Lake Camping Near Holiday Lake, Iowa, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking to embark on an epic camping adventure near Holiday Lake, Iowa? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 265 camping options in the area, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or bringing your RV, Hipcamp has got you covered. With an average price per night of $60 and options as low as $15, you can find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Looking for some recommendations? Check out these top campsites with rave reviews: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews). Popular amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and toilets are available to make your camping experience comfortable. And if you're an adventure seeker, you'll love the range of activities such as whitewater paddling, hiking, and climbing. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the great outdoors with Hipcamp!

99% (213)

Top-rated campgrounds

Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

Looking to embark on an epic camping adventure near Holiday Lake, Iowa? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 265 camping options in the area, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or bringing your RV, Hipcamp has got you covered. With an average price per night of $60 and options as low as $15, you can find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Looking for some recommendations? Check out these top campsites with rave reviews: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews). Popular amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and toilets are available to make your camping experience comfortable. And if you're an adventure seeker, you'll love the range of activities such as whitewater paddling, hiking, and climbing. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the great outdoors with Hipcamp!

99% (213)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Nature Heaven

96%

(315)

43mi from Holiday Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Knoxville, IA

The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has it’s special nature-beauty, so we open year around. This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa with view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distances to keep privacy from each other. A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. For surrounding areas, the close by White Breast Beach is open from May 23-September 3, 2024, boating, hunting and hiking activities in the lake red rock. For our camper's safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature and have a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.

2. Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey

100%

(2)

31mi from Holiday Lake · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Newton, IA

Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites, including gravel full hook-up pull-through sites and large grassy back-in sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers (the Silver Sisters) for those who want to bring non-RV owners along on vacation. Check out our cabin and glamping listing on Hip Camp too! As the sun sets, enjoy the cooler evenings by hiking the adjoining 1-mile nature trail, challenging yourself to the 9-hole disc golf course and watching your children explore our playground, jumping pad, and GaGa pit. We even have weekend pancake breakfasts, kiddie train rides and craft activities (peak season months). We cater to your furry friends with a fenced dog park, allowing them to run free and off-leash while you unwind nearby. We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding & Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. It's always a Great Day at Newton, Des Moines East KOA!

3. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa

31mi from Holiday Lake · 7 sites · Lodging · Newton, IA

Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters in the popular series Golden Girls (we are lovingly referred to as the Silver Sisters). Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish. We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding and Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites too; check out the Newton/Des Moines East Campground listing on Hip Camp for more information. It's always a Great Day at Newton/Des Moines East KOA!

4. Union Grove State Park

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa

Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

5. Lake Keomah State Park

61 sites · Keomah Village, Iowa

Discover the charm of Lake Keomah State Park with its serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Black Oak Tiny Cabin

100%

(2)

18mi from Holiday Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Montour, IA

Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more! Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.

7. Spruce Tiny Cabin

100%

(2)

18mi from Holiday Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Montour, IA

Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities. 100 private wooded acres 80-acre recreational lake Beach Fishing Boating Swimming Hiking Campfires Challenge Course Frisbee Golf

8. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

74 sites · Shellsburg, Iowa

Discover the allure of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Lake Red Rock

100%

(5)

390 sites · Pella, Iowa

Discover Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake with endless recreation and scenic beauty.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

10. Elk Rock State Park

100%

(1)

85 sites · Knoxville, Iowa

Elk Rock State Park: A Haven for Campers and Nature Enthusiasts.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

11. Coralville Lake

80%

(5)

480 sites · North Liberty, Iowa

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Coralville Lake.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

12. Lake Macbride State Park

100%

(2)

103 sites · Solon, Iowa

Discover the natural charm of Lake Macbride State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

13. George Wyth State Park

100%

(1)

69 sites · Cedar Falls, Iowa

Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Holiday Lake

Union Grove Campground

26mi from Holiday Lake · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Union Grove State Park

Lake Keomah Campground

37mi from Holiday Lake · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Keomah State Park

Pleasant Creek Campground

39mi from Holiday Lake · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Wallashuck Campground

40mi from Holiday Lake · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

100%

(1)

North Overlook Campground

40mi from Holiday Lake · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

100%

(2)

Howell Station

41mi from Holiday Lake · 143 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

100%

(1)

Equestrian Campground

43mi from Holiday Lake · 55 sites · in Elk Rock State Park

Elk Rock Campground

43mi from Holiday Lake · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Elk Rock State Park

100%

(1)

Whitebreast Campground

43mi from Holiday Lake · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

Sandy Beach Campground

44mi from Holiday Lake · 58 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

100%

(2)

Lake Macbride Campground

45mi from Holiday Lake · 103 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Macbride State Park

75%

(4)

Sugar Bottom Campground

46mi from Holiday Lake · 249 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

Stories from the community

C

Cristian

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Nature Heaven

Great location, and accommodating host. Great directs and signs as you go through. Defined trailed with class 2 base gravel for easy 2wd access. Saw multiple deer both day for short time I was there. Well maintained.

