99% (423) • 71 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Jefferson
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
1. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
30mi from Jefferson · 13 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Rooted Timbers
2. Rooted Timbers
100%
(20)
30mi from Jefferson · 1 site
We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage.
We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
The Waypoint
3. The Waypoint
99%
(55)
35mi from Jefferson · 5 sites
A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35.
18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community.
If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.
Pets
from
$35
/ night
Springbrook State Park
4. Springbrook State Park
State park 17mi from Jefferson · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ledges State Park
5. Ledges State Park
100%
(4)
State park 25mi from Jefferson · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
6. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
38mi from Jefferson · 55 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
Saylor Creek Hideaway
7. Saylor Creek Hideaway
100%
(7)
45mi from Jefferson · 1 site
Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort!
Experience a unique getaway with your friends or family. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, creating fun family memories or simply looking for a weekend getaway, our place is perfect for you!
“There is nothing like hearing the owls at night and hanging out by the campfire all day.” - Christy
Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to the beauty of nature and relax with a cup of espresso on the deck. During the day, explore all that Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. And when night falls, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and share stories while roasting s'mores.
You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Our glamping tent offers all the amenities you need to feel comfortable while still being immersed in nature. With air conditioning and heat, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs no matter what the Iowa weather throws your way. Get a good night's sleep in our king-size bed with cozy bedding.
Enjoy the convenience of running water at the nearby sink and shower, which means you won't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores? No problem!
“This is the perfect getaway location without having to "rough it"... this was the absolute best place to try out camping without sacrificing some comforts.” - Gloria
Inside the Tent:
- King size bed. All bedding is provided.
- Couch folds into a twin size bed. Bedding provided.
- Towels, shampoo, conditioner body wash
- Air conditioning and heat
- Small refrigerator
- Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar
- Dining table with two chairs
- TV
- WiFi
- Board games
“Extremely comfy bed with cozy warm bedding.” - Lindsey
Outside the Tent:
- Two deck chairs
- Solo Stove smokeless fire pit
- Two Adirondack chairs
- Charcoal grill with charcoal
- One large bundle of firewood
- Fire starter and lighter
- Outhouse with sink and composting toilet
- Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head
This tent is tucked into the trees on the 7 acre property where we live. Our house is out of sight when you're on the campsite. A short walk down a path and you will reach the tent where you will be immersed in the trees.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$173
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
8. Dolliver Memorial State Park
State park 30mi from Jefferson · 24 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
9. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
State park 33mi from Jefferson · 252 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Black Hawk State Park
10. Black Hawk State Park
State park 38mi from Jefferson · 128 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Black Hawk State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Saylorville Lake
11. Saylorville Lake
100%
(9)
Park 38mi from Jefferson · 446 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Walnut Woods State Park
12. Walnut Woods State Park
100%
(3)
State park 46mi from Jefferson · 22 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
99% (423) • 71 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Jefferson
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
1. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
30mi from Jefferson · 13 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Rooted Timbers
2. Rooted Timbers
100%
(20)
30mi from Jefferson · 1 site
We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage.
We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
The Waypoint
3. The Waypoint
99%
(55)
35mi from Jefferson · 5 sites
A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35.
18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community.
If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.
Pets
from
$35
/ night
Springbrook State Park
4. Springbrook State Park
State park 17mi from Jefferson · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ledges State Park
5. Ledges State Park
100%
(4)
State park 25mi from Jefferson · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
6. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
38mi from Jefferson · 55 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
Saylor Creek Hideaway
7. Saylor Creek Hideaway
100%
(7)
45mi from Jefferson · 1 site
Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort!
Experience a unique getaway with your friends or family. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, creating fun family memories or simply looking for a weekend getaway, our place is perfect for you!
“There is nothing like hearing the owls at night and hanging out by the campfire all day.” - Christy
Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to the beauty of nature and relax with a cup of espresso on the deck. During the day, explore all that Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. And when night falls, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and share stories while roasting s'mores.
You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Our glamping tent offers all the amenities you need to feel comfortable while still being immersed in nature. With air conditioning and heat, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs no matter what the Iowa weather throws your way. Get a good night's sleep in our king-size bed with cozy bedding.
Enjoy the convenience of running water at the nearby sink and shower, which means you won't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores? No problem!
“This is the perfect getaway location without having to "rough it"... this was the absolute best place to try out camping without sacrificing some comforts.” - Gloria
Inside the Tent:
- King size bed. All bedding is provided.
- Couch folds into a twin size bed. Bedding provided.
