The best campgrounds near Mediapolis, Iowa with hiking

In Mediapolis, hikers have over 690 campsites to choose from, each set up for easy trail access and rugged, no-nonsense adventure. Sites like Railroad creek camp ground (46 reviews), River Camp (37 reviews), and Whitetail Tent Camping (9 reviews) let you pitch your tent close to trailheads and river bends. Expect reliable toilets, hot showers, and pet-friendly spots for your four-legged trail buddies. Campsites in this area average $50 a night, but you can find spots for as little as $20. After you hit the trails, cool off with a swim or watch for deer and owls at dusk—wildlife is everywhere, and so are the opportunities for snow sports when winter hits. You’ll find campsites tucked into the timber, along creeks, and near open fields—no fluff, just practical setups for hikers who want to camp where the action is.

97% (108) • 20 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Mediapolis

River Camp

1. River Camp

99%

(45)

46mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Pets

Full hookups

from

$51

/ night

1951 Dream

2. 1951 Dream

88%

(4)

49mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. It is a working farm which naturally takes people, but it is unlikely you will encounter any other campers. Please keep in mind, the only running water is the creek and the only electricity comes from a single solar panel. We truck water in for showers and provide enough port-a-potties to match the event.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$20

/ night

Railroad creek camp ground

3. Railroad creek camp ground

95%

(67)

44mi from Mediapolis · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$20

/ night

Geode State Park

4. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

168 sites · Danville, Iowa

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

5. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

152 sites · Hampton, Illinois

Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Captain's Cove Muscatine

6. Captain's Cove Muscatine

100%

(1)

34mi from Mediapolis · 1 site · Lodging

Originally built with four ponds to accommodate a Catfish Farm and Shitake Mushroom Farm - this property has been in the family for four generations. We are pleased to share this amazing property with your family to continue the tradition of enjoying life's moments. We consider this place a small piece of heaven in Iowa and hope you will too. The activities available range from fishing, swimming or kayaking, in our private ponds, bonfires, outdoor grilling, sunrise or sunset watching, hiking around the property, and so much more. The property is just minutes away from Wild Cat Den State Park, bike paths and the Muscatine River Front.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$150

/ night

Whitetail Tent Camping

7. Whitetail Tent Camping

100%

(10)

44mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Camping, (Fishinfg at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey! Learn more about this land: Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)  You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.  You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.  If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.  If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$28

/ night

Cottage on the Bay

8. Cottage on the Bay

100%

(3)

15mi from Mediapolis · 1 site · Lodging

This Sears kit home was originally built in 1941 and has been remodeled to give it a more cabin like feel. It sits on 1.38 acres of land with mature trees and direct access to Boston Bay which connects to the Mississippi River. Enjoy the view from the new deck or take your boat or jet ski down the road to one of 3 public boat launches. This area is known for boating, fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$130

/ night

Crossroads RV Park

9. Crossroads RV Park

19mi from Mediapolis · 11 sites

Nestled at the intersection of two major highways in Southeast Iowa, our family-owned RV Park offers a unique blend of convenience and charm that sets it apart from the rest. With easy access to local attractions and natural wonders, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Spanning a generous acreage, our park provides ample space for relaxation and privacy, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all our guests. Enjoy the serene surroundings while taking advantage of our special amenities, which include well-maintained facilities and recreational areas designed for family fun. Nearby, you'll find a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to swimming holes, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, allowing you to explore the vibrant community while enjoying your stay. Come experience the warmth of our family-run RV Park, where unforgettable memories await!

Mississippi River

10. Mississippi River

100%

(1)

97 sites · Iowa

Discover a scenic section of one of America's most iconic rivers.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Nauvoo State Park

11. Nauvoo State Park

100%

(2)

30 sites · Nauvoo, Illinois

Situated peacefully on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, historic Nauvoo State Park has nature lovin’ folk jumping for joy at the sight of an expansive lake and sandy, mile-long shoreline. Take in some of the best views the park has to offer on the Locust Lane Trail. A 1.5-mile loop, the path winds around the lake, through the woods, and over prairie flower dotted hillsides. The campsites are many and the accommodations are vast. From spacious, individual sites, to a youth group area, all are centrally located and hook you up with VIP access to all adventurin’ possibilities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Wildcat Den State Park

12. Wildcat Den State Park

100%

(1)

28 sites · Buffalo, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Lake Darling State Park

13. Lake Darling State Park

85 sites · Pleasant Plain, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Battle of Athens State Historic Site

