The best luxury campgrounds near Indianola, Iowa

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for finding the perfect camping experience near Indianola, Iowa. With over 180 available options tailored to your creature comforts, you're sure to find the ideal accommodation to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of RV hookups or the simplicity of tent camping, we've got you covered. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $65 per night. For top-rated campsites, check out Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews). Our popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, access to potable water, and clean toilets. And if you're looking for some adventure, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snow sports, wildlife watching, and boating. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the great outdoors!

99% (230)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for finding the perfect camping experience near Indianola, Iowa. With over 180 available options tailored to your creature comforts, you're sure to find the ideal accommodation to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of RV hookups or the simplicity of tent camping, we've got you covered. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $65 per night. For top-rated campsites, check out Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews). Our popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, access to potable water, and clean toilets. And if you're looking for some adventure, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snow sports, wildlife watching, and boating. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the great outdoors!

99% (230)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%

(492)

29mi from Indianola · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Earlham, IA

This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!

2. Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

100%

(5)

9.8mi from Indianola · 2 sites · Lodging · Norwalk, IA

Come home to luxury in nature in this spacious, double king-bed treehouse and sleep among the stars. Expansive views of rolling hills greet you as you sip your pour-over coffee on the wrap around balcony twenty feet above ground. Rain? No problem. Tuck away on the three-season screened-in porch to watch the iconic Iowa pink sunsets. Built with special touches including stained glass and intricate woodwork, this treehouse boasts warmth throughout and is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime get-away. The scent of pine will carry you through a wooded trail that opens to this spacious treehouse towering 30 feet above the ground. Climb the unique staircase, thoughtfully crafted with historic details, wrapped around a 75 year old tree. Inside, two lofts, each boasting a king-size bed, welcome you to sleep easy or sleep late, because there's no need to rush and nowhere to be, unless you want -- This unique treehouse has its own space on our 22-acre property, centrally located and close to Des Moines. The treehouse is 350 sq ft with a cozy couch and chair, plus spacious kitchen with a dining table for four, a two-burner propane stove, electric kettle and Chemex for pour-over coffee, and fridge for your use. There is a mini-split system to make sure you're comfortable no matter the outside temps. Sleep among the stars in your own private loft with a latching door. Each loft has a roomy king bed with cozy, cotton bedding, plus a remote controlled fan, and you’ll find blackout curtains hidden in the headboard for your deepest sleep. Enjoy morning birdsongs (maybe catch an owl nesting in its nearby box) on the wrap-around balcony where you can see for miles in the distance, or find yourself surrounded by stars each night. Our property is loved for its low light pollution. Sneak out the stained-glass door for a midday nap or a board game on the screened-in porch, where rain and bugs will be no bother. Two lower-level outdoor seating areas make for easy meals or enjoying an evening fire. You’ll find a picnic table, a two-person hammock, and benches around a fire pit with chopped wood stocked nearby. Feel free to cook dinner on the charcoal grill, or upstairs in the kitchen.

3. Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay

100%

(1)

13mi from Indianola · 2 sites · Lodging · Lacona, IA

We invite you to turn off your phone and unwind on the front porch rocking chair as you watch one of our breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. Pasture and grassland with 7 ponds are accessible by a short hike along the cattle trails. A marked perimeter trail follows Wolfe Creek, home to wildlife and a shady cool spot during the hot days of summer. Mulberry Cottage is at the northeast corner of a 200-acre cattle ranch where we practice rotational grazing on ten paddocks. The cabin, surrounded by Mulberry and Osage Orange (Hedge Trees) are host to berry eating birds and mammals. (And the occasional marsupial). Cattle are fenced outside the cabin area but may be close by where you hear them and see them. Deer and coyotes are common on the property as plenty of birdlife. The cabin is a farm-stay experience with farm fresh eggs, and Mulberry preserves for your baked goods in the morning. You will need your muck boots and cowboy hat to hike our cattle trails and wade in the creeks. Try your hand at "frogging" in the marshes of one of our 7 ponds. Bottle-feeding a calf or collecting eggs are some of the chores you are welcome to participate in. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and birding opportunities. The head cowboy himself will invite you to chore time or have a farm tour of our grazing and regenerative practices. Our natural beef and tallow products are all for sale at the farm or grill up some "Ohnemusbeef" available at our farm store.

4. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa

36mi from Indianola · 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!

5. Timberline Cabins, Waukee

100%

(3)

22mi from Indianola · 15 sites · Lodging · Waukee, IA

Discover the unique charm of Timberline Campground, where the tranquility of nature meets the convenience of urban life. Located on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, this gem offers a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible from Interstate 80, just a mile and a half away. Timberline Campground features a variety of spacious cabins and (New in 2025!) glamping area known as Horseshoe Bend. The newest section of our camp includes vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters from the iconic series Yellowstone. Horseshoe Bend campers each sleep up to 4 and make a fun and memorable spot for family gatherings, reunions or twinkling star getaways. Guests consistently rave about the pristine facilities and pool, weekend youth activities and special entertainment like themed grill outs, band appearances and more. You must check out Waukee Best Mascot Myrtle the Turtle in the camp store! After a day of adventure, you can enjoy local restaurants and shops that are just a short drive away. Explore nearby hot spots, including Raccoon River Valley Trail, Vibrant Music Hall, Barn Town Brewery and Jordan Creek Mall to name a few. Let your hosts at Timberline Campground show you how to enjoy country camping with all the conveniences of city life!

