The best luxury campgrounds near Madrid, Iowa

At Hipcamp, we offer over 176 camping options near Madrid, Iowa, that cater to your creature comforts. With options as low as $15 per night and an average price of $65, you can find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Some of our top campsites with rave reviews include Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (21 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and potable water, and activities such as biking, paddling, and snow sports, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.

98% (262)

Top-rated campgrounds

At Hipcamp, we offer over 176 camping options near Madrid, Iowa, that cater to your creature comforts. With options as low as $15 per night and an average price of $65, you can find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Some of our top campsites with rave reviews include Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (21 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and potable water, and activities such as biking, paddling, and snow sports, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.

98% (262)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%

(492)

29mi from Madrid · 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. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%

(41)

34mi from Madrid · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Zearing, IA

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.

3. Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

100%

(5)

31mi from Madrid · 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.

4. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa

44mi from Madrid · 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)

21mi from Madrid · 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

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Great roadside stop. Safe and comfortable. Would reccomend.

M

Michael A

November 2025

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.

Our barn dormitory with 7 bedrooms, a lounge, men's and women's restrooms with showers, and kitchenette on the lower level. The upper level has a full kitchen, a large dining hall/dance hall, and a stage.

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!!

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.