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- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Mediapolis with wildlife watching
98% (57) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mediapolis
Whitetail Tent Camping
1. Whitetail Tent Camping
100%
(11)
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
River Camp
2. River Camp
99%
(45)
46mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites
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
Cottage on the Bay
3. Cottage on the Bay
100%
(3)
15mi from Mediapolis · 1 site
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
Geode State Park
4. Geode State Park
100%
(1)
State park 17mi from Mediapolis · 168 sites
Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mississippi River
5. Mississippi River
100%
(1)
Park 56mi from Mediapolis · 97 sites
Discover a scenic section of one of America's most iconic rivers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Captain's Cove Muscatine
6. Captain's Cove Muscatine
100%
(1)
34mi from Mediapolis · 1 site
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
Crossroads RV Park
8. 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!
Wildcat Den State Park
9. Wildcat Den State Park
100%
(1)
State park 35mi from Mediapolis · 28 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Lake Darling State Park
10. Lake Darling State Park
State park 40mi from Mediapolis · 85 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Argyle Lake State Park
11. Argyle Lake State Park
State park 43mi from Mediapolis · 112 sites
Fall in love with fishing at this lake in western Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
12. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
State park 47mi from Mediapolis · 82 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
98% (57) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mediapolis
Whitetail Tent Camping
1. Whitetail Tent Camping
100%
(11)
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
River Camp
2. River Camp
99%
(45)
46mi from Mediapolis · 3 sites
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
Cottage on the Bay
3. Cottage on the Bay
100%
(3)
15mi from Mediapolis · 1 site
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
Geode State Park
4. Geode State Park
100%
(1)
State park 17mi from Mediapolis · 168 sites
Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mississippi River
5. Mississippi River
100%
(1)
Park 56mi from Mediapolis · 97 sites
Discover a scenic section of one of America's most iconic rivers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Captain's Cove Muscatine
6. Captain's Cove Muscatine
100%
(1)
34mi from Mediapolis · 1 site
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
Crossroads RV Park
8. 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!
Wildcat Den State Park
9. Wildcat Den State Park
100%
(1)
State park 35mi from Mediapolis · 28 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Lake Darling State Park
10. Lake Darling State Park
State park 40mi from Mediapolis · 85 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Argyle Lake State Park
11. Argyle Lake State Park
State park 43mi from Mediapolis · 112 sites
Fall in love with fishing at this lake in western Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
12. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
State park 47mi from Mediapolis · 82 sites
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
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 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 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 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.
See more
