99% (82) • 16 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
Sunny Rock
3. Sunny Rock
100%
(4)
38mi from Dows · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
This secluded property is just south of Rockford, Iowa on the Shell Rock River.
The site has water and electric.
There is a portapotty / portashower available on site.
This area has up to 4 sites for group use. FOR INDIVIDUAL USE, BOOK SITE #1. Book sites #2, #3 or #4 only if you have other parties in your group.
This property has a river view, walking trails, and a fire ring,
Daily, weekly, monthly rates available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Pine Lake State Park
4. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
5. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
DILLON TREE FARM
6. DILLON TREE FARM
100%
(10)
13mi from Dows · 7 sites · RVs
Up-and-coming Christmas tree farm sits near the Iowa River (1/4 mile away). Up to 7 electrical hookups. In between two smaller towns (Alden and Iowa Falls) with restaurants and things to do. We have a big gravel lot. Christmas trees, timber, and a creek to explore. A nice peaceful setting to enjoy with friends and family.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$36
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
7. Dolliver Memorial State Park
24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Ambrose A Call State Park
8. Ambrose A Call State Park
1 site · Algona, Iowa
Discover the natural charm of Ambrose A Call State Park.
Toilets
99% (82) • 16 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
Sunny Rock
3. Sunny Rock
100%
(4)
38mi from Dows · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
This secluded property is just south of Rockford, Iowa on the Shell Rock River.
The site has water and electric.
There is a portapotty / portashower available on site.
This area has up to 4 sites for group use. FOR INDIVIDUAL USE, BOOK SITE #1. Book sites #2, #3 or #4 only if you have other parties in your group.
This property has a river view, walking trails, and a fire ring,
Daily, weekly, monthly rates available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Pine Lake State Park
4. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
5. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
DILLON TREE FARM
6. DILLON TREE FARM
100%
(10)
13mi from Dows · 7 sites · RVs
Up-and-coming Christmas tree farm sits near the Iowa River (1/4 mile away). Up to 7 electrical hookups. In between two smaller towns (Alden and Iowa Falls) with restaurants and things to do. We have a big gravel lot. Christmas trees, timber, and a creek to explore. A nice peaceful setting to enjoy with friends and family.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$36
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
7. Dolliver Memorial State Park
24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Ambrose A Call State Park
8. 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
H
Hans
October 2025
16 ft car
Very friendly hosts, cool property with lots of walking trails and cute animals
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J
Josh
October 2025
Tent
Great land, and always will enjoy seeing all the animals! Definitely will have to make a stop here again in the future!
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Natasha
October 2025
Tent
Awesome private campsite, right next to the river! Clear line of communication with Tyler the whole time. Next time I'll bring a wagon to haul my gear out there, but definitely worth it! My dog loved all the space to run and all the swimming he got to do!
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R
Ramsey
September 2025
Tent
I absolutely loved camping at Tyler’s place! It felt so welcoming and private, shout out to Conor being the lil farm cat that showed us around lol
Will definitely be returning for another awesome night
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Lauren
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Tyler and Sarah were so nice, meeting us the moment we arrived. We were given the option of a few sites and essentially, anywhere really. The space we set up camp at was like a shire tucked away not far from the main yard and bathroom. But somehow felt totally secluded. Our music didn't even cut through the trees.
The dogs got to run their butts off, we soaked up the gurgling creek and hooting owls. We will definitely be back.
My personal highlight-
The cows. Next time I need to meet and pet the pig!
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K
Kim
August 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Very clean, well taken care of. Mark was very responsive with any questions. We had a great time and will be back!
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Richard
August 2025
5 nights at Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
Our stay at the TLC Learning Center was an incredible experience. I only wish I had more time to explore and take advantage of the many available activities. And next time I would bring more friends and family to enjoy the experience. There’s room for everyone!!
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Z
Zachary
August 2025
16 ft car
It was a perfect campsite right by the water. Had electric and water hook ups. Would definitely camp here again! Thank you
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L
Linda
July 2025
40 ft travel trailer
With pets
Very very clean, Ryan & family very friendly, you can tell they take much pride in their farm & sharing it with making campsites to share. The aroma walking thru the pines was amazing. Definitely stay there again.
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Jayne
July 2025
24 ft Class B
WONDERFUL FIRST TIME EXPERIENCE WITH HIP CAMP!!! Ryan’s family was the bonus on top of amazing camp sites and beautiful countryside.
We loved everything about our 1 night stay, and we will be back! Clean, pristine grounds, pickleball, walking trails. A fire was already started and Ryan’s came out to share snores with us! Loved their pups! The tree farm and we bought fresh sweet corn to take with us!
An amazing experience!
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A
Abby
July 2025
33 ft travel trailer
With pets
Scenic and isolated spot next to a river! A great spot to get away.
See moreK
Kirsten
July 2025
Tent
This was a great place to stay. Tyler greeted us upon arrival and showed us around pointing out several options for setting up our tent. We were disappointed that it rained the next day so we had to leave without the chance to explore the trail and meet the animals. We’ll have to go there again.
See moreT
Terry
July 2025
22 ft travel trailer
We enjoyed the camp site, the welcoming host and meeting the well cared for rescue animals! Easy to find location, would certainly stay again.
See moreA
Amy
June 2025
20 ft Class B
With kids
Passing through Iowa we found Dillon Tree farm to supplement us with water & electric. Family friendly, family owned business. Quiet off off the highway between US-65 and I-35.
Nice place to have some peace a quiet overnight. We were the only ones that night but spots are spaced very well.
Highly recommend if you need a quiet, safe place for the night.
See moreC
Cindy
June 2025
27 ft Class B
We’ve been traveling for over a month in our RV. So far The Tree Farm is our favorite stay! The property is stunning and easily accessed. There’s plenty of room and lots of walking paths, if you’re so inclined. Ryan and his family are very kind and responsive. There was a giant thunderstorm during our stay. This was the perfect place to ride it out. Ryan even offered us refuge should the storm get to gnarly! Also, if you need to dump your tanks, there is a little free dump station in the town of Iowa Falls, just as you enter the town. It’s in a little park next to the National Guard armory, only a few miles away.
See moreR
Rob
June 2025
14 ft travel trailer
With pets
Tyler was a great host and the site was just what I was looking for! A peaceful place for a getaway complete with a Noah’s Ark full of animals!!
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T
Tyrsa
June 2025
29 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a great stay at Lazy J's! It was very peaceful and nice to be close to so many different animals. Our kids and dogs loved spending time here and being out in nature. We will definitely be back again sometime!
See moreR
Raymond
May 2025
Tent
With pets
Tyler was an excellent host. He greeted us upon arrival, gave us the layout of the land. The campsite by the river front was amazing. It’s about 97% shaded with a fire pit right by the river. It’s a great place to unwind and recharge. He even makes his own maple syrup from trees on his land, which is fantastic. And, if you happen to be in the mood to feed some of his animals he’s s rescued, you can purchase some food to give to his critters.
We will definitely be going back out to unwind at the riverfront sight again.
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K
Kimberly
May 2025
37 ft fifth wheel
Host was quick to respond and very accommodating. Spot couldn’t have been more perfect. Easy access for our 37 ft fifth wheel to get in and out easily. Great tree farm with a walking path and peaceful surrounding. Would book again.
See moreK
Katie
May 2025
16 ft car
Great lil find! The house is secluded so no busy roads or highway lights. Tyler was friendly and accommodating with my late arrival. The animals were the sweetest and the cows just stared at me haha! They've got a cat who followed me on my morning walk - super cute! Would recommend to anyone!
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