14. Battle of Athens State Historic Site

29 sites · Missouri

Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Argyle Lake State Park

15. Argyle Lake State Park

112 sites · Colchester, Illinois

Fall in love with fishing at this lake in western Illinois.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

16. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

82 sites · Keosauqua, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

In Mediapolis, hikers have over 690 campsites to choose from, each set up for easy trail access and rugged, no-nonsense adventure. Sites like Railroad creek camp ground (46 reviews), River Camp (37 reviews), and Whitetail Tent Camping (9 reviews) let you pitch your tent close to trailheads and river bends. Expect reliable toilets, hot showers, and pet-friendly spots for your four-legged trail buddies. Campsites in this area average $50 a night, but you can find spots for as little as $20. After you hit the trails, cool off with a swim or watch for deer and owls at dusk—wildlife is everywhere, and so are the opportunities for snow sports when winter hits. You’ll find campsites tucked into the timber, along creeks, and near open fields—no fluff, just practical setups for hikers who want to camp where the action is.

97% (108) • 20 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Mediapolis

River Camp

1. River Camp

99%

(45)

46mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Pets

Full hookups

from

$51

/ night

1951 Dream

2. 1951 Dream

88%

(4)

49mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. It is a working farm which naturally takes people, but it is unlikely you will encounter any other campers. Please keep in mind, the only running water is the creek and the only electricity comes from a single solar panel. We truck water in for showers and provide enough port-a-potties to match the event.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$20

/ night

Railroad creek camp ground

3. Railroad creek camp ground

95%

(67)

44mi from Mediapolis · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$20

/ night

Geode State Park

4. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

168 sites · Danville, Iowa

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

5. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

152 sites · Hampton, Illinois

Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Captain's Cove Muscatine

6. Captain's Cove Muscatine

100%

(1)

34mi from Mediapolis · 1 site · Lodging

Originally built with four ponds to accommodate a Catfish Farm and Shitake Mushroom Farm - this property has been in the family for four generations. We are pleased to share this amazing property with your family to continue the tradition of enjoying life's moments. We consider this place a small piece of heaven in Iowa and hope you will too. The activities available range from fishing, swimming or kayaking, in our private ponds, bonfires, outdoor grilling, sunrise or sunset watching, hiking around the property, and so much more. The property is just minutes away from Wild Cat Den State Park, bike paths and the Muscatine River Front.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$150

/ night

Whitetail Tent Camping

7. Whitetail Tent Camping

100%

(10)

44mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Camping, (Fishinfg at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey! Learn more about this land: Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)  You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.  You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.  If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.  If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$28

/ night

Cottage on the Bay

8. Cottage on the Bay

100%

(3)

15mi from Mediapolis · 1 site · Lodging

This Sears kit home was originally built in 1941 and has been remodeled to give it a more cabin like feel. It sits on 1.38 acres of land with mature trees and direct access to Boston Bay which connects to the Mississippi River. Enjoy the view from the new deck or take your boat or jet ski down the road to one of 3 public boat launches. This area is known for boating, fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$130

/ night

Crossroads RV Park

9. Crossroads RV Park

19mi from Mediapolis · 11 sites

Nestled at the intersection of two major highways in Southeast Iowa, our family-owned RV Park offers a unique blend of convenience and charm that sets it apart from the rest. With easy access to local attractions and natural wonders, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Spanning a generous acreage, our park provides ample space for relaxation and privacy, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all our guests. Enjoy the serene surroundings while taking advantage of our special amenities, which include well-maintained facilities and recreational areas designed for family fun. Nearby, you'll find a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to swimming holes, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, allowing you to explore the vibrant community while enjoying your stay. Come experience the warmth of our family-run RV Park, where unforgettable memories await!

Mississippi River

10. Mississippi River

100%

(1)

97 sites · Iowa

Discover a scenic section of one of America's most iconic rivers.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Nauvoo State Park

11. Nauvoo State Park

100%

(2)

30 sites · Nauvoo, Illinois

Situated peacefully on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, historic Nauvoo State Park has nature lovin’ folk jumping for joy at the sight of an expansive lake and sandy, mile-long shoreline. Take in some of the best views the park has to offer on the Locust Lane Trail. A 1.5-mile loop, the path winds around the lake, through the woods, and over prairie flower dotted hillsides. The campsites are many and the accommodations are vast. From spacious, individual sites, to a youth group area, all are centrally located and hook you up with VIP access to all adventurin’ possibilities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Wildcat Den State Park

12. Wildcat Den State Park

100%

(1)

28 sites · Buffalo, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Lake Darling State Park

13. Lake Darling State Park

85 sites · Pleasant Plain, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Battle of Athens State Historic Site

14. Battle of Athens State Historic Site

29 sites · Missouri

Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Argyle Lake State Park

15. Argyle Lake State Park

112 sites · Colchester, Illinois

Fall in love with fishing at this lake in western Illinois.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

16. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

82 sites · Keosauqua, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kelly

October 2025

34 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.

