The best luxury RV campgrounds in Iowa

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.

98% (485)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

98% (485)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%

(492)

61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Earlham, IA

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!

2. Pine River Campsites

93%

(29)

11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cresco, IA

This secluded property is just off Hwy 9 five miles west of Cresco, Iowa. It has 50/30/20 amp service with water, sewer, garbage and internet. The property has a view of the north branch of the Turkey River, walking tails, fire ring, picnic table and firewood available for purchase. Open all year, winter rates apply. Daily, weekly, monthly rates also available. Message for special rates. Pet friendly.

3. Folk School Farm Stay

99%

(282)

10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Oxford, IA

Come enjoy the natural beauty of a working farm! In our transition to agroforestry, wetland restoration and perennial ag, you'll find some great spaces to walk your dog, let your children run and learn about land conservation. The farm is also home to a flower cutting garden, a food forest garden, and a folk school. Guests are welcome to cut flowers for a donation, and enjoy the sheep, chickens and resident cat. The setting is also great for taking in sunrises, sunsets and star gazing. Come explore the landscape, book a farm tour or enjoy some studio space at Land Alliance Folk School.

4. Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

100%

(8)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sergeant Bluff, IA

**Welcome to Your Relaxing RV or Tent Getaway!** Nestled in a peaceful, scenic setting, on a paved road our RV/Tent friendly Hipcamp property offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Enjoy spacious, level parking, beautiful natural surroundings, and easy access to local bike trails, Browns Lake or Missouri River and small-town charm. Whether you're here to unwind, explore, or just pass through, you'll find comfort, convenience, and a warm welcome waiting for you. Relax, Recharge & Explore — Full Hookup RV and tent Sites Near Sioux City, IA. Enjoy the comfort and charm of our peaceful RV / tent retreat just one mile from Sgt. Bluff, IA. Our full-hookup, pet-friendly, kid friendly (you may well catch some of our five grandaughters over for a visit) site features treated water, indoor laundry and restrooms with hot showers, gas grill and a cozy gas fire pit for evening relaxation. Unwind under the rustic "grainzebo," a unique seating area perfect for soaking in the rural charm. Storm shelter in case of threatening weather. We're conveniently located just a mile from groceries, gas stations, and local dining options. Adventure is right at your doorstep—with easy access to the Plywood Trail's 100+ miles of paved biking paths that wind through scenic countryside and along the Missouri River. Catch a game at Explorers Ball Field, a show at Tyson Event Center, visit the Hard Rock Casino or explore numerous other nearby museums and attractions. Enjoy wide-open views of the Loess Hills—just a short drive from camp—for a true taste of Iowa's natural beauty.

5. Bartlett Shores RV Park

100%

(2)

102 sites · RVs, Lodging · Bartlett, IA

Discover a one-of-a-kind RV park nestled along the picturesque banks of the Missouri River on the Iowa side, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This unique campground features a seasonal riverside area that welcomes guests from May to October, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation and recreation. In addition to the seasonal options, our year-round campground is conveniently located within the levee, offering both short-term and monthly rental opportunities. This ensures that visitors can enjoy the beauty of the river and surrounding landscapes throughout the entire year. Guests can take advantage of nearby attractions, including scenic hiking trails, swimming holes, and various outdoor activities that cater to all ages. With local restaurants and shops just a short drive away, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable stay. Experience the perfect blend of nature and convenience at our beautiful RV park, where adventure awaits at every turn.

Stories from the community

RV Spots have electric at the site, water to fill your tanks with and we have a dump station on the way out.

Xavier

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Great roadside stop. Safe and comfortable. Would reccomend.

G

Gregory

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

This was a great choice for our fifth night. Laundry, shower, cool grain bin lounge and all the hook ups. The hosts were very nice and helpful. All this and we had it to ourselves. And, eclectic décor as well.

Cassie

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

Great Hipcamp! Level site, amenities we enjoyed using, and the kids LOVED the swings. Quiet and peaceful, and the owners are kind. We would be happy to return.

B

Beau

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

Perfect stop right off of I29! Jenice offered unbelievable hospitality and is just the sweetest ever. We loved the multiple bathroom amenities, and the grainzebo was the coolest hangout spot!

