Kimberly’s place. Three nights was the perfect amount of time. There were lots of laughs, good food, love, and fun. It’s so nice that Scott and Kimberly share this place with others where you’re able to shed your worries and just enjoy nature and the company you’re with. Speaking of company, it was a full camp this weekend and it was a lot of fun to meet new people and share an evening just enjoying each other’s company. We are already planning next year’s trip! Thanks Scott and Kimberly!!
See more
K
Kyle
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
Excellent experience! Suzan was an excellent host. Her land is a little oasis near home and we can’t wait to visit again.
See more
D
Dana
1 week ago
10 ft campervan
Very cool sites for primitive camping. The Sun site offered a great view of the sunset, sunrise and the night sky.
See more
A
Austin
2 weeks ago
1 night at #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
Nice and peaceful place to stay. Scott was nice to talk to and very helpful during my stay. I enjoyed my time there and look forward to coming back.
See moreM
Michaela
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
Perfect set up for our Van! Right by the river, flat and with a picnic table. A slice of heaven in Iowa
See more
T
Trisha
3 weeks ago
1 night at Windy Goat Acres
The animals are delightful. The first time all the goats and ducks noisily came to say hello was a favorite moment from our trip. The yurt is beautiful. Air conditioned which was needed in humid August. The space is lovely and very well equipped with electricity, a kitchenette with full sink and a tv and dvd player. The bathrooms near the house are less than a 5 minute walk, being a flashlight for late nights early morning trips! There is a standard porta potty right near the yurt, also need a flashlight.
Take time to just wander the grounds. Cannot recommend the waffle breakfast enough. So delicious!
See more
R
Rebekah
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Easy to get to and drive around! Host was responsive and had clear instructions. Beautiful spot.
See more
Cassie
3 weeks ago
With pets
We had such a wonderful stay at Windy Goat Acres! There is truly so much to do that you never even need to leave the farm. Our stay was the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and quality family time.
We loved getting to spend time with the llamas, snuggling the sweetest kittens, watching the dog and emu races, making magically giant bubbles, wandering the grounds, and slowing down to play games together as a family. There was always something fun to discover, but it also never felt rushed or like we had to be doing something every minute.
Jess and Jim were incredibly welcoming and so easy to communicate with from start to finish. Jim took the time to share so much with us about the animals, the land, and the farm itself, which made the experience even more special. You can tell how much love, thought, and care they have poured into the property and the animals who call it home. It really feels like they enjoy sharing this little piece of their world with the people who stay there.
Windy Goat Acres was such a unique and memorable getaway, the kind of place where you can unplug, slow down, explore, laugh a lot, and just enjoy being together. We left with some really special family memories and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, peaceful, and truly one-of-a-kind escape. We would happily come back!
See more
T
Trevor
3 weeks ago
Tent
Beautiful location with easy access to all that Lake Red Rock offers. The hosts were readily available to handle any questions.
See more
Megan
August 2026
With kids
I think this was our 5th time visiting…each time we visit, we fall more in love with the space and the animals. This place is truly special and we look forward to visiting again.
See more
S
Sarah
August 2026
With kids
This is our 2nd time visiting, 1st time staying in the Hobbit House. We of course loved it! This kids already want to come back next year and see all the animals.
See more
B
Brett
August 2026
2 nights at Windy Goat Acres
Windy goat offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, and no two visits are ever the same. Each time I go back, I see something new that Jess has added. The landscape and hidden gnomes and fairies along the various paths on the farm reward the attentive viewer. It is a great place to recharge your batteries, and store up some whimsy to face the mundane world.
See more
D
Daniel
August 2026
Tent
What an amazing experience! It was my first time camping in almost 30 years (and my first clothing optional outing to boot), and it was darn near perfect! Only thing I would have changed, was less rain on my first night... and having more people know about JTRidge!!!
Scott and Kimberly were amazing hosts. The epitome of "Iowa Nice"! Since it was raining when I arrived, Scott and I chit chatted in the garage out of the rain until a slight break in the downpour. Scott then drove me and my gear down to the site in his atv (which brought back SOOOO much nostalgia for me, riding in the woods on the back of my grandpa's atv), and even helped me set up camp in the rain.
The next day when the rain let up and the sun came out, it was a PERFECT day. Sun and buns! I relaxed soo much that I napped several times in the hammocks!
I was sad that I had to come back to civilization, but im already trying to plan my next trip out!
See more
A
Alisha
August 2026
With kids
Such a beautiful escape from reality. We always love our weekends here.
See moreK
Kathryn
August 2026
With kids
Amazing experience! We had a blast as a family! Our kids loved the animals and waffles!
See more
A
Anna
July 2026
With pets
One of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed. The hobbit house was adorable inside and out. My dogs and I loved the property trails. All of the animals on-site were adorable to watch.
See moreA
Austin
July 2026
Tent
Absolutely best hosts I have ever experienced! Extremely hospitable and a beautiful piece of nature to book!
I also got a massage while there it was top notch!!
See moreIowa 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.
