98% (515) • 20 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Holiday Lake
Nature Heaven by lake red rock
1. Nature Heaven by lake red rock
96%
(315)
43mi from Holiday Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the 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 natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other.
A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts.
For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come 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 top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having 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 were 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 environmental health backgrounds, 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 Google Maps shows now.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
2. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
50mi from Holiday Lake · 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
Folk School Farm Stay
3. Folk School Farm Stay
99%
(282)
35mi from Holiday Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Come enjoy the natural beauty of a working farm! In our transition to agroforestry, wetland restoration and perennial ag, you'll find some great spaces to walk your dog, let your children run and learn about land conservation. The farm is also home to a flower cutting garden, a food forest garden, and a folk school. Guests are welcome to cut flowers for a donation, and enjoy the sheep, chickens and resident cat. The setting is also great for taking in sunrises, sunsets and star gazing.
Come explore the landscape, book a farm tour or enjoy some studio space at Land Alliance Folk School.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Rock Creek State Park
4. Rock Creek State Park
193 sites · Oakland Acres, Iowa
Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Union Grove State Park
5. Union Grove State Park
22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
6. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
31mi from Holiday Lake · 7 sites · Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
River Camp
7. River Camp
99%
(45)
49mi from Holiday Lake · 3 sites · RVs
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$51
/ night
Lake Keomah State Park
8. 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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Elk Rock State Park
9. Elk Rock State Park
100%
(1)
85 sites · Knoxville, Iowa
Elk Rock State Park: A Haven for Campers and Nature Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Macbride State Park
10. Lake Macbride State Park
100%
(2)
103 sites · Solon, Iowa
Discover the natural charm of Lake Macbride State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Palisades-Kepler State Park
11. Palisades-Kepler State Park
40 sites · Bertram, Iowa
Discover the scenic beauty of Palisades-Kepler State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
98% (515) • 20 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Holiday Lake
Nature Heaven by lake red rock
1. Nature Heaven by lake red rock
96%
(315)
43mi from Holiday Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the 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 natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other.
A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts.
For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come 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 top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having 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 were 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 environmental health backgrounds, 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 Google Maps shows now.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
2. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
50mi from Holiday Lake · 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
Folk School Farm Stay
3. Folk School Farm Stay
99%
(282)
35mi from Holiday Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Come enjoy the natural beauty of a working farm! In our transition to agroforestry, wetland restoration and perennial ag, you'll find some great spaces to walk your dog, let your children run and learn about land conservation. The farm is also home to a flower cutting garden, a food forest garden, and a folk school. Guests are welcome to cut flowers for a donation, and enjoy the sheep, chickens and resident cat. The setting is also great for taking in sunrises, sunsets and star gazing.
Come explore the landscape, book a farm tour or enjoy some studio space at Land Alliance Folk School.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Rock Creek State Park
4. Rock Creek State Park
193 sites · Oakland Acres, Iowa
Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Union Grove State Park
5. Union Grove State Park
22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
6. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
31mi from Holiday Lake · 7 sites · Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
River Camp
7. River Camp
99%
(45)
49mi from Holiday Lake · 3 sites · RVs
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$51
/ night
Lake Keomah State Park
8. 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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Elk Rock State Park
9. Elk Rock State Park
100%
(1)
85 sites · Knoxville, Iowa
Elk Rock State Park: A Haven for Campers and Nature Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Macbride State Park
10. Lake Macbride State Park
100%
(2)
103 sites · Solon, Iowa
Discover the natural charm of Lake Macbride State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Palisades-Kepler State Park
11. Palisades-Kepler State Park
40 sites · Bertram, Iowa
Discover the scenic beauty of Palisades-Kepler State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Cristian
October 2025
Tent
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.
See more
K
Kelly
October 2025
34 ft travel trailer
With pets
If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.
See moreM
Michelle
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
See more
G
Georgia
September 2025
Tent
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!!!
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Cristian
September 2025
Tent
10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot
See more
K
Katherine
September 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
Anna was very friendly and very flexible! She offered multiple spots for us to stay on the property. The bathrooms and kitchen were clean and fit our needs!
See more
E
Eric
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven by lake red rock
Loved the location, the view. And the fun setup. Had a great time!
See more
Kit
September 2025
Tent
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.
See moreC
Cody
September 2025
30 ft toy hauler
With kids
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.
See more
E
Erin
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See moreC
Chad
August 2025
16 ft car
The work restorative work Anna is doing to her land is inspiring, particularly the wetlands around the pond--gorgeous!
Recommend the farm tour option.
See more
M
Michelle
August 2025
With kids
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.
See more
peter
August 2025
Tent
This is one of my favorite HIPCAMP places to stay. Anna and Dave are wonderful hosts, and have multiple options for where I can place my car/tent. This last visit I stayed in a lovely stand of trees full of quite the assortment of sounds. Before that I was close to the hilarious sheep on property. I picked up some of Anna's Elderberry glaze that she makes- that too was wonderful.
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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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Bethany
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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M
Mariya
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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T
Tyler
August 2025
1 night at Nature Heaven by lake red rock
Loved being perched on the hill . Great communication . Such a special kind of adventure . So comfortable !
See moreC
Chet
July 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See moreE
Emily
July 2025
Tent
With pets
We had a wonderful time and thought the description was very accurate!
See moreB
Brian
July 2025
With pets
Been here multiple times!!
Love the spots!!!
Love the fishing!!
Thanks so much for the perfect getaway Anna!!
See more
