The best forest glamping near Charles City, Iowa

Looking for a camping experience that combines luxury with nature? Hipcamp offers over 100 options for glamping in the forest near Charles City, Iowa. With accommodations ranging from cozy cabins to safari tents, you're sure to find the perfect option for your trip. Our top campsites include Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews). Each site provides amenities such as potable water, showers, and the chance to cozy up around a campfire. You can also explore nearby historic sites, hike through the woods, or even try your hand at surfing. With over 100 options available, you'll be able to find the perfect balance of luxury and nature for your next getaway. Prices range from $15 to an average of $80 per night.

96% (28)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience that combines luxury with nature? Hipcamp offers over 100 options for glamping in the forest near Charles City, Iowa. With accommodations ranging from cozy cabins to safari tents, you're sure to find the perfect option for your trip. Our top campsites include Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews). Each site provides amenities such as potable water, showers, and the chance to cozy up around a campfire. You can also explore nearby historic sites, hike through the woods, or even try your hand at surfing. With over 100 options available, you'll be able to find the perfect balance of luxury and nature for your next getaway. Prices range from $15 to an average of $80 per night.

96% (28)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cedar Springs

93%

(21)

47mi from Charles City · 2 sites · Lodging · Decorah, IA

The property has been in my family for over 40 years and was originally settled in the mid 1800's. It is about 10 acres and is primarily wooded with Cedar, Oak, Maple, Hickory and Birch. The topography is diverse, having steep heights, easy flats and everything in between; which makes hiking fun and interesting. The lower College Drive side features a historic limestone homestead and quarry, also a fossil rich creek-bed and rustic (4WD) road to the top. The upper property (Hwy. 52 access) offers a secluded forest as well as a spacious meadow. The woods are filled with birds and many other indigenous wild animals. We are only a half mile from towns edge and two miles from its center (also a five minute drive from Luther College). The Decorah area is well known for its scenic natural beauty and has extensive hiking trails, biking trails, cross-country ski routes, rivers, creeks and hunting areas. People come here year round for our outdoor recreation and beauty. Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Tubing, X-country skiing, and Trail Riding are very popular activities around here. Bring a side-by-side or ATV and have a blast both on the property and around the area. Decorah has several museums, a movie theater, 2 golf courses and bowling alley in addition to dozens of charming shops and several restaurants. You'll never get bored staying at Cedar Springs.

2. Cedar Springs

100%

(1)

48mi from Charles City · 2 sites · Lodging · Decorah, IA

THE PROPERTY: Cedar Springs includes wooded forest terrain, pasture, an old limestone quarry, and high bluffs with beautiful views. This historic property has multiple elevations and geological features which make it a truly special & unique location. The quarry below the lodgings forms a natural amphitheater with amazing acoustics and has an extra large bonfire pit and two additional fire pits. The quarry space is available for all guests to enjoy except when privately reserved. There are hiking trails, an 1800’s limestone home and scenic bridge which make for great exploring and photo opportunities. Also, if you love art you will enjoy discovering the series of 19 elevated stained glass sculpture panels installed throughout the property.

3. Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

95%

(10)

50mi from Charles City · 1 site · Lodging · Decorah, IA

Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0 is a clean & quiet camper that is located just a few feet from your private cave & waterfall! KAYAK & CANOE RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE by Uncle Jon. A gem that you cannot find anywhere else in Decorah! A secret hideaway for photos, hiking, sightseeing & connecting to nature. A secluded area for easy R&R while listening to water flow, chirping birds & watching deer & horses pass by. 1 queen bed sleeps 2, 1 twin bed sleeps 1, and 2 full bunk beds sleep 2-4. We charge a $25 non-refundable pet fee. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings & have fun! Uncle Jon & Rose

4. Harvest Farm Campground Resort

43mi from Charles City · 153 sites · Cresco, IA

Discover a truly unique camping experience at our private family campground, where every camper, whether solo adventurers or families, can find their perfect escape. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Northeast Iowa, our campground offers a serene retreat along the picturesque Upper Iowa River, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Our campground has earned numerous accolades, including being voted the number #1 Best Place to Camp by Bluff Country and recognized as one of the Top 5 Awesome RV Campsites in Iowa by StepOutside. Additionally, we were honored as the 1st Five Great Campgrounds Within Driving Distance by Jeff Cecil of 102.5 The Fox, and featured as the #1 Best Camping Sites in Iowa 2020 by Traveling Lifestyle Magazine. With ample space for privacy and a variety of amenities, our campground is designed to enhance your outdoor experience. Enjoy nearby attractions such as natural swimming holes, hiking trails, and local restaurants and shops that showcase the charm of the area. Whether you're looking to relax by the river or embark on an adventure, our campground is the perfect place to create lasting memories.

Stories from the community

L

Lauren

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

My boyfriend and I loved this spot. A quiet camper with a waterfall and horses close. Very relaxing if that’s what you’re looking for. John is extremely accommodating and quick to respond to needs. Definitely coming back!

Heather

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

What a beautiful hidden gem in the rolling hills of Iowa! We enjoyed the waterfall, the beautiful property, the well stocked RV and the customer service. Thanks for having us!

A

Amanda

May 2025

With pets

2 nights at Cedar Springs

We loved the views, the trails, the location, the privacy, and the ability to have our dogs with without any worries! Everything was great and we had everything we needed. Thais and his mother wer super helpful and informative with directions and making sure we had what we needed. We also had the luxury of staying one night in the GreenHouse. Very Cool! Definitely a place to check out!!

S

Steve

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cedar Springs

Cowboy Cabin at Cedar Ridge was the perfect place for a rustic overnight stay in the Decorah area. It was a 5 minute drive to most of the places we visited though the property itself feels secluded and park-like. The fact that it is situated on top of an old quarry makes it an enjoyable adventure on it's own. The cabin was well-appointed and even

Matrice

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Cedar Springs

My fiancé and I loved staying here! The views were gorgeous, the greenhouse was beautiful and warm, especially for the colder night we stayed here in. Directions were easy to follow, the outhouse was clean and so was the whole grounds. The owners were extraordinarily kind, and people help make the place. This was a perfect first Glamping experience and we can’t wait to come back!

P

Paul

April 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cedar Springs

Definitely the most unique property I've stayed at on Hipcamp! Stopped just for the night and I loved the little greenhouse experience and now I am spoiled because I had a whole rock quarry to myself! On top of all that they were very accommodating and got the spot ready for me last minute, I look forward to seeing this property in the future and would come back to this area to explore just to see this place again.