Site 3. is on a hill top. One part of the site is in the shade and another part is on a limited open spaces. This site have beautiful view of pond, hills and lake. very nice sunset view if weather permit.

G

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

Wow this place is just so gorgeous. We fit one 2 person tent and one 4 person tent very comfortably next to each other. When you’re in or around your tent, or sitting at the bonfire it’s incredibly private, but you can still walk out just 30 feet and see the beautiful wide open view. Definitely will be back soon a recommending this site to all of my friends!!!

Cristian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot

E

Eric

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Loved the location, the view. And the fun setup. Had a great time!

Kit

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

My friend and I had a lovely time camping on Anna’s land! When we arrived there was someone already in our spot but Anna quickly sorted out another spot for us that we think was even nicer than what we had planned. We had a great view with a gentle breeze. All the spots offer lots of privacy.

C

Cody

September 2025

30 ft toy hauler

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Anna’s Hipcamp spot near Lake Red Rock is beautiful-lovely prairie with peaceful sunsets and sunrises. It’s great for stargazing and telescope use, with private access, a water fill, fire pits, and good campsites. The hosts are great, and it’s boondocking on restored land that feels truly serene.

E

Erin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Loved the land and the campsite. Everything was exactly as it was described and pictured. Very friendly couple that owns the land- only 12 mins from Pella. Beautiful views of the lake and sunset from this spot.

M

Michelle

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Nature Heaven

We enjoyed the unique dome experience with breath taking views! Our stay was during the middle of the week, so we enjoyed the peace & quiet with no campers around us. Taking a peaceful walk while watching the sunset & sunrise was beautiful.

Bethany

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Very beautiful space. It's secluded but not too far from Knoxville or Pella. The beach was nice and close as well as one of our favorite hiking spots, the Stu Kuyper trail.

M

Mariya

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

We loved tent camping at Anna’s property. Site 4 is so secluded and peaceful. The vibe was super chill. The instructions were very clear and it was very easy to find. The toilet was clean. It was a very nice private experience. Saw some deer in the bushes too. So cool.

T

Tyler

August 2025

1 night at Nature Heaven

Loved being perched on the hill . Great communication . Such a special kind of adventure . So comfortable !

C

Chet

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Great place to camp. It was a bit wet out the weekend we went and the spot we picked was in a low area. The owners met us out there and moved us to higher site with an awesome view. Great customer service. It is secluded but close to all the places you want to go.

E

Emily

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

We had a wonderful time and thought the description was very accurate!

B

Brian

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Been here multiple times!! Love the spots!!! Love the fishing!! Thanks so much for the perfect getaway Anna!!

J

Jim

July 2025

14 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Nice quiet place. Easy to find. Easy to park and maneuver. Really pretty place near red rock lake.

L

Loganzum

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

The area is very well taken care of and the site was very clean! Every site is well secluded and far enough away from each other we didn’t hear anybody else. Will definitely be coming back.

C

Chris

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

For a first camping trip. Hands down recommend it. Place was clean the landscaping was right. Caught so many fish the vibes was chill. Bugs are crazy tho definitely bring spray. Much love to the owner of this place tho many respects Yoo!!

H

Heather

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Oak Tiny Cabin

The little cabin is was nice! We really enjoyed our stay. The office manager/co-director was on top of anything we needed. She even brought us firewood!! The only thing I would add is the cabin is part of a larger camp. So there is no guarantee you will have it all to yourself as the description says. However, it was very quiet and we were not disturbed any other campers. I would recommend 10 out of 10!

H

Heath

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

We had an amazing time staying at the geodesic dome -- the site was very peaceful and the dome was super cozy. Anna's hospitality was also exceptional. I'd highly recommend the dome to anybody looking for an awesome experience!

B

Beth

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

It was very peaceful and the kids enjoyed tent camping and the beautiful sunset and views of nature.