S

Samantha

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

A hidden gem! The sweetest couple welcomed us with open arms. We were the only guests, so we had our own private oasis. Full hookups, bathrooms, laundry, wifi, grill, and the cutest “grain-zebo”. They even assisted us in filling up a flat tire. Would highly recommended!

Elijah

September 2025

50 ft Class A

6 nights at Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

Wonderful little spot away from the busy highway, but close enough to hop right back on when you’re ready to go. Kelly and Jenices’s land was beautiful and they were wonderful hosts! They were very accommodating and had everything we needed and more! We made use of the large yard to play frisbee with our dog and the silo gazebo to relax on a beautiful day!

P

Pamela

September 2025

10 ft travel trailer

1 night at Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

The hosts Jenice and Kelly are warm and welcoming. The amenities are wonderful. We’d definitely go back!

S

Samantha

September 2025

26 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Bartlett Shores RV Park

Super easy virtual check in. Easy to locate and spacious lot

Alexis&Anthony

September 2025

24 ft campervan

1 night at Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

We had an amazing stay here! The hosts are so kind and accommodating and great with communication. This is probably one of the best hipcamp experiences we have had, and we have stayed at several across the country. The property is plenty spacious, with all of the amenities you could need, including a unique gazebo area that was custom built by the owner. If we are ever in the area in the future, we would definitely stay here again. 10/ 10 recommend!

K

Katherine

September 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Folk School Farm Stay

Anna was very friendly and very flexible! She offered multiple spots for us to stay on the property. The bathrooms and kitchen were clean and fit our needs!

R

Rachel

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Sgt. Bluff Lazy K Camp

This was such a wonderful, unexpected stop on our trip west. This is a beautiful area and the property itself is full of charm; especially the grainzebo, and outhouse. The hosts were fantastic, and amenities are fresh and clean. Definitely somewhere I would visit again, and recommend you do too!

L

Lyn

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Pine River Campsites

The site was nice but better for an RV. It's small and there isn't much level space for a tent. However, it's right on the river and the view is amazing! The campground is on a county highway but it was surprisingly quiet in the evening and morning. It's a nice spot for an overnight stay. I would stay again but choose one of the sites better suited for a tent.

C

Chad

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Folk School Farm Stay

The work restorative work Anna is doing to her land is inspiring, particularly the wetlands around the pond--gorgeous! Recommend the farm tour option.

Sarah

August 2025

22 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Pine River Campsites

It was a very peaceful place. Nice view of the small river from our site. I would recommend.

peter

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Folk School Farm Stay

This is one of my favorite HIPCAMP places to stay. Anna and Dave are wonderful hosts, and have multiple options for where I can place my car/tent. This last visit I stayed in a lovely stand of trees full of quite the assortment of sounds. Before that I was close to the hilarious sheep on property. I picked up some of Anna's Elderberry glaze that she makes- that too was wonderful.

A

Allison

August 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Pine River Campsites

Pine River was a peaceful place to enjoy some time with family and explore the area! Mark has created a well - appointed campground with all the necessaries. The babble of the brook made a pleasant background in the evening!

J

Jodi

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We had reservations and wanted to stay so bad but the heat index was dangerous as well as the air quality from wildfire smoke so we did not go. I left the host a message through hip camp to let them know we weren't coming. So sorry to have missed it!

d

donald

July 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We just stopped for the night as we was traveling through. Everything was nicely laid out and worked out great.

T

Tyson

July 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Pine River Campsites

Great spot with everything we needed! Sites were as described, good communication from host :)

A

Amy

July 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Pine River Campsites

This was a great spot for a relaxing getaway. The sites were spacious and the grounds well maintained. We explored one of the trails, the host Mark told us there were more but a rainy day kept us from doing so. There were 2 dogs that we saw wandering around (not sure if they live there or not), one of our dogs doesn’t like others that he’s unfamiliar with so that kept us a bit on alert. If we ever find ourselves back in the area we will definitely book here again and choose the same site.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best luxury RV camping in Iowa 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.