The best family-friendly campgrounds near Lime Springs, Iowa

If you're looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Lime Springs, Iowa, Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Ranch Retreat (226 reviews), and Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff (209 reviews) are some of the top campsites to check out. With over 80 options specifically tailored to your land tag preference, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. And with prices starting as low as $25 per night, you won't break the bank. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and pet-friendly spaces. And don't forget to enjoy activities like climbing, fishing, and paddling during your camping adventure. Book your camping trip with Hipcamp today!

98% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Lime Springs, Iowa, Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland (239 reviews), Ranch Retreat (226 reviews), and Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff (209 reviews) are some of the top campsites to check out. With over 80 options specifically tailored to your land tag preference, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. And with prices starting as low as $25 per night, you won't break the bank. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and pet-friendly spaces. And don't forget to enjoy activities like climbing, fishing, and paddling during your camping adventure. Book your camping trip with Hipcamp today!

98% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Aefintyr

98%

(60)

47mi from Lime Springs · 19 sites · Lodging · Altura, MN

Wilderness inspired campground specializing in hike-in rustic glamping, treehouse cabins and outfitting. Located on Whiskey Hill in the Whitewater River Valley near the town of Elba, MN. The cabins are easy to access with close parking. The hike-in rustic glamping sites offer a rugged backpacking like experience with spacious, secluded sites, creature comforts for a good night's sleep and no equipment required, all designed to immerse guests in the surrounding woodland. The land was used for personal recreation for several years. I've spent countless hours hiking and enjoying observing the seasons, plants, fungus and animals. The vision of a campground was inspired by many camping and backcountry spots throughout the United States, all of the amazing things in the woods, the beautiful blufftop valley views, proximity to a multitude of outdoor activities and adventures.

2. Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

100%

(496)

49mi from Lime Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Houston, MN

Welcome ; Located in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region of hills, valleys, fields and forests, we are a grass based working dairy farm with over 100 acres of woodland, including an extensive trail system and campsites in our wooded acres. What makes this woodland special is it's quiet, secluded setting and over 6 miles of hiking / skiing trails. Our farmstead sits three quarter of a mile off the paved county highway on our well maintained gravel driveway. Each of our campsites are secluded from the others with their own sawdust compost toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and firewood. Two of our sites require 4WD with a minimum of 6 inches ground clearance to access, and two are accessible with 2WD. If you do not have 4WD we can help transport your gear while you enjoy the walk in. There are plenty of woodland birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and squirrels sharing the woods with you. At night it is common for owls to visit the campsite area to say hello, and coyotes talking in the distance. The winding trails through 100 acres of woodland offer a variety of woodland habitats, from Old growth Maple to mixed hardwood, to dense brush, to the edges of open pastureland. Bring your fat bike or mountain bike for an enjoyable ride. For winter users there is a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing / hiking on the property. However the Rock Bottom Cabin is our only heated and insulated site and is available for winter booking. Winter access is walk in only with snow on the ground or in the forecast. We can help transport gear. This property is part of a working pasture-based dairy farm and guided tours of the dairy and cattle are available when scheduling allows. Children 12 and younger are free at our campsites. No need to be counted as guests , but please let us know when requesting to book. We do not allow non-booked visitors to our campsites due to the secluded, remote location, and accessibility.

3. The Edge

96%

(308)

33mi from Lime Springs · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rochester, MN

This 160 acre farm used to be a sod farm, and then a Christmas tree farm. Camping provided is in the remnants of the uncut Christmas tree forest which is about 6 acres. Small little get away from Rochester. Airport traffic, but it is enjoyable. 10 minutes to downtown Rochester. PLEASE KEEP DOGS OFF OF THE BEDS IN THE CABIN.

4. Gossman Goat Ranch

99%

(147)

18mi from Lime Springs · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Preston, MN

We have a lovely piece of property to come enjoy a getaway at. We enjoy all of the peace and quiet around here. The night sky is unbeatable in my eyes. We have a small hobby farm with lots of very tame animals. We have 42 acres to roams with lots of trails within the woods that are filled with aged oak trees and many young maple trees. Our property is filled with lots of wild flowers and wildlife. We are locate 3 miles from the root river if you enjoy fishing or going for a float down the river. There are two caves in our area that are a must see while you are visiting. I you like to hike there is a state park 14 minutes from us that have many miles of hiking trails and horse trails. If you are more the small town strolling type of person we have lots of small towns around us that are filled with shops and lots of great food! There is a large system of bike trails in our area that make a very fun way to check out some of the small towns. If you have a family with kids we have a lot of fun activities you can do with your kids, like spending time with the goats, chickens and ducks, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils!

5. Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

99%

(339)

32mi from Lime Springs · 1 site · Tent, RV · Stewartville, MN

The property is one of a kind. The Driftless Region starts right here in SE Minnesota. It is secluded with mature trees, beautiful bluffs, fishing, kayaking! It is a nature lovers dream!

