The best forest campgrounds near Fairfield, Iowa

In Fairfield, you’ll find over 170 forest campsites, spanning everything from riverside clearings to tucked-away groves. Expect average nightly rates around $50, with options dipping as low as $20 if you’re flexible. Top picks include River Camp (37 reviews), where you can pitch your tent steps from the water, Blueberry Farm on a Hill (13 reviews) for fresh-picked breakfasts, and the quirky Ubuntu Treehouse (6 reviews). Toilets, campfires, and pet-friendly sites are common, so you won’t have to rough it. Bring your boots—hiking, fishing, and wildlife-watching are what campers rave about here. If you want shade, songbirds, and quiet, Fairfield’s forests deliver.

100% (61)

Top-rated campgrounds

Start of private road. Veer left at end of county road.

In Fairfield, you’ll find over 170 forest campsites, spanning everything from riverside clearings to tucked-away groves. Expect average nightly rates around $50, with options dipping as low as $20 if you’re flexible. Top picks include River Camp (37 reviews), where you can pitch your tent steps from the water, Blueberry Farm on a Hill (13 reviews) for fresh-picked breakfasts, and the quirky Ubuntu Treehouse (6 reviews). Toilets, campfires, and pet-friendly sites are common, so you won’t have to rough it. Bring your boots—hiking, fishing, and wildlife-watching are what campers rave about here. If you want shade, songbirds, and quiet, Fairfield’s forests deliver.

100% (61)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. River Camp

99%

(45)

48mi from Fairfield · 3 sites · RVs · Iowa City, IA

Learn more about this land: Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

2. Ramsey Creek Natural Area

100%

(9)

36mi from Fairfield · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Kalona, IA

3 acres that were converted from a cornfield 30 years ago to an area containing prairie, woods and creek. A great place to relax and enjoy rural Iowa, guests are welcome to roam the mowed areas and paths while respecting other guests. In the heart of the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi, only 2 miles from Kalona Historical Village. Groceries, gas and food and dump station available in Kalona, firewood available on site, kayak trips may be arranged.

3. Blueberry Farm on a Hill

100%

(19)

47mi from Fairfield · 1 site · Tent, RV · Oxford, IA

Welcome to our idyllic 10-acre historic farmstead in rural Johnson County, Iowa (about 8 miles west of Iowa City). We are a bookish, quiet couple with an 8-year-old daughter, 2 llamas, 4 chickens, 2 babydoll sheep, 3 housecats, and 5 barn cats. In June and July, we open our farm to the public for U-pick organic blueberries. Campers have access to a private firepit with 4 chairs, a bathroom shed with a composting toilet, a campfire coffee percolator, and a prairie trail. We're looking for Hipcampers who are respectful and clean.

4. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

168 sites · Danville, Iowa

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Well Within Farm Sanctuary

411mi from Fairfield · 6 sites · Lodging · Kingsley, MI

Well Within Farm Sanctuary is a forested 10 acres located minutes from hiking, biking, fishing and beautiful Traverse City, MI. Nestled 1/4 mile back from a main road but, only five minutes from The Village of Kingsley, MI with grocery store, gas station, brewery, shops, library, splash park, restaurants and more! You will stay at a rustic campsite with room for a tent or small RV. Recently we have added a 25 ft by 12 foot camping cabin. We provide one queen size air mattress and linens including pillows, sheets and a quilt. There is a private solar shower at each campsite. We do provide a clean well maintained port o potty for use.

6. Chief’s Lookout

47mi from Fairfield · 4 sites · Lodging · Moulton, IA

Two cozy guest cabins (Amish made)that can sleep up to 4 a piece and a kitchen cabin (Chief Keokuk) that also sleeps four. Tucked in a serene wooded cove with a small pond, great for swimming and fishing. Located just two miles North of the Missouri border, and 7 miles south of Moulton, IA. The kitchen cabin has a full bathroom and full kitchen. There is a community fire pit on the patio with three picnic tables offered, horse shoe pit, and a deer hanging post and first come first serve dog kennel with dog house. It is located 2 miles away from 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Iowa, called Sedan Bottoms and a couple miles away from about 3,500 acres of public hunting in Missouri and it’s called Rebels Cove.

Public campgrounds near Fairfield

100%

(1)

Geode Campground

33mi from Fairfield · 168 sites · Tents, RVs · in Geode State Park

Stories from the community

K

Kelly

October 2025

34 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.

M

Michelle

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at River Camp

This is the perfect spot for people who love fishing, the Hawkeyes, or have family in Iowa City. Full hook-ups and a quiet spot. Loren is easy to work with and very accommodating.

K

Kael

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blueberry Farm on a Hill

The place was gorgeous and the weather was fantastic when we went. I highly recommend staying if you’re in the area.

L

Leah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ramsey Creek Natural Area

Very nice land! The bridge was cool, made it feel like an adventure. :)

M

Mike

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Ramsey Creek Natural Area

We had an amazing experience camping at James’s! Site 2 had the perfect amount of privacy while still being a minute walk to where the car was parked. It was a well maintained area and the creek and prairie areas were great to help recharge.

Candace

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Blueberry Farm on a Hill

Great spot!! The llamas were super fun!! The Host Jenna and Eric were great people! Very friendly and accommodating! Would stop in again!! I highly recommend!

D

Dan

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Blueberry Farm on a Hill

Spent my last night at Jenna & Eric’s place on my way back home from travelling out West. The camping spot was private and quiet, surrounded by beautiful oak trees. I would highly recommend getting blueberries during your stay as they were delicious. If I was ever out their way I would definitely stay there again!

T

Tabitha

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ramsey Creek Natural Area

This place is awesome! I stayed at site 2 (across the bridge) and it was super beautiful and private with lots of shade! I brought my own toilet because that's what the instructions said. Super easy walk across the bridge with my pack, tent, and toilet;) I'll be back!

B

Barritt

May 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

Awesome campsite for a weekend getaway. Great place to let the dogs roam around off leash.

J

Josh

May 2025