The best forest campgrounds near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Looking to camp near Cedar Rapids, Iowa and explore the forested terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 100 options available near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you'll find the perfect campsite that suits your forest-loving needs. Whether you prefer a secluded spot in the woods or a campsite near a lake, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Lake Red Rock Oasis (75 reviews), and East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard (49 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as campfires, trash disposal, and pet-friendly policies. Plus, you can engage in exciting activities like exploring historic sites, swimming, and wildlife watching. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $15, camping in the forest near Cedar Rapids, Iowa has never been more affordable and enjoyable!

99% (504)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to camp near Cedar Rapids, Iowa and explore the forested terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 100 options available near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you'll find the perfect campsite that suits your forest-loving needs. Whether you prefer a secluded spot in the woods or a campsite near a lake, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Lake Red Rock Oasis (75 reviews), and East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard (49 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as campfires, trash disposal, and pet-friendly policies. Plus, you can engage in exciting activities like exploring historic sites, swimming, and wildlife watching. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $15, camping in the forest near Cedar Rapids, Iowa has never been more affordable and enjoyable!

99% (504)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

100%

(115)

32mi from Cedar Rapids · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Oxford Junction, IA

Are you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. Maybe you just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax. Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people? Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. Day passes can be a bit tricky to book, reach out if you need help with the site. We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing! Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully. We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all of the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available. Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Put in your canoe or kayak at Olin for a 3-4 hour float to our camping area. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. Enjoy the Great Jones County Fair only 30 mins away.. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill.

2. Ramsey Creek Natural Area

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(9)

33mi from Cedar Rapids · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Kalona, IA

3 acres that were converted from a cornfield 30 years ago to an area containing prairie, woods and creek. A great place to relax and enjoy rural Iowa, guests are welcome to roam the mowed areas and paths while respecting other guests. In the heart of the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi, only 2 miles from Kalona Historical Village. Groceries, gas and food and dump station available in Kalona, firewood available on site, kayak trips may be arranged.

3. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%

(705)

26mi from Cedar Rapids · 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.

4. Well Within Farm Sanctuary

360mi from Cedar Rapids · 6 sites · Lodging · Kingsley, MI

Well Within Farm Sanctuary is a forested 10 acres located minutes from hiking, biking, fishing and beautiful Traverse City, MI. Nestled 1/4 mile back from a main road but, only five minutes from The Village of Kingsley, MI with grocery store, gas station, brewery, shops, library, splash park, restaurants and more! You will stay at a rustic campsite with room for a tent or small RV. Recently we have added a 25 ft by 12 foot camping cabin. We provide one queen size air mattress and linens including pillows, sheets and a quilt. There is a private solar shower at each campsite. We do provide a clean well maintained port o potty for use.

5. River Camp

99%

(45)

25mi from Cedar Rapids · 3 sites · RVs · Iowa City, IA

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.

6. Blueberry Farm on a Hill

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(19)

21mi from Cedar Rapids · 1 site · Tent, RV · Oxford, IA

Welcome to our idyllic 10-acre historic farmstead in rural Johnson County, Iowa (about 8 miles west of Iowa City). We are a bookish, quiet couple with an 8-year-old daughter, 2 llamas, 4 chickens, 2 babydoll sheep, 3 housecats, and 5 barn cats. In June and July, we open our farm to the public for U-pick organic blueberries. Campers have access to a private firepit with 4 chairs, a bathroom shed with a composting toilet, a campfire coffee percolator, and a prairie trail. We're looking for Hipcampers who are respectful and clean.

Public campgrounds near Cedar Rapids

Palisades-Kepler Campground

9.7mi from Cedar Rapids · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Palisades-Kepler State Park

Sandy Beach Campground

11mi from Cedar Rapids · 58 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

100%

(2)

Lake Macbride Campground

13mi from Cedar Rapids · 103 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Macbride State Park

Pleasant Creek Campground

13mi from Cedar Rapids · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

75%

(4)

Sugar Bottom Campground

16mi from Cedar Rapids · 249 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

100%

(1)

Dam Complex Campground

18mi from Cedar Rapids · 173 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

Wapsipinicon Campground

22mi from Cedar Rapids · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wapsipinicon State Park

South Lake Campground

45mi from Cedar Rapids · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

100%

(3)

Six Pine Campground

45mi from Cedar Rapids · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

100%

(5)

Maquoketa Caves Campground

47mi from Cedar Rapids · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Maquoketa Caves State Park

Stories from the community

K

Kelly

October 2025

34 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.

T

Tim

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

What a great little hideaway! Close to my home, super quiet and peaceful right next to the river. Everything is well marked and well kept. Nice trails to explore and super nice host. I will definitely be coming back to this one at least once a year.

