The best campgrounds near Charles City, Iowa with wildlife watching

Looking to go camping near Charles City, Iowa in the United States? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 140 options to choose from. Whether you prefer a Windy Goat Acres with 208 reviews, Daniel's Cabin Retreat with 108 reviews, or n*Everland Barnyard Camping with 81 reviews, you'll find the perfect campsite for your adventure. With popular amenities like cooking equipment, showers, and pet-friendly options, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your stay. And with activities like wind sports, paddling, and surfing, there's never a dull moment. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (27)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Charles City, Iowa in the United States? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 140 options to choose from. Whether you prefer a Windy Goat Acres with 208 reviews, Daniel's Cabin Retreat with 108 reviews, or n*Everland Barnyard Camping with 81 reviews, you'll find the perfect campsite for your adventure. With popular amenities like cooking equipment, showers, and pet-friendly options, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your stay. And with activities like wind sports, paddling, and surfing, there's never a dull moment. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (27)

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. 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

3. 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.

4. Lake Louise State Park

100%

(1)

39 sites · Le Roy, Minnesota

Discover the natural charm of Lake Louise State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Oakwood RV Park

37mi from Charles City · 21 sites · Clear Lake, IA

Nestled in the heart of Clear Lake, Oakwood RV Park stands out as a premier destination for those seeking an upscale camping experience. Established in 1987, this privately owned RV park has become a beloved fixture in the community, offering a unique blend of comfort and nature. Our park features spacious premium pull-through sites designed for easy accessibility, making it ideal for larger RVs. Guests can choose between pull-through or back-in sites, both equipped with full hookups and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a convenient stay. In addition to our top-notch amenities, Oakwood RV Park is surrounded by a wealth of outdoor activities and natural attractions. Visitors can explore nearby swimming holes, hiking trails, and local parks, while also enjoying access to a variety of restaurants and shops in the area. Whether you're looking to relax or embark on an adventure, Oakwood RV Park is the perfect base for your Clear Lake getaway.

7. George Wyth State Park

100%

(1)

69 sites · Cedar Falls, Iowa

Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

8. McIntosh Woods State Park

51 sites · Ventura, Iowa

Discover the Serenity of McIntosh Woods State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

9. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

100%

(2)

135 sites · Wykoff, Minnesota

Discover the allure of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

10. Pilot Knob State Park

100%

(1)

60 sites · Forest City, Iowa

Pilot Knob State Park is a go-to for seasoned campers.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

11. Volga River State Recreation Area

82 sites · Fayette, Iowa

Discover the natural splendor of Volga River State Recreation Area.

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Electrical Hookup

Toilets

12. Myre - Big Island State Park

100%

(5)

93 sites · Albert Lea, Minnesota

Discover Myre-Big Island State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Charles City

100%

(1)

Lake Louise Campground

33mi from Charles City · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Louise State Park

Beeds Lake Campground

35mi from Charles City · 142 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beeds Lake State Park

100%

(1)

George Wyth Campground

39mi from Charles City · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Wyth State Park

McIntosh Woods Campground

39mi from Charles City · 51 sites · Tents, RVs · in McIntosh Woods State Park

100%

(2)

Forestville Campground

45mi from Charles City · 135 sites · Tents, RVs · in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

100%

(1)

Pilot Knob Campground

46mi from Charles City · 60 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pilot Knob State Park

Lakeview Campground

47mi from Charles City · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in Volga River State Recreation Area

Albany Campground

48mi from Charles City · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Volga River State Recreation Area

100%

(3)

Big Island Campground

49mi from Charles City · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Myre - Big Island State Park

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!

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.