Stories from the community

J

Jasmine

3 weeks ago

1 night at Aefintyr

These cabins are perfect for a winter get away! Watching the first snow of the year come down while comfy on the porch was incredible! It is close to the road, but the traffic generally sounds far off and ambient in the background. The cabins are warm, the bunk beds are fun even if you’re grown ups, and the windows on the ceiling are incredible for watching snowfall. The hiking around this area is incredible! We really appreciated the quick response and availability of a cabin short notice. Another place had double booked and cancelled our booking a few days before our intended night away and Chelsi really came through and saved our Thanksgiving week!

Kathy

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Edge

This was my 4th time at the Edge and no less lovely than the other 3 times. I ended up back at the cabin, but would happily stay at any of the tent sites on Edward's property. Can hardly wait to return next spring!

W

William

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at The Edge

The Edge is a great spot to camp. This land is close to any stores you would need to get supplies from and could be a great spot for a quick camp.

A

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Highly recommend! A beautiful, secluded place! Owner is very responsive too!

Cindy

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Edge

Great camper cabin. We loved our weekend getaway with the dogs. We would definitely stay here again!

Rock Bottom Cabin located in a secluded hardwood forest

D

David

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

My wife and I had such a great stay at the Rock Bottom Cabin. It is a very cozy and secluded place. We particularly enjoyed hiking the great network of trails on their beautiful land. We hope to be back!

Evan

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Aefintyr

Most luxurious hike-in site I’ve stayed at for sure! I stayed at Celtis on top of the bluff at the very end. Was happy I did because in late fall, there didn’t look to be much privacy at the other sites. Celtis was awesome and the bed was super comfortable too. The structure with the screen and tarps worked great for letting in some airflow if unzipped or none if zipped up. A table with 4 chairs, firepit, and the perfectly-spaced trees for a hammock made this site really great. Be prepared for a very steep (but short) hike up. Bathrooms with toilets, running water, and showers at the bottom near the cabins were a nice touch too.

D

Dave

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

A great private site in a very scenic area. Mike is great!

B

Becky

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

I would definitely recommend Gossman Goat Farm! It has beautiful views and it was fun to see the goats and chickens. The directions were clear and the sites are clean and well organized. Cathy was very helpful and friendly and her boys ran and gathered eggs.. A great family run business, and the handmade soap was a wonderful souvenir!:)

J

Jeannie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

5 STARS! Will stay again. Drove down the hill and camped at the river. It was perfect.

B

Becky

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Mike and Joan thought of everything. It was a perfect short stay for us. We appreciated the kindness shown to us and the ride to and from the site. We had our own little spot in nature with everything we needed. Campfires were so easy with the setup provided. Loved the presence of drinking water and wash up water. The compost toilet bathroom was clean and perfect. I’d come back in a heartbeat. Remember to bring warm sleeping bags or blankets if you are headed there in the fall!

B

Brent

October 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Terrific location, quiet and set away from any neighbors. Gentle slope ensures even recent rains drain off reasonably well. Beautiful fall colors, short hike down to the river & bluffs with great wading for our visit. Even the toilet facilities were clean, well kept, and better than expected (though bring a lantern to keep in there as it gets a bit dark).

J

Jen

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

The land, cabin, Cathy and family and of course the goats were all amazing. My kids had the best time! Everything was as described and perfect. The cabin worked great for 5 of us and the cabin amenities like games, hammock and fire pit were perfect.

J

Jen

October 2025

With kids

1 night at Aefintyr

This was a fun experience! My kids loved the hike up, the tent, and our own area for games and a fire. They also enjoyed the community area and the fantastic views. Chelsi was such an excellent and accommodating host. We will be back!

Peter

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

We loved our camping trip at Eric’s Bluff Hollow Camp. The site is a tranquil GEM nestled underneath scenic bluffs at a sharp turn of the Root River. Everything is clean and well-maintained, and Eric is a responsive and affable host. I have been scouting for private campsites near trout streams and this IS the place! We are looking forward to returning next spring!

Kathy

October 2025

With pets

4 nights at The Edge

Third time at The Edge charming rustic cabin since earlier this summer. It was wonderful to see the seasonal differences of the surrounding corn and soy bean fields over the months. Other than the host Edward stopping by on the day of arrival to show me the ropes of the wood stove, my dog and I had complete solitude for four nights. Like my last two visits, I hit the weather jackpot with sunny breezy days near 65-70 degrees and mild nights. Hard to imagine tiring of this sweet place. Edward has been timely in responding to all my questions and for those who aren't familiar with the general area, everything you can imagine for your camping/cabin/food needs are about 10 minutes away (Fleet Farm, Menards, various fast and slow food restaurants, etc.).

m

mark

October 2025

1 night at Aefintyr

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, this is it. We’ll definitely be coming back!

W

William

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bluff Hollow Camp on the Root River

Went tent camping here and it was worth every dollar. Quiet, private, and absolutely beautiful scenery. The property owner is generous, communicative, and maintains the land very well. Cleanest outhouse I've ever seen!! Lots of deadwood for fires and a nice stream for collecting water to filter.

N

Nichole

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

We had a great time tent camping here! Beautiful area. 🌻 I would definitely camp here again.

C

Chris

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gossman Goat Ranch

We loved our stay! The goats were friendly, the trails were great, and the kids had a blast looking for fossils. A lovely place to get away for a weekend.