RV camping in Iowa

The beaten track is easily escaped by RV campers in the Hawkeye State.

98% (1610 reviews)
98% (1610 reviews)

Popular for RV camping

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top RV sites in Iowa

97%
(262)

Nature Heaven

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Knoxville, IA
This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on top of hilly land and is rare in Iowa. It has close view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and 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 site. The RVs need to be self contained. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distances to keep privacy from each other. A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic dome tent is for those who want more climate controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. For surrounding areas, the close by White Breast Beach is open from May 23-September 3, 2024, boating, hunting and hiking activities in the lake red rock year around. For our campers safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public deer hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature, and have a comfortable stay . The cell phone signals are good, 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: This 40 acres of land was 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 environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds and tall grass... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$20
 / night
100%
(127)

Bend River Farms

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Runnells, IA
Bend River Farms is just a short drive from Interstate 80/35. The farm is 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.”
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$27.20
 / night
100%
(166)

n*Everland Barnyard Camping

24 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Anamosa, IA
We are hearing from potential campers that they are not able to book dates. We have never been at full occupancy. In order to resolve this issue, we would love to know if you have troubles. Reach out to us directly, or contact Hipcamp support to report the issue. Thank you and sorry for any inconvenience! We are working to solve the problem! Seeking an adventure that feels like somewhere completely different from the norms of society? This is what you will find at n*Everland Barnyard. We march to the beat of our own drummer and love sharing our space with those seeking true connection to nature and themselves. Privacy and community connection, whichever you prefer, we have 20 acres in Anamosa, Iowa at the end of a cul-de-sac just 5 blocks from Main Street. We think it's a slice of heaven and we bet you agree! Do you want to hike into a site? We have a few sites in the woods that are not easily accessible by car, if you want that kind of experience just mention it when booking. Follow us on Facebook to stay abreast of our current events! We are not very active on FB though, so we may miss your message if you reach out to us that way. https://www.facebook.com/Never... FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: Please reach out to us in messaging to determine if this is the right fit for your family vacation as we feel there are better options in the area for kids, but we do make exceptions for the well-behaved and respectful older children. Thank you for your understanding. ABOUT THE BARNYARD: n*Everland Barnyard is an eccentric art installation space created from found, recycled, and repurposed building materials in the heart of Grant Wood Country in Jones County, Iowa. We are not a commercial campground. We focus on Zen, mindfulness, peace, and tranquility. Firmly in the realm of Outsider Art, Gothic and rustic, Bob Kellogg has created a place unlike anywhere else in the world that represents freedom and inspires endless creativity. The land provides multiple camp sites for easy access to bike and walking trails taking visitors into town or through the Wapsipinicon State Park across the river from the property. Anamosa offers several restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses all within walking distance and less than a mile from our land. Kayak the Wapsipinicon River, we recommend a put in at Matsell Bridge, and end only a mile away from your campsite at the Barnyard in Anamosa at the dam takeout. Visit the State Penitentiary Museum, hang out with the Barnyard chickens, hike our wooded trails, or simply unwind. This place is a magical retreat unlike anywhere else in the world. If you are seeking to disconnect from the world, find presence and live in the Now, this is the place for you. We also offer #ProjectCreatePeace, an initiative to create more peace in the world through art as an art project. Check out the extras listings to get your art on while you are here! There is a beautiful spring-fed water hole ideal for swimming in the state park, as well as access to the river from our property (although we do not recommend swimming in the river due to pollutants.) Watching the sunset at the river is one of our absolutely favorite ways to end the day. n*Everland Barnyard and the events we host are the perfect place to meet cool like-minded people, so even if you are single traveler, know that you will find an inviting, safe, and welcome site here for your getaway! We make some of the best pizza you have ever eaten (or so we keep being told) and we have a few special weekends a summer that highlight events such as sound baths that feature garden-fresh, oven-baked foods and pizza. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Never... to stay updated on our events!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$44
 / night
99%
(260)

Folk School Farm Stay

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · 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 ecological 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
98%
(112)

Greenhouse Camping

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Ankeny, IA
We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too! We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny. Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park. Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center. Upscale shopping and dining at the District. Or venture out a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or the Iowa State Fair. It's the best of country and suburban living! End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire. Learn more about this land: You'll love this relaxing space to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!  Very easy access,  we are just 1/2 mile off of Interstate-35.  Our farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.  This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging.  It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!  We're a 15 minute drive from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and the beach life.  You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just 15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town Ames, and  at The District in Ankeny.   Upon your arrival you'll find the greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with 4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.  
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$28
 / night
96%
(464)

Come Enjoy the Beauty

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$29
 / night
100%
(5)

Pine River Campsites

10 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · 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 Oct. 31st to March 31st. Daily, weekly, monthly rates also available. Message for special rates. Pet friendly.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(27)

Secluded riverside ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
98%
(640)

Draco Hill Nature Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · West Branch, IA
A convenient 7 miles north of Interstate 80 but feels like an oasis away from it all. Summer has begun! The prairie is starting to flower, the mulberries are just finishing up and black raspberries are coming on in the woods for you to forage. Please take a taste and leave the rest for others to enjoy. There have also been black bear sightings in Cedar County! If one decides to visit, please steer clear of it. They are NOT as cute as they look, especially if you get between them and their food or cubs! This year, Draco Hill Nature Farm is hosting free events you can join in on when you camp. Coming up is a night time bug show and talk July 12 and prairie walks in August and September. See Dracohill.org/events for details. Make it part of your camping experience or sign up for your own private sustainable agriculture tour under "Extras." Enjoy nature in a private, wooded river valley setting. 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. NOTE: It's raining more this summer than it has in 4 year so bring insect repellant. Poison ivy is also very prevalent. We spray chemicals as little as possible for your safety and the benefit of the environment so wear long pants in the woods and be vigilant around your campsite. We use TecNu - a product we scrub on and wash off if we get into poison ivy by mistake and it has kept us from any major outbreaks.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
$27.20
 / night
100%
(30)

