The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Fairfield, Iowa

Looking to go camping near Fairfield, Iowa? Hipcamp has over 100 options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin, a spacious RV site, or a traditional tent camping experience, you'll find it all here. With an average price per night of $55 and options as low as $15, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews). And if you're into biking, off-roading, or whitewater paddling, you're in luck! These popular activities are just a stone's throw away. Plus, you can bring your furry friends along and enjoy amenities like potable water and campfires. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

100% (63)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Fairfield, Iowa? Hipcamp has over 100 options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin, a spacious RV site, or a traditional tent camping experience, you'll find it all here. With an average price per night of $55 and options as low as $15, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews). And if you're into biking, off-roading, or whitewater paddling, you're in luck! These popular activities are just a stone's throw away. Plus, you can bring your furry friends along and enjoy amenities like potable water and campfires. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

100% (63)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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.

2. Trail-Side Rural Retreat

100%

(9)

40mi from Fairfield · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Oskaloosa, IA

Our 3-acre pasture borders a 13-mile recreational trail that encompasses our entire town. Super easy access to the trail via bike, golf cart, or on foot to the middle school, high school, community auditorium, William Penn University or Lacey Recreational Complex. We live approximately 150 yards from the city limits, but are on a gravel road. It is an easy 7-minute drive to the grocery store, 2 minutes to the local hospital, and the trail is accessible to walkers, golf carts and bicyclists. Our property does not have any hookups, but if needed, there is are a couple of spots where a 110 connection could be accommodated (for an additional $5/night) close to our home that we could have discussions about using. My husband and are I both retired and our property is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Please note on the three acres, we do have 15 laying hens who free-range during the day, but are confined at night. They typically do not have any desire to interact with humans unless you are feeding them and should not present any problems. IF you bring a pet, please insure it is kept controlled and not allowed to interact with our hens or the folks using the recreational trail. As a bonus, for $5 per person we would be happy to whip up a farm-fresh egg breakfast each morning you stay with us. During summer months, guests are welcome to use our above-ground fully-enclosed pool complete with outdoor shower (heated by the power of the sun shining on a garden hose which means hot water is VERY limited!). There is a tiki bar, small deck and lawn furniture inside the pool enclosure. Please stop by the main house to check in when you arrive. We look forward to hosting you!

3. 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.

4. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

82 sites · Keosauqua, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Battle of Athens State Historic Site

29 sites · Missouri

Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Whitetail Tent Camping

100%

(10)

21mi from Fairfield · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Keosauqua, IA

Camping, (Fishinfg at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey! Learn more about this land: Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people) You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing. You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on. If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite. If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.

7. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

168 sites · Danville, Iowa

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Nauvoo State Park

100%

(2)

30 sites · Nauvoo, Illinois

Situated peacefully on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, historic Nauvoo State Park has nature lovin’ folk jumping for joy at the sight of an expansive lake and sandy, mile-long shoreline. Take in some of the best views the park has to offer on the Locust Lane Trail. A 1.5-mile loop, the path winds around the lake, through the woods, and over prairie flower dotted hillsides. The campsites are many and the accommodations are vast. From spacious, individual sites, to a youth group area, all are centrally located and hook you up with VIP access to all adventurin’ possibilities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

9. Rathbun Lake

100%

(1)

391 sites · Rathbun, Iowa

Discover Rathbun Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Fairfield

Lacey-Keosauqua Campground

20mi from Fairfield · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Battle of Athens State Historic Site Campground

32mi from Fairfield · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Battle of Athens State Historic Site

100%

(1)

Geode Campground

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

100%

(2)

Nauvoo Campground

44mi from Fairfield · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nauvoo State Park

Buck Creek Campground

48mi from Fairfield · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

100%

(1)

Prairie Ridge Park Campground

49mi from Fairfield · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

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.

A

Adam

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Trail-Side Rural Retreat

I stayed one night on Sandi and Pat's beautiful property on my way across the country. Sandi and Pat greeted me on arrival and gave me a walkthrough of all of the fun amenities they have available on their land, and provided a fire ring to set up at my site. Sandi's chickens even popped out of the coop to say hi too! The fantastic grass lawn provided an extra comfortable place to set my tent up, I enjoyed a lovely evening by the fire as the sun set, and fell asleep to a cool breeze blowing through the trees. A very peaceful and comfortable site!

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. :)

J

Jager

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Whitetail Tent Camping

Me and my wife really enjoyed our stay at whitetail tent camping. It was a cool setup right next to a beautiful pond and nice and secluded from everything.

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.

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!

M

Megan

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Trail-Side Rural Retreat

Great spot! We had a baseball tournament in the area and wanted a spot for the weekend. This was perfect, close enough to town but away enough to get some fresh air. Sandi and her husband were kind, helpful, and generous. There was plenty of space and the use of the pool was a huge bonus. We even bought some eggs from them. It’s in the listing but do keep in mind that there’s no toilet! Also there is no table either. Not a deal breaker, but it is something to keep in mind when you’re planning. Would definitely recommend!

M

Michael

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Whitetail Tent Camping

Charles was an awesome host! Helped load up my gear! Gave me some fishing recommendations. Great spot! Super quiet. Great pond to fish in and some pretty cool albino channel cats! Very great experience! Will definitely be coming back!

J

Jacob

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Whitetail Tent Camping

Super nice and really helpful really cool area super cool fish

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

32 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

Great private spot! Loren was very friendly and a great host.

P

Pete

October 2024

Tent

1 night at Whitetail Tent Camping

This was a delightful, peaceful location and Charles went out of his way to ensure that I arrived safely. My stay coincided with a big wind storm and he not only offered a more sheltered site, but to help pitch the tent if needed. The site was nestled right beside a pond and the gentle lapping of water sent me off to sleep in no time. Up early on the morning, I watched the stars until the sun rise. This was my first stay here, and I am sure it won't be the last.