The best camping near Dows with hiking

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In Dows, hikers have over 660 camping options to choose from, all within easy reach of trails that cut through rolling farmland and wooded creek beds. Campsites here start at $15 a night, with an average around $32, and you’ll find places with showers, pet-friendly rules, and reliable toilets—essentials after a day hoofing it through the prairie. Top picks include Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), tucked along the water where you can cool off or cast a line, and Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), which lets you bunk down in a real barn after a day on the trails. Swimming and fishing round out the list of things to do when your boots need a break. Bring your gear, pack light, and get ready to cover ground—Dows rewards those who wander.

98% (71) 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dows

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
36mi from Dows · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory.  Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips.  As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to  offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open.  We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them.  Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC.  We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Secluded riverside ranch

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%
(41)
23mi from Dows · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Delaware Beaches

3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Delaware Beaches

983mi from Dows · 12 sites
Discover the unique charm of the Jellystone Park™ campground in Milford, Delaware, where discerning RV campers find an exceptional blend of upscale amenities and family-friendly activities. Nestled just minutes away from the stunning Atlantic Ocean and the serene Delaware Bay beaches, this park is an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Opened in 2009, Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for guests of all ages. Enjoy a refreshing swim in our inviting pool, participate in engaging activities, or simply unwind in a peaceful environment. With beloved characters like Yogi Bear™ and Boo Boo™ around, families can create unforgettable memories while indulging in good, clean, healthy fun. In addition to our extensive recreational facilities, we provide a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. Guests can savor delicious snacks at our Snack Bar, gather in our Group Meeting Room, or browse unique items at our Gift Shop/Souvenirs. For added enjoyment, we offer Picnic Table Umbrella Rentals, Building Blox, Hopscotch, an Outdoor Theatre, and an Arcade. With so much to explore, Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park™ is the perfect spot for your next vacation adventure.
Beeds Lake State Park

4. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pine Lake State Park

5. Pine Lake State Park

100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Oakwood RV Park

6. Oakwood RV Park

31mi from Dows · 21 sites
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.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

7. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
McIntosh Woods State Park

8. McIntosh Woods State Park

51 sites · Ventura, Iowa
Discover the Serenity of McIntosh Woods State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Dolliver Memorial State Park

9. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pilot Knob State Park

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
Ambrose A Call State Park

11. Ambrose A Call State Park

1 site · Algona, Iowa
Discover the natural charm of Ambrose A Call State Park.
Toilets

In Dows, hikers have over 660 camping options to choose from, all within easy reach of trails that cut through rolling farmland and wooded creek beds. Campsites here start at $15 a night, with an average around $32, and you’ll find places with showers, pet-friendly rules, and reliable toilets—essentials after a day hoofing it through the prairie. Top picks include Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), tucked along the water where you can cool off or cast a line, and Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), which lets you bunk down in a real barn after a day on the trails. Swimming and fishing round out the list of things to do when your boots need a break. Bring your gear, pack light, and get ready to cover ground—Dows rewards those who wander.

98% (71) 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dows

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
36mi from Dows · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory.  Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips.  As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to  offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open.  We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them.  Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC.  We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Secluded riverside ranch

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%
(41)
23mi from Dows · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Delaware Beaches

3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Delaware Beaches

983mi from Dows · 12 sites
Discover the unique charm of the Jellystone Park™ campground in Milford, Delaware, where discerning RV campers find an exceptional blend of upscale amenities and family-friendly activities. Nestled just minutes away from the stunning Atlantic Ocean and the serene Delaware Bay beaches, this park is an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Opened in 2009, Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for guests of all ages. Enjoy a refreshing swim in our inviting pool, participate in engaging activities, or simply unwind in a peaceful environment. With beloved characters like Yogi Bear™ and Boo Boo™ around, families can create unforgettable memories while indulging in good, clean, healthy fun. In addition to our extensive recreational facilities, we provide a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. Guests can savor delicious snacks at our Snack Bar, gather in our Group Meeting Room, or browse unique items at our Gift Shop/Souvenirs. For added enjoyment, we offer Picnic Table Umbrella Rentals, Building Blox, Hopscotch, an Outdoor Theatre, and an Arcade. With so much to explore, Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park™ is the perfect spot for your next vacation adventure.
Beeds Lake State Park

4. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pine Lake State Park

5. Pine Lake State Park

100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Oakwood RV Park

6. Oakwood RV Park

31mi from Dows · 21 sites
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.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

7. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
McIntosh Woods State Park

8. McIntosh Woods State Park

51 sites · Ventura, Iowa
Discover the Serenity of McIntosh Woods State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Dolliver Memorial State Park

9. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pilot Knob State Park

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
Ambrose A Call State Park

11. Ambrose A Call State Park

1 site · Algona, Iowa
Discover the natural charm of Ambrose A Call State Park.
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field