The best camping in Iowa with swimming

·

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking to camp in Iowa and love swimming, you're in luck. We have over 250 options in Iowa with swimming available. Whether you prefer lakes, rivers, or even swimming pools, we've got you covered. Looking for some top-rated campsites? Check out Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews). Our campsites offer a range of amenities including pet-friendly spaces, showers, and campfire pits. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from like biking, wildlife watching, and whitewater paddling. The average price per night is $60, with options as low as $5. So get ready to dive into your next camping adventure with Hipcamp!

97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Windy Goat Acres

1. Windy Goat Acres

99%
(723)
7 sites · Lodging · Chelsea, IA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$68
 / night
1860's Botanical Homestead

3. 1860's Botanical Homestead

97%
(164)
2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Bellevue, IA
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*
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

5. Nature Heaven

96%
(315)
10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Knoxville, IA
The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has it’s special nature-beauty, so we open year around. This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa with 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. 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 glamping 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. For our camper's 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 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 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 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 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 the Google map shows now.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Welcome to Greenhouse Camping!

9. Greenhouse Camping

97%
(151)
2 sites · RVs · 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
from 
$31
 / night
The recreational bike trail (13 miles) is located immediately adjacent to the camping area.

11. Trail-Side Rural Retreat

100%
(9)
8 sites · Tents, RVs · Oskaloosa, IA
Our 3-acre pasture borders a 13-mile recreational trail that encompasses our entire town. Super easy access to the trail via bike, golf cart, or on foot to the middle school, high school, community auditorium, William Penn University or Lacey Recreational Complex. We live approximately 150 yards from the city limits, but are on a gravel road. It is an easy 7-minute drive to the grocery store, 2 minutes to the local hospital, and the trail is accessible to walkers, golf carts and bicyclists. Our property does not have any hookups, but if needed, there is are a couple of spots where a 110 connection could be accommodated (for an additional $5/night) close to our home that we could have discussions about using. My husband and are I both retired and our property is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Please note on the three acres, we do have 15 laying hens who free-range during the day, but are confined at night. They typically do not have any desire to interact with humans unless you are feeding them and should not present any problems. IF you bring a pet, please insure it is kept controlled and not allowed to interact with our hens or the folks using the recreational trail. As a bonus, for $5 per person we would be happy to whip up a farm-fresh egg breakfast each morning you stay with us. During summer months, guests are welcome to use our above-ground fully-enclosed pool complete with outdoor shower (heated by the power of the sun shining on a garden hose which means hot water is VERY limited!). There is a tiki bar, small deck and lawn furniture inside the pool enclosure. Please stop by the main house to check in when you arrive. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night
Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

12. Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

99%
(85)
2 sites · Lodging · Williamsburg, IA
We offer one private site on four acres, including a small pond, beach, treehouse, trails and peace and quiet. In addition to the tipi, there are kayaks, canoe, fire ring, wood supply, cooking equipment, dutch ovens, hammock, and tables and chairs. Campers will need to bring sleeping bags and food. Dogs are welcome. There is a rustic restroom (outhouse), with an outdoor shower. Water and electricity are available at the restroom and campsite. In addition, Navigation Play-Williamsburg, provides outdoor play opportunities at the farm on a seasonal basis. If interested, find her on her facebook page. Our dream was to restore an old farmstead to prairie and woods, grow our own food, make some wine and create a wonderland for grandchildren. The tipi and pond campsite is our way of sharing our place. We love meeting new people, especially those that are looking for a new camping experience.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$105
 / night
Draco Hill Nature Farm

13. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%
(705)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · West Branch, IA
We're closing out another wonderful season with a Chestnut Festival Sunday, Oct. 19th at 2 pm. THANK YOU to all our guests who appreciated Draco Hill Nature Farm, enjoyed the trails and the river, were considerate to one another and who left their sites as clean as they found them. Hipcampers Rock! We'll see you in 2026. 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 Freeze-dried apples A Coleman stove, matches and tank of fuel NO generators 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. Draco Hill Nature Farm hosts free events during the year. 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." This is a "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, wild parsnhip 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
from 
$28
 / night
Beautiful, secluded campsite!