The Waypoint

5 sites · RVs18 acres · Earlham, IA
A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35. 18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community. If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(12)

Burkhart Farm

11 sites · RVs10 acres · Woodward, IA
Water at camp sites is turned off for winter but is still available in barn to fill tanks. We live in the country on a working grain farm (corn and soybeans). It can get noisy and dusty during harvest and grain hauling operations. You could wake up to deer eating grain around the bins. In the evenings, you can look down to the East by tree line for deer and turkey. We can handle any size RV. Please pick up after your dogs. We have guest children that play in yard. All spots are level. All electric sites are 30/50 and are for year-round use. We have 9 sites with electric and city water. 3 sites are gravel. 4 sites are grass. 2 are concrete. We also have a large primitive camping area west of the grain bins in open yard (no electric or water). Rv parking is available on grass when ground is hard or on the concrete and gravel driveway when soft. We have one picnic table for campers’ use. There is a trail we keep mowed North East of the hay barn alongside the crops, which is great for walking/dog run. Gray water may be dumped in the farm field; the crops love it. Sorry, we can no longer recommend black water dump stations as the local campgrounds are refusing non-customer use. Whistling Donkey in Woodward has a dump station; you can call them and ask if you can use it (515) 438-2669. You can be as private or engaged with us as you feel. Dumpster is by machine shed. There are 30+ local TV channels (no cable available). Open southern skies for satellite use. The lights automatically turn off at 10 PM. Fire pit is available for your use. Firewood is available East of the barn. Fire Pit light dims down to 15% after 10 PM. Yard lights also come on for one minute at Noon every day. Stargazing really pops at night on a clear night. You are welcome to turn lights back on and continue outdoor activities and use fire pit as long as you do not disturb other campers. Mouse and weather vane lights stay on all night for your convenience. Please do not put trash in fire pit. (I have to clean it out) We would prefer if guests arrive before dark; we like to settle down for the evening. WIFI is 250 Mbps depending on number of users. WIFI is Farm. Password is farmfarm (no caps) (Farm is 4 Miles North of Woodward).  1140 300th St Woodward Iowa Caution;   Google maps has a tendency to have you take extra gravel roads. Follow the instructions below to stay on paved roads untill last 1/3 mile. From Woodward: Head to North end of town turn left to the West onto North 3rd St.  Go 1/4 mile turn right at T intersection to the North onto R18 for two miles.  At stop sign turn left to the West on R18.  (stay on R18 do not go straight North onto the gravel) in 1 mile turn right to the North still on R18 for 3 miles turn right to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.  Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From Ames: Head West on highway 30 to Highway 17 go South for 5 miles to Luther turn right on E57 to the West for 7 miles.   At stop sign turn left to the South on R18 for 3 miles turn left to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.  Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse Pole Light.  Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From Ogden: Head South on Highway 169 for 5 miles to E57 turn left to the East for 4 miles.  At stop sign turn right to the South on to R18 for 3 miles.  Turn left to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.  Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From East bound Interstate 80   Turn at exit 110    (Adel / Winterset) onto Highway 169 and go north 29 miles to E57.   (Google maps has a tendency to have you turn onto 300 street which is an extra 4 miles of gravel road go North to E57)  Turn right to the East for 4 miles.  At stop sign turn right to the South on R18 for 3 miles.   Turn left to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.   Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse pole Light.  Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From Des Moines take 141 to the North to Woodward (From Woodward see above). For questions about the route look at our host site at the photo map. Local Hospital Perry IA ---------------------515 465-3547 Boone IA--------------------515 432-3140 Local gas station: Casey’s General Store (gas, pizza, sub sandwiches, and groceries). Madrid (9 miles away) is the closest diesel fuel. Restaurants in Woodward: Cayennes Café Whistling Donkey Sports Bar and Grill Laundry: Uptown Laundry, 115 S Main St., Woodward Groceries: A J’s Grocery Store Picket Fence Creamery Banks: E-Bank, ATM 217 S Main St., Woodward Local Attractions: Picket Fence Creamery Woodward High Trestle Bridge & BikeTrail Also see: http://burkhartelectric.com/Burkhart%20Boondockers%20Site.html
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$10
 / night
98%
(23)

Two Old Hoes on Hippie Hill

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Stanton, IA
Learn more about this land: You can camp, wander, head down the road to Viking Lake. Easy, relaxing and not too many rules. I don't do trash, unattended firepits or really loud gatherings past dusk. I love to camp but, this is our oasis. We also have outdoor dogs that help keep the coyotes and wildlife at bay. The means that they may bark at night.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

Star Hosts in Iowa

Available this weekend

Value Prop
Value Prop

RV camping in Iowa guide

Overview

Iowa’s vast open roads and far-as-the-eye-can-see farmlands make it the ideal destination for a cross-state road trip, and there are dramatic caves, trout-filled rivers, and more than 40 state parks to explore along the way. The lakeside RV resorts around Spirit Lake are a favorite among summer campers, while in the east of the state, the rugged terrain is a magnet for hikers. Hop out of your RV to take in the views from Pikes Peak State Park, go spelunking in the caverns and grottos of Maquoketa Caves State Park, or hike the state’s highest peak—the Devil’s Backbone—in Backbone State Park. With hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, Iowa’s best seasons for camping are spring and fall. However, many RV campgrounds stay open year-round, so you can cool off from the summer heat at Lake Red Rock or check out the snowmobiling trails at Big Creek State Park.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.