C

Christopher

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Great solitude and privacy along the river! We met for a small reunion with old friends and this was a perfect halfway point for all of us. Would return again!

M

Michelle

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at River Camp

This is the perfect spot for people who love fishing, the Hawkeyes, or have family in Iowa City. Full hook-ups and a quiet spot. Loren is easy to work with and very accommodating.

C

Colleen

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Draco Hill Nature Farm

This is our second trip to Draco Hills and we love it! Absolutely beautiful scenery, sounds and sights of the local wildlife, and peace and quiet. The perfect little grounding getaway just minutes off of I-80.

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Travis

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Had a great time tent camping at this location. I have camped here multiple times and will continue. Host is great and very quick to return messages when you have questions. 5/5

Eagles Nest overlook allows you to see all the birds soaring high and watch the wildlife walking the woods below. Quiet and peaceful spot to relax!

K

Karma

October 2025

4 nights at #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

If there was a doctor to prescribe spiritual isolation, this cabin is the perfect answer! No ayauasca needed! I couldn't get back here fast enough. My spirit needed more, more time experiencing this woodland magickal place. I needed time and a place to gather my thoughts, and let my thoughts roam. The Eagle's Nest was perfect. I can't thank you enough for hosting me again and sharing your property with me. <3

K

Kael

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blueberry Farm on a Hill

The place was gorgeous and the weather was fantastic when we went. I highly recommend staying if you’re in the area.

Eric

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Had a great time at this location. It would be a great place to reserve with friends due to the fact that the sun and shade rentals are close together. The view of the river is AMAZING and is a perfect spot to relax.

The view from site 2. Space is tighter getting in here.

Georgie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Wow! What a weekend!! I would LOVE to not give a good rating, only so I could keep this lovely place all to myself, but that would be very selfish of me. I can honestly say that this has been my favorite camping weekend of the year - and I camp a lot! It is very primitive, and very secluded. SO quiet and peaceful! It was everything we wanted! Being fairly new to Hipcamp, I sometimes have a few questions, and Suzan was always so quick to respond. This special place is definitely a do-over for me!

R

Randall

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Draco Hill Nature Farm

Lots of trails to walk around and large campsites.

K

Karma

September 2025

Weekend Trip to #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

What started as booking one night turned into three! The cabin was perfect for this beginner. Scott and Kimberly were great hosts, and I felt very comfortable. I couldn't have picked a better place to start my camping adventures.

T

Taylor

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Draco! This was our second time here and it is definitely a favorite. The property is beautiful and abundant with cleared trails to hike, forage, and explore as you please. Susan is a wonderful host that takes pride in sharing her space and making her guests feel comfortable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful & private camping experience! Thank you, Susan. See you soon!

Keith

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

1 night at Draco Hill Nature Farm

Great little place to stay. Would definitely recommend.

C

Corey

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Draco Hill Nature Farm

One of the best camping locations in Iowa! It was so nice to get out of the usual campground scene—this felt much more like the dispersed camping we love out west, but close to home. The site was beautiful, sunny, and felt secluded, even though the next spot was close enough to hear/see a little. Our dogs absolutely loved it. Our host was amazing—when our pup went wandered off, she jumped right in to help us search (she was found happily lollygagging on one of the trails 😅). Truly above and beyond hospitality. A couple quick notes for future campers: boat traffic was a little high (likely because it was Labor Day), but not disturbing, and we had less cell service than we anticipated, but it was honestly nice to unplug. We’d absolutely stay here again, and highly recommend the site and host!

A

Aaron

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

I just can’t say enough. Magical site. For any MN, WI, IL folks, it’s honestly worth a trip. We always get a wonderful bonding energy and experience. Scott is such a fun and responsible and sensitive host. We’ll keep coming back.

D

David

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

We stayed for one night and loved it! Suzan was very kind and shared bug spray saving a trip to town. Cedar River is beautiful. We loved the owls! Thank You for sharing your land!

Hannah

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

we love it here.. spacious campsites with privacy, plus the addition of the outhouses is awesome. love the river views and the wildflowers/prairie. thanks for having us!

J

Jane

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

We had an amazing time! Love how quiet it was. The trails are all kept nice and mowed. Lots of poison ivy around, so just be careful of your surroundings. Suzanne is a great host. We didn’t have any firewood at our location, which it said we’d have and within 5 minutes of messaging her, she was right there with it. Nice grassing, flat area for tents. We’ll definitely be back!

E

Eric

August 2025

Tent

1 night at #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

I fully enjoyed my stay and look forward to my next visit seeing 4 deer this morning in the cattle pasture was a pleasant surprise plenty of dry firewood the porta potty and shower are well-stocked so no worries if you forget to pack suntan lotion , soap or shampoo plenty of rainwater in the barrels its cold water so i was glad I packed my solar shower bag but chose not to use it on this visit