14. Lutheran Lakeside Camp

98%
(21)
20 sites · Tents, RVs · Spirit Lake, IA
Our mission is to be a place of belonging for all people to find joy and purpose in God's creation. We have a beautiful property with lots of activities and amenities to offer and we want to share it with as many people as possible. All the income we receive through campers and guests goes towards Camp for ALL Kids, where we allow foster children to attend camp at no cost. Learn more about this land:Park your RV and enjoy WiFi, endless activities onsite as well as peace and serenity while only being a few miles from the Okoboji excitement. Back in, hook up to 30 or 50 amp, Dump Station, short walk or drive to the waterfront. All guests get a picnic table and fire ring. Enjoy 3.5 miles of trails, basketball, sand volleyball, gaga ball, human foosball, 9 square, soccer filed, playground, and open fields. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
The Prairie Lodge

17. The Prairie Lodge

100%
(1)
1 site · Lodging · Elkader, IA
Welcome to The Prairie Lodge — A Rustic Retreat on Historic Land Nestled in the heart of the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa, The Prairie Lodge sits on 200 acres of native prairie and timber as part of the Cook Heritage Farm Estate. This cherished family property has been passed down through generations for over 173 years. The property borders the scenic Turkey River and is surrounded by rolling farmland and gentle bluffs that lead toward the mighty Mississippi River. Rich in natural beauty, the Driftless Area is geologically unique—never touched by glaciers—and is known for its caves, underground streams, blind valleys, sinkholes, and cold spring-fed creeks. The Prairie Lodge, once the main “corn crib” used for drying and storing harvested corn, has been thoughtfully renovated into a comfortable and charming retreat. Inside, you’ll find a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a cozy living room, and an open loft with four queen beds. The loft comfortably sleeps eight and can accommodate up to ten guests with a blow-up mattress if needed. Step onto the east-facing patio deck with your morning beverage and watch the sunrise over fields of blooming prairie flowers. Wildlife is abundant—deer, rabbits, songbirds, pheasants, and even eagles are frequent visitors. As night falls, the second-floor deck becomes the perfect spot for stargazing and listening to the calls of coyotes echoing across the land. Next door to the Lodge, you’ll find the Bin Bar—a once-abandoned grain bin transformed in 2017 into a unique gathering space ideal for late-night storytelling and nightcaps under the stars. For those traveling with a larger group, RV campsites with full water, sewer, and electrical hookups are available near the Lodge. If additional accommodations are needed beyond the Prairie Lodge, please contact your Hipcamp host for details and availability. Activities nearby: Iowa towns including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each town boasts its own fun for day and evening entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining spots.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$176
 / night

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking to camp in Iowa and love swimming, you're in luck. We have over 250 options in Iowa with swimming available. Whether you prefer lakes, rivers, or even swimming pools, we've got you covered. Looking for some top-rated campsites? Check out Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews). Our campsites offer a range of amenities including pet-friendly spaces, showers, and campfire pits. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from like biking, wildlife watching, and whitewater paddling. The average price per night is $60, with options as low as $5. So get ready to dive into your next camping adventure with Hipcamp!

97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Windy Goat Acres

1. Windy Goat Acres

99%
(723)
7 sites · Lodging · Chelsea, IA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$68
 / night
1860's Botanical Homestead

3. 1860's Botanical Homestead

97%
(164)
2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Bellevue, IA
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*
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

5. Nature Heaven

96%
(315)
10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Knoxville, IA
The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has it’s special nature-beauty, so we open year around. This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa with 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. 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 glamping 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. For our camper's 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 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 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 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 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 the Google map shows now.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Welcome to Greenhouse Camping!

9. Greenhouse Camping

97%
(151)
2 sites · RVs · 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
from 
$31
 / night
The recreational bike trail (13 miles) is located immediately adjacent to the camping area.

11. Trail-Side Rural Retreat

100%
(9)
8 sites · Tents, RVs · Oskaloosa, IA
Our 3-acre pasture borders a 13-mile recreational trail that encompasses our entire town. Super easy access to the trail via bike, golf cart, or on foot to the middle school, high school, community auditorium, William Penn University or Lacey Recreational Complex. We live approximately 150 yards from the city limits, but are on a gravel road. It is an easy 7-minute drive to the grocery store, 2 minutes to the local hospital, and the trail is accessible to walkers, golf carts and bicyclists. Our property does not have any hookups, but if needed, there is are a couple of spots where a 110 connection could be accommodated (for an additional $5/night) close to our home that we could have discussions about using. My husband and are I both retired and our property is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Please note on the three acres, we do have 15 laying hens who free-range during the day, but are confined at night. They typically do not have any desire to interact with humans unless you are feeding them and should not present any problems. IF you bring a pet, please insure it is kept controlled and not allowed to interact with our hens or the folks using the recreational trail. As a bonus, for $5 per person we would be happy to whip up a farm-fresh egg breakfast each morning you stay with us. During summer months, guests are welcome to use our above-ground fully-enclosed pool complete with outdoor shower (heated by the power of the sun shining on a garden hose which means hot water is VERY limited!). There is a tiki bar, small deck and lawn furniture inside the pool enclosure. Please stop by the main house to check in when you arrive. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night
Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

12. Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

99%
(85)
2 sites · Lodging · Williamsburg, IA
We offer one private site on four acres, including a small pond, beach, treehouse, trails and peace and quiet. In addition to the tipi, there are kayaks, canoe, fire ring, wood supply, cooking equipment, dutch ovens, hammock, and tables and chairs. Campers will need to bring sleeping bags and food. Dogs are welcome. There is a rustic restroom (outhouse), with an outdoor shower. Water and electricity are available at the restroom and campsite. In addition, Navigation Play-Williamsburg, provides outdoor play opportunities at the farm on a seasonal basis. If interested, find her on her facebook page. Our dream was to restore an old farmstead to prairie and woods, grow our own food, make some wine and create a wonderland for grandchildren. The tipi and pond campsite is our way of sharing our place. We love meeting new people, especially those that are looking for a new camping experience.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$105
 / night
Draco Hill Nature Farm

13. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%
(705)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · West Branch, IA
We're closing out another wonderful season with a Chestnut Festival Sunday, Oct. 19th at 2 pm. THANK YOU to all our guests who appreciated Draco Hill Nature Farm, enjoyed the trails and the river, were considerate to one another and who left their sites as clean as they found them. Hipcampers Rock! We'll see you in 2026. 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 Freeze-dried apples A Coleman stove, matches and tank of fuel NO generators 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. Draco Hill Nature Farm hosts free events during the year. 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." This is a "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, wild parsnhip 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
from 
$28
 / night
Beautiful, secluded campsite!

14. Lutheran Lakeside Camp

98%
(21)
20 sites · Tents, RVs · Spirit Lake, IA
Our mission is to be a place of belonging for all people to find joy and purpose in God's creation. We have a beautiful property with lots of activities and amenities to offer and we want to share it with as many people as possible. All the income we receive through campers and guests goes towards Camp for ALL Kids, where we allow foster children to attend camp at no cost. Learn more about this land:Park your RV and enjoy WiFi, endless activities onsite as well as peace and serenity while only being a few miles from the Okoboji excitement. Back in, hook up to 30 or 50 amp, Dump Station, short walk or drive to the waterfront. All guests get a picnic table and fire ring. Enjoy 3.5 miles of trails, basketball, sand volleyball, gaga ball, human foosball, 9 square, soccer filed, playground, and open fields. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
The Prairie Lodge

17. The Prairie Lodge

100%
(1)
1 site · Lodging · Elkader, IA
Welcome to The Prairie Lodge — A Rustic Retreat on Historic Land Nestled in the heart of the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa, The Prairie Lodge sits on 200 acres of native prairie and timber as part of the Cook Heritage Farm Estate. This cherished family property has been passed down through generations for over 173 years. The property borders the scenic Turkey River and is surrounded by rolling farmland and gentle bluffs that lead toward the mighty Mississippi River. Rich in natural beauty, the Driftless Area is geologically unique—never touched by glaciers—and is known for its caves, underground streams, blind valleys, sinkholes, and cold spring-fed creeks. The Prairie Lodge, once the main “corn crib” used for drying and storing harvested corn, has been thoughtfully renovated into a comfortable and charming retreat. Inside, you’ll find a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a cozy living room, and an open loft with four queen beds. The loft comfortably sleeps eight and can accommodate up to ten guests with a blow-up mattress if needed. Step onto the east-facing patio deck with your morning beverage and watch the sunrise over fields of blooming prairie flowers. Wildlife is abundant—deer, rabbits, songbirds, pheasants, and even eagles are frequent visitors. As night falls, the second-floor deck becomes the perfect spot for stargazing and listening to the calls of coyotes echoing across the land. Next door to the Lodge, you’ll find the Bin Bar—a once-abandoned grain bin transformed in 2017 into a unique gathering space ideal for late-night storytelling and nightcaps under the stars. For those traveling with a larger group, RV campsites with full water, sewer, and electrical hookups are available near the Lodge. If additional accommodations are needed beyond the Prairie Lodge, please contact your Hipcamp host for details and availability. Activities nearby: Iowa towns including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each town boasts its own fun for day and evening entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining spots.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$176
 / night

Camper favorites in Iowa

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Iowa

Stories from the community

Other options in Iowa

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field