The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Charles City, Iowa

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a glamping experience near Charles City, Iowa and love being close to the river, you're in luck. We have over 119 options specific to your accommodation and activity/terrain preferences. Our top-rated campsites include Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews). Enjoy amenities like toilets, campfires, and trash service while taking part in popular activities such as wildlife watching, horseback riding, and swimming. With prices ranging from $15 to an average of $80 per night, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

97% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a glamping experience near Charles City, Iowa and love being close to the river, you're in luck. We have over 119 options specific to your accommodation and activity/terrain preferences. Our top-rated campsites include Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews). Enjoy amenities like toilets, campfires, and trash service while taking part in popular activities such as wildlife watching, horseback riding, and swimming. With prices ranging from $15 to an average of $80 per night, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

97% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Pine River Campsites

93%

(29)

31mi from Charles City · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. Daily, weekly, monthly rates also available. Message for special rates. Pet friendly.

2. Whispering Winds Retreat

86%

(7)

45mi from Charles City · 2 sites · Lodging · Spring Valley, MN

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the magic of the lush gardens, free-roaming bunnies, fairy walkway, stargazing area w/ telescope, meditating in the Soul Garden, fishing in the fully stocked trout stream and more. 5 minute walk to City Park w/ frisbee golf, less than 0.5 miles to local restaurants & shops. Come relax, rejuvenate, and live out your best life at Whispering Winds Micro Retreat! (420 & pet friendly) Whispering Winds is a holistic healing micro retreat specializing in nature-based self-care. We believe in caring for the land and ensuring it’s just as magical for future generations as it is for the current ones. And that is incredibly important — this place really does have a certain magic to it. Guests are constantly commenting on the healing energy that seems to blanket the farm. The Fairy Walk sparkles with solar lights in the evening. Hammocks for afternoon naps, a nature trail you can walk barefoot, and an outdoor meditation/yoga area. The Soul Garden includes sound healing with outdoor gongs, wind chimes, bird song, crickets, frogs, and the evening dance of the fireflies, in season. Whispering Winds is also home to many animals and features a horse pasture, ducks, bunnies, cats, chickens, and a fully stocked trout stream. The centrally located Community Kitchen is a shared space with lots of options for cooking: Gas & charcoal grills, wood powered pizza oven, dutch oven, solar cooker, fire pit w/ grill grates, chiminea & a rocket stove. The Kitchen is equipped with a sink, Berkey for filtered water, and has prep & dining areas.

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

M

Matthew

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Pine River Campsites

Couldn’t be better than this little cabin. Always clean and has anything you could ask for. On top of that, a beautiful view including a dabbling brook right behind the fire pit. I would recommend this cabin to anyone.

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!

Heather

July 2025

With pets

1 night at Whispering Winds Retreat

Such a cute little place to stay! Cozy and comfy. My pups loved having an area of their own to run and play. Loved visiting the goat 🐐 and the horse 🐎 too❤️

J

Jess

July 2025

2 nights at Whispering Winds Retreat

I really enjoyed camping the air conditioner was really nice to have there was lots of space for my dog to be off leash i thought the toilet with running water was really a neat way to save on water and be able to wash your hand ls RJWas nice I will definitely come back again

Barb

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Whispering Winds Retreat

Whispering Winds was the weekend away we didn't know we needed. The dog park was incredible for our tripod who we have difficulty taking to actual dog parks!! She loved the resident and non resident animals! The lands are beautifully curated and designed with the human and dog in mind. We loved the paths, the community kitchen is such a great bonus! We can't wait to come back!