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The best camping in Iowa with wildlife watching

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Looking to experience the great outdoors in Iowa while indulging in some wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 400 options in Iowa that cater to wildlife enthusiasts like you, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for a rustic cabin, a secluded campsite, or a cozy yurt, we've got the perfect accommodation for you. And with prices starting as low as $15 per night, you can enjoy nature without breaking the bank. Plus, our top campsites, such as Horse Creek Adventures (255 reviews), Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), and Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), have been highly rated by fellow nature lovers. So pack your binoculars and get ready for a wild adventure in Iowa with Hipcamp!

98% (2.8K) 5,992 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Iowa

Windy Goat Acres

1. Windy Goat Acres

99%
(832)
Chelsea, IA · 6 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...
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#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

2. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

99%
(134)
Oxford Junction, IA · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
## About Welcome to our private **15-acre clothing-optional sanctuary**, where nature, freedom, and relaxation come together. 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. 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 with friends to reconnect with nature, slow down, and leave the stresses of everyday life behind. If you've grown tired of crowded commercial campgrounds, this is a different kind of escape. We offer secluded campsites, a primitive cabin, and Day Passes for guests seeking a few peaceful hours—or several days—in the country. This isn't a campground packed with activities. It's a quiet sanctuary 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 a few hours to recharge. Stretch out in a reclining lounge chair, wander wooded trails, read beneath the trees, practice yoga, meditate, or simply enjoy the warmth of the sun. If you need assistance navigating Hipcamp's Day Pass booking process, we're happy to help. As stewards of this special property, we're honored to share it with others who appreciate nature, privacy, and the freedom of a clothing-optional environment. Clothing is optional throughout the property but is never required. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the space 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. Located along the beautiful Wapsipinicon River, our sanctuary features mature woodlands, a striking natural limestone bluff, scenic hiking trails, open sunny spaces, and abundant wildlife. Listen to birdsong (the Merlin Bird ID app is a favorite here), watch cattle graze in the neighboring pasture, cast a fishing line into the river, relax in a hammock beneath the trees, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nature. As evening falls, spectacular sunsets give way to 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 enjoy doing nothing at all. Looking for 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 solitude, quality time with someone special, or simply a place to unplug and recharge, we hope you'll discover that this 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 here if you need us, but we also value your privacy. We'll happily answer questions, offer recommendations, or simply let you enjoy the sanctuary at your own pace. We look forward to welcoming you to our peaceful corner of Iowa.
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Greenhouse Camping

3. Greenhouse Camping

97%
(169)
Ankeny, IA · 2 sites
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.  
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Saylorville Lake

4. Saylorville Lake

100%
(9)
Park in Iowa · 446 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
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Maquoketa Caves State Park

5. Maquoketa Caves State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Iowa · 29 sites
Take a hike, go spelunking, and learn about bats.
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Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

6. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%
(500)
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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n*Everland Barnyard Camping

7. n*Everland Barnyard Camping

99%
(245)
Anamosa, IA · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
We live outside the Matrix and march to the beat of our own drummer! We love sharing our space with those seeking true connection to nature and themselves. Privacy or 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! NOTE: We don't have number/names of sites, just book and move through that portion as you are able. All the sites have ample privacy. 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. 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 a 1-mile walking distance from your campsite. We also offer #ProjectCreatePeace, an initiative to create more peace in the world through creativity 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.)
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Tent camping on the Raccoon River

8. Tent camping on the Raccoon River

99%
(71)
Lake City, IA · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:Come relax at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch on the Raccoon River. The river offers floating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The nearby Rainbow Bend park and other local conservation areas offer hiking opportunities. As a working ranch, we have friendly Scottish Highland cattle onsite for great photos and selfies.
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Picnic table
Draco Hill Nature Farm

9. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%
(732)
West Branch, IA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
The heatwave is supposed to break by July 21 and the smoke should clear so we hope to see you soon. The river is up so don't expect much fishing but it's a sight to see. Bring bug spray - it's been a wet summer so far! We know what it costs to travel these days, so we've 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 in mid-June or October and catch our Community Potluck or 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 dracohill.org 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 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, wild parsnip and ticks. Please research these ahead of time and be prepared. We live here and encounter them frequently without more than a slight inconvenience.
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Pikes Peak State Park

10. Pikes Peak State Park

100%
(10)
State park in Iowa · 76 sites
Check out the fall colors at this woodland park on the banks of the Mississippi.
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Yellow River State Forest

11. Yellow River State Forest

100%
(7)
State forest in Iowa · 139 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Yellow River State Forest.
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Ledges State Park

12. Ledges State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Iowa · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
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Backbone State Park

13. Backbone State Park

80%
(5)
State park in Iowa · 124 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.
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Nature Heaven by lake red rock

14. 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

15. 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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Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

16. 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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The Waypoint

17. The Waypoint

99%
(64)
Earlham, IA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
A beautiful camping 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.
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Folk School Farm Stay

18. Folk School Farm Stay

99%
(290)
Oxford, IA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
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River Camp

19. River Camp

99%
(49)
Iowa City, IA · 2 sites
Learn more about this land: Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
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Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

20. Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

99%
(86)
Williamsburg, IA · 1 site
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 Catch and release fishing is allowed. 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.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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