- Towels, shampoo, conditioner body wash
- Air conditioning and heat
- Small refrigerator
- Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar
- Dining table with two chairs
- TV
- WiFi
- Board games
“Extremely comfy bed with cozy warm bedding.” - Lindsey
Outside the Tent:
- Two deck chairs
- Solo Stove smokeless fire pit
- Two Adirondack chairs
- Charcoal grill with charcoal
- One large bundle of firewood
- Fire starter and lighter
- Outhouse with sink and composting toilet
- Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head
This tent is tucked into the trees on the 7 acre property where we live. Our house is out of sight when you're on the campsite. A short walk down a path and you will reach the tent where you will be immersed in the trees.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$173
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
8. Dolliver Memorial State Park
State park 30mi from Jefferson · 24 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
9. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
State park 33mi from Jefferson · 252 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Black Hawk State Park
10. Black Hawk State Park
State park 38mi from Jefferson · 128 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Black Hawk State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Saylorville Lake
11. Saylorville Lake
100%
(9)
Park 38mi from Jefferson · 446 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Walnut Woods State Park
12. Walnut Woods State Park
100%
(3)
State park 46mi from Jefferson · 22 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kristina
February 2026
30 ft Class C
With pets
Dave and Dena were great hosts! We really enjoyed our time!
See more
J
James
November 2025
With pets
After a long day of driving, this was the perfect place to stop. The only mistake I made was not arriving sooner to enjoy the property more. Linda was so responsive, incredibly accommodating, and just a joy to communicate and plan with. Having two large dogs is tough to travel with, and Linda made it so easy within our travel plans. I will be back with my fishing gear in the future. Thank you for the hospitality!
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R
Robin
November 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Beautiful property, lots of trails to explore, pond and complete relaxation. Hunters Havin sleeping cabin was awesome. Great for cooler weather and beautiful surroundings for campfire. We can’t wait to return in the summer with the grandkids.
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Xavier
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
Great roadside stop. Safe and comfortable. Would reccomend.
See more
Holly
October 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
The host was super friendly and flexible, even when we got in around midnight. The space was safe and views were lovely the next morning. I'd recommend staying!
See more
J
Josh
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
Emma and her husband Jason always go above and beyond to make any visit to the Waypoint awesome! The stay was perfect as usual and I will definitely be back again
See more
E
Eric
October 2025
2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.
See more
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!
See more
J
James
September 2025
Tent
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
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Patricia
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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..
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D
Dave
August 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With kids
We had a wonderful, relaxing weekend at Waypoint. We enjoyed walking the nature trails and fishing in the pond. We even visited the alpacas. Emma kindly gave us an educational tour of all of their animal friends including dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and alpacas. Emma was very patient with our kid's many questions. The land is kept wild except for the camping spots and trails. We will definitely return.
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K
Karl
August 2025
16 ft campervan
Nice little place. We didn’t get to stay very long, but it is very peaceful and quiet.
See more
Dudley
August 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a wonderfully quiet place with gorgeous trees! It was a little too hot for pups and I to explore much but our camping area was very secluded and private. Emma is an incredibly responsive and kind hostess!
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Ronda
August 2025
Tent
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.
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M
Melissa
August 2025
2 nights at Saylor Creek Hideaway
My husband and I stayed here for 2 days after our wedding. We are active duty military and are stationed on the east coast, but had our wedding in Iowa, where I am from. We had days of travel and wedding stress and were looking for a quiet place to decompress in nature before getting back on the road to travel back home. We had the best night of sleep since we started wedding planning in January. Everything was perfect. We cannot recommend this site enough for couples who want an outdoor getaway without the stress of setting up a tent or the discomfort of sleeping on a cot. Thank you, Melissa, for the perfect mini moon!
See moreJ
Jj
August 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
This place was very secluded with private campsites. Our dogs loved it also. Obviously certain months bring bug spray lol. Had it not been overcast I'm sure we would have been able to enjoy millions of stars. If you e joy outdoors and seclusion 100% recommend!
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Devon
August 2025
With pets
The Ranch is a hidden paradise for a person like myself!! Very peaceful with a Creek,Pond, and Trails!!!! We had a Full moon during the stay and it’s amazing view every night! 10/10!!! 5 Star!!! MUST SEE!!!
See moreB
Barbara
August 2025
20 ft Class B
Our first night in our new camper van was spent in this very private peaceful location! Nice walk to beautiful pond - enjoyed the stay!
See moreA
Ariane
August 2025
Tent
Very clean and beautiful! I slept like a baby with the sounds of the stream. Owners readily available to help with any needs!
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MICHAEL
August 2025
3 nights at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
This place is a hidden gem and we will continue to come back year after year. The family is very kind and we absolutely love coming to camp here.
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