The best forest glamping near Jefferson, Iowa

Welcome to Hipcamp - your go-to resource for finding the perfect camping experience. If you're looking for a glamping adventure in the forest near Jefferson, Iowa, you're in luck! With over 250 options to choose from, we've got you covered. Our top-rated campsites, Windy Goat Acres, Come Enjoy the Beauty, and Anna's land at Lake Red Rock, have received rave reviews from campers. You'll have access to popular amenities such as potable water, showers, and campfires, and can enjoy activities like boating and off-roading. Average prices per night are around $65, but with options as low as $15, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Get ready for a memorable outdoor experience with Hipcamp!

98% (362)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp - your go-to resource for finding the perfect camping experience. If you're looking for a glamping adventure in the forest near Jefferson, Iowa, you're in luck! With over 250 options to choose from, we've got you covered. Our top-rated campsites, Windy Goat Acres, Come Enjoy the Beauty, and Anna's land at Lake Red Rock, have received rave reviews from campers. You'll have access to popular amenities such as potable water, showers, and campfires, and can enjoy activities like boating and off-roading. Average prices per night are around $65, but with options as low as $15, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Get ready for a memorable outdoor experience with Hipcamp!

98% (362)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

98%

(208)

30mi from Jefferson · 14 sites · Lodging · Menlo, IA

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.

2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%

(492)

38mi from Jefferson · 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!

3. Saylor Creek Hideaway

100%

(7)

45mi from Jefferson · 1 site · Lodging · Des Moines, IA

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 & heat - Small refrigerator - Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar - Dining table with two chairs - TV with Hulu, Disney+, Prime - 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 & 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.

Public campgrounds near Jefferson

Springbrook Campground

17mi from Jefferson · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Springbrook State Park

Dolliver Campground

30mi from Jefferson · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dolliver Memorial State Park

Black Hawk Campground

38mi from Jefferson · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Hawk State Park

Stories from the community

R

Robin

2 weeks ago

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.

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!

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!

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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!

Devon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

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!!!

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.

T

Tyler

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

My girlfriend and I booked Hunter’s Havin for a 2 night stay with our dog and it was amazing. The quiet atmosphere with tons of privacy was exactly what we were looking for. We were greeted by Linda with a big smile and a tour of the land. We were able to unwind and relax to our heart’s content. On the 2nd day, the heat became unbearable for us and our dog, and Linda was very accommodating, allowing us to move to the Honeymoon Cabin for our final night, which included air conditioning. We will definitely be back in the future, and highly recommend Rock N Ranch and Linda to anyone looking for a quiet getaway out in nature.

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.

A

Austin

July 2025

With pets

3 nights at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

I loved staying at Rockin Ranch. There is nice pond caught many fish. Very secluded and quiet. 10/10

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Megan

June 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

My travels become chaotic and I was unable to make my reservation. The host was very understandable and respectful! She did everything to try and accommodate me and I appreciate that effort! I WILL make it to the cabin one day!

K

Kalin

June 2025

With kids

2 nights at Saylor Creek Hideaway

Super cute and private. It has all the comforts of home with all the beauty of the outdoors. I loved all the thoughtful touches like the earplugs, s'mores supplies, and the espresso maker with all the fixings you can think of. I highly recommend this place if hotels just aren't your thing. I will definitely recommend this to friends and family.

M

Montgomery

June 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Cabin was very private with its own fire ring. Lots of fireflies when we went which was a good surprise. Very friendly host who showed us everything on their site even tho we showed up around 9pm

S

Savannah

June 2025

2 nights at Saylor Creek Hideaway

My wife and I had such a magical time here for her birthday! We came after doing the rail car explorers in Boone and it was such a relaxing time. After getting food in town, we had a night by the fire which was super relaxing. Our last morning it ended up raining which was actually very pleasant and calming. Such a lovely stay!

A

Amelia

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

We had an amazing time! It’s so quiet and peaceful. Darlene was an amazing host! We will def be back!! Thanks for having us 🫶🏼

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Fernando

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Un lugar fantástico por la tranquilidad el contacto con la naturaleza a mi esposa le fascinó y mi también me encantó el anfitrión muy amable 😊. Lo recomiendo 100%

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Emily

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

This is the second year in a row our family has spent at Rock-N-Ranch. We stayed in The Loft this year. Is was an amazing little getaway. The weather didn't totally cooperate but we wouldn't have changed it for anything! The hosts were very welcoming and made sure our stay was perfect! We will absolutely be back for a 3rd time next year!

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Drake

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Absolutely awesome camp both times I went! Super nice hosts. Highly recommend Rock N Ranch!