M

Michelle

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at River Camp

This is the perfect spot for people who love fishing, the Hawkeyes, or have family in Iowa City. Full hook-ups and a quiet spot. Loren is easy to work with and very accommodating.

Britney

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to 1951 Dream

Beautiful property, easy communication with owners, and lots of space for a large group. Will definitely be going back!

M

Mel

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Tent camping was great. beautiful creek. We took back two sites so we had plenty of room to spread out. Pit toilet is by the geode mine area so take the site before the bridge if that's important to you.

M

Mel

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Got there early and took the back two sites so tents were farthest back from the one other site in the vicinity and we used the fire and picnic table in the other one. The creek is beautiful and all solid rock in the creek bed so you can hunt for all kinds of cool fossils and geodes without getting muddy. The only pit toilet is up by the gate/entrance where the geode mine is so if you're thinking you want to be close than take the first site before the little bridge but be aware people showing up to the geode mine early in the morning might make noise with their pickaxes.

J

Jager

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Whitetail Tent Camping

Me and my wife really enjoyed our stay at whitetail tent camping. It was a cool setup right next to a beautiful pond and nice and secluded from everything.

C

Cj

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

We Loved the place. We were the only people camping... definitely primitive camping!!! But that is what we were looking for. Clean, safe. Talked to some people who were digging on land and they found bucket full of geodes..... definitely going back!!!

J

Jessica

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Amazing geodes, peaceful site full of frog and cricket songs.

T

Tim

June 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

We had a relaxing evening! The campsite was clean, included a picnic table, fire ring, and a trash can. Right next to the creek, close enough to hear a small waterfall all night long. While you may hear the occasional vehicle off in the distance, the site is secluded and private. Minutes away from food and convenience stores, as well as the Mississippi River. You can dig for geodes on the property, and we found plenty of good ones.

M

Michael

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Whitetail Tent Camping

Charles was an awesome host! Helped load up my gear! Gave me some fishing recommendations. Great spot! Super quiet. Great pond to fish in and some pretty cool albino channel cats! Very great experience! Will definitely be coming back!

J

Jacob

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Whitetail Tent Camping

Super nice and really helpful really cool area super cool fish

L

Lesa

May 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

It is rustic so is quiet, and surrounded with woods with a stream next to your camp. Trash cans present. Enjoyed nature. Great time.

B

Barritt

May 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

Awesome campsite for a weekend getaway. Great place to let the dogs roam around off leash.

J

Josh

May 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

Great private spot! Loren was very friendly and a great host.

K

Kristen

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Loved camping next to the creek and exploring! The site was clean and well maintained.

Paige

January 2025

Tent

2 nights at Railroad creek camp ground

We had a fantastic visit at Johnny's place. We were the only ones there since it was a cold Thursday in January but we will definitely go back. The sites are well spaced with fire pits and picnic tables. Ours was right on the creek which had been frozen but the water running under the ice was beautiful. The space is close to houses which we could see because the leaves are off the trees but it felt like we were far away. It was so peaceful. I read reviews of dogs barking in the distance which we did hear but we also heard some coyotes, lots of owls, some raccoons getting in a kerfuffle, and the sounds of so many birds. The spots were pretty level and shaded but we were able to set up our solar panels. We traveled in our Jeep with roof top tent and set up our annex room and awnings plus our privacy potty tent away from the site. We did not use the bathroom that's on site. Great that there are trash bins available. Overall I totally recommend the place and look forward to making it a regular spot to get away to.

P

Pete

October 2024

Tent

1 night at Whitetail Tent Camping

This was a delightful, peaceful location and Charles went out of his way to ensure that I arrived safely. My stay coincided with a big wind storm and he not only offered a more sheltered site, but to help pitch the tent if needed. The site was nestled right beside a pond and the gentle lapping of water sent me off to sleep in no time. Up early on the morning, I watched the stars until the sun rise. This was my first stay here, and I am sure it won't be the last.