Stories from the community

RV Spots have electric at the site, water to fill your tanks with and we have a dump station on the way out.

Xavier

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Great roadside stop. Safe and comfortable. Would reccomend.

M

Michael A

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Timberline Cabins, Waukee

Rented one of the cabins by the pond. From the moment arriving we were greeted with such great customer service. We enjoyed every moment of our stay especially sitting by the pond having a fire and just enjoying the stars and all the deer that were roaming bye. We will definitely be back again.

K

Kayla

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

The tree house was so perfect. It had so many amenities, we didn’t miss tv or WiFi for a moment. It was the most relaxing weekend ever- spent playing games as a family, reading, crocheting, exploring nature, and hitting up local gems for shopping and meal times. We would 100% come back. We already miss it!

E

Eric

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.

Rayven

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We had a great stay! The cabin was cozy and clean, tucked on the outskirts of Des Moines in a quiet little RV park and campground. The host was super friendly and helpful, and we appreciated that it wasn’t crowded at all. There were fun swings to discover around the property, and we enjoyed a perfect evening campfire—firewood was conveniently available on-site. Would definitely stay again!

A

Arjan

October 2025

4 nights at Timberline Cabins, Waukee

We stayed a few nights in this cabin. It was nicely situated with view on the small lake. Liked the firepit. Staff was very helpful.

J

James

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

The facilities were good, the site was nice (trees, nearby creek), and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only potential downside to this campsite is that there was fairly continual traffic noise from an interstate highway that was about a half mile to the north of the site; the noise eventually faded into the background of our awareness and didn't impact our ability to sleep at night

L

Lou

September 2025

2 nights at Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

Felt wonderfully secluded and relaxing. Beautiful views and loved the album player. Great change of pace stay for us.

Patricia

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Hostess was friendly and helpful. The site was large and shady. The facilities were clean. Directions, actually coordinates, were for a location about a mile away. I had to call to find the campground. Site T3 was very close to I-80 so it became noisy at times. The brook had an area of extremely slow moving water which seemed to attract mosquitoes. Perhaps that was seasonal. I would highly recommend for RVs and camper vans. Only can rate a maybe for tent camping..

Ronda

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

I enjoyed the privacy and shade that site #T3 offered. The other tent sites in the loop were in full sun. I set up a tail gate tent and appreciated that there was enough grass at the end of the parking gravel for the tent. The large site could easily fit a couple of more tents. Very relaxing to listen to the accessable babbling creek on the back of the site. Only negative would be if there are other tenters you could be bothered by the close port-a-potty. I definitely heard the white noise of the interstate but it didn't drown out the sounds of the owls at night. Few lights in the campground allow for stargazing. So surprised to find the cleanest shower house ever! The private shower included a sink and toilet. Host was quick to answer any questions I had. I will definitely visit again.

A

Ariane

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Very clean and beautiful! I slept like a baby with the sounds of the stream. Owners readily available to help with any needs!

J

Jodi

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We had reservations and wanted to stay so bad but the heat index was dangerous as well as the air quality from wildfire smoke so we did not go. I left the host a message through hip camp to let them know we weren't coming. So sorry to have missed it!

K

Kara

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

This was an amazing spot. Even though we only stayed one night it was so peaceful and beautiful! We got married in December aka we enjoyed a smallish honeymoon. We caught tons of fish and just enjoyed being together in nature. We definitely will be back.

Taryn

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

Our family had the most amazing time staying here for the weekend. We were able to disconnect from technology for a few days and just enjoy each other. The screened in porch is perfect and we had a lot of fun using the record player. The Treehouse has everything you need and the hosts are very responsive when you have questions. It's seriously the cutest space!

J

Jason

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Super quiet. Very clean and well maintained. I'll definitely be back if I ever come through the area again.

M

Milt

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Shady Brook is a wonderful campground for those looking for a quiet and safe place to rest! We like to stay here when traveling to the Midwest to visit family. The tent site 3 is tucked away near the creek and we went to sleep with the calming sound of the creek. Fireflies that came out was a great bonus!

d

donald

July 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We just stopped for the night as we was traveling through. Everything was nicely laid out and worked out great.

M

Milt

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

The camp site was very clean and quiet, perfect for a restful night after a long drive. The tent site 3 is tucked in the back, offering privacy. The bathrooms and shower facility is also a nice addition. This campground is highly recommended.

T

Toni

July 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We were in town for the Midwest National Softball tournament and found this little place to make our home for 3 nights. It's out of the way....but pretty close to interstate traffic noise. Although with the air conditioning running, it wasn't an issue. The entire compound was very clean and set up to be private Nice hot showers only a short ways from the cabin. We fell in love with the small town of Earlham. It's like the perfect quintessential town depicted in movies. The downtown bar and grill has great food. And short drives on dirt roads to visit the covered bridges of Madison county. We would certainly recommend Shady Brook to others considering a stay in the Des Moines area.

W

Willow

June 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

This place is wonderful! A much needed respite after a long journey. The grounds are lush and immaculately maintained with ample shade. We enjoyed walking our dogs on the perfectly mowed pathways and listening to the frogs in the nearby pond. Yes there is noise from the freeway but we weren’t bothered by it at all and you can’t beat the location for convenience. Clean bathrooms and hot showers rounded out a delightful stay. I hope we get to visit again.