98% (114) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mediapolis
Ramsey Creek Natural Area
1. Ramsey Creek Natural Area
100%
(9)
45mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
3 acres that were converted from a cornfield 30 years ago to an area containing prairie, woods and creek. A great place to relax and enjoy rural Iowa, guests are welcome to roam the mowed areas and paths while respecting other guests. In the heart of the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi, only 2 miles from Kalona Historical Village. Groceries, gas and food and dump station available in Kalona, firewood available on site, kayak trips may be arranged.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$15
/ night
Railroad creek camp ground
2. 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
River Camp
3. 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
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
1951 Dream
7. 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
Whitetail Tent Camping
8. 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
9. 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
Nauvoo State Park
10. 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
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
11. 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
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
12. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
82 sites · Keosauqua, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
98% (114) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mediapolis
Ramsey Creek Natural Area
1. Ramsey Creek Natural Area
100%
(9)
45mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
3 acres that were converted from a cornfield 30 years ago to an area containing prairie, woods and creek. A great place to relax and enjoy rural Iowa, guests are welcome to roam the mowed areas and paths while respecting other guests. In the heart of the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi, only 2 miles from Kalona Historical Village. Groceries, gas and food and dump station available in Kalona, firewood available on site, kayak trips may be arranged.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$15
/ night
Railroad creek camp ground
2. 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
River Camp
3. 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
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
1951 Dream
7. 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
Whitetail Tent Camping
8. 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
9. 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
Nauvoo State Park
10. 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
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
11. 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
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
12. 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
If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.
See moreM
Michelle
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
See more
Britney
September 2025
Group trip
Beautiful property, easy communication with owners, and lots of space for a large group. Will definitely be going back!
See more
M
Mel
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See moreM
Mel
August 2025
16 ft car
With pets
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.
See more
L
Leah
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Very nice land! The bridge was cool, made it feel like an adventure. :)
See more
J
Jager
August 2025
Tent
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.
See more
M
Mike
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We had an amazing experience camping at James’s! Site 2 had the perfect amount of privacy while still being a minute walk to where the car was parked. It was a well maintained area and the creek and prairie areas were great to help recharge.
See moreC
Cj
July 2025
Tent
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!!!
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J
Jessica
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Amazing geodes, peaceful site full of frog and cricket songs.
See more
T
Tabitha
June 2025
Tent
This place is awesome! I stayed at site 2 (across the bridge) and it was super beautiful and private with lots of shade!
I brought my own toilet because that's what the instructions said. Super easy walk across the bridge with my pack, tent, and toilet;)
I'll be back!
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T
Tim
June 2025
16 ft car
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.
See moreM
Michael
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
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!
See moreJ
Jacob
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
Super nice and really helpful really cool area super cool fish
See more
L
Lesa
May 2025
16 ft car
It is rustic so is quiet, and surrounded with woods with a stream next to your camp. Trash cans present. Enjoyed nature. Great time.
See moreB
Barritt
May 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Awesome campsite for a weekend getaway. Great place to let the dogs roam around off leash.
See moreJ
Josh
May 2025
32 ft Class C
With pets
Great private spot! Loren was very friendly and a great host.
See moreK
Kristen
May 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved camping next to the creek and exploring! The site was clean and well maintained.
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Paige
January 2025
Tent
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.
See moreP
Pete
October 2024
Tent
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.
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