The best forest camping near Radcliffe

·

Forests surround Radcliffe, and if you’re after a camping spot here, you’ve got over 1,100 options to choose from—each tucked among thick stands of oak, maple, and hickory. Prices start at $15 a night, with most sites landing around $75. You’ll find campsites with showers, toilets, and campfires allowed, plus plenty of chances for wildlife-watching, swimming, or even snow sports when the season turns. For a site with a strong reputation, check out Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), or Saylor Creek Hideaway (5 reviews). Expect easy access to wooded trails and quiet corners where you can actually hear the wind. Bring your own gear, and don’t expect crowds—just the forest, a campfire, and you.

99% (82) 19 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Radcliffe

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
13mi from Radcliffe · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Secluded riverside ranch

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%
(41)
38mi from Radcliffe · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Cabin in the Woods

3. Cabin in the Woods

100%
(5)
37mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player. Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$120
 / night
Pine Lake State Park

4. Pine Lake State Park

100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

5. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Saylor Creek Hideaway

6. Saylor Creek Hideaway

100%
(7)
46mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort! Experience a unique getaway with your friends or family. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, creating fun family memories or simply looking for a weekend getaway, our place is perfect for you! “There is nothing like hearing the owls at night and hanging out by the campfire all day.” - Christy Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to the beauty of nature and relax with a cup of espresso on the deck. During the day, explore all that Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. And when night falls, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and share stories while roasting s'mores. You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Our glamping tent offers all the amenities you need to feel comfortable while still being immersed in nature. With air conditioning and heat, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs no matter what the Iowa weather throws your way. Get a good night's sleep in our king-size bed with cozy bedding. Enjoy the convenience of running water at the nearby sink and shower, which means you won't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores? No problem! “This is the perfect getaway location without having to "rough it"... this was the absolute best place to try out camping without sacrificing some comforts.” - Gloria Inside the Tent: - King size bed. All bedding is provided. - Couch folds into a twin size bed. Bedding provided. - Towels, shampoo, conditioner body wash - Air conditioning & heat - Small refrigerator - Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar - Dining table with two chairs - TV with Hulu, Disney+, Prime - WiFi - Board games “Extremely comfy bed with cozy warm bedding.” - Lindsey Outside the Tent: - Two deck chairs - Solo Stove smokeless fire pit - Two Adirondack chairs - Charcoal grill with charcoal - One large bundle of firewood - Fire starter and lighter - Outhouse with sink & composting toilet - Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head This tent is tucked into the trees on the 7 acre property where we live. Our house is out of sight when you're on the campsite. A short walk down a path and you will reach the tent where you will be immersed in the trees.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$173
 / night
Black Oak Tiny Cabin

7. Black Oak Tiny Cabin

100%
(2)
44mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more! Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$135
 / night
Spruce Tiny Cabin

8. Spruce Tiny Cabin

100%
(2)
44mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities. 100 private wooded acres 80-acre recreational lake Beach Fishing Boating Swimming Hiking Campfires Challenge Course Frisbee Golf
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$135
 / night
Beeds Lake State Park

9. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ledges State Park

10. Ledges State Park

100%
(4)
94 sites · Luther, Iowa
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Dolliver Memorial State Park

11. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Union Grove State Park

12. Union Grove State Park

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Saylorville Lake

13. Saylorville Lake

100%
(9)
446 sites · Polk City, Iowa
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Forests surround Radcliffe, and if you’re after a camping spot here, you’ve got over 1,100 options to choose from—each tucked among thick stands of oak, maple, and hickory. Prices start at $15 a night, with most sites landing around $75. You’ll find campsites with showers, toilets, and campfires allowed, plus plenty of chances for wildlife-watching, swimming, or even snow sports when the season turns. For a site with a strong reputation, check out Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews), or Saylor Creek Hideaway (5 reviews). Expect easy access to wooded trails and quiet corners where you can actually hear the wind. Bring your own gear, and don’t expect crowds—just the forest, a campfire, and you.

99% (82) 19 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Radcliffe

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
13mi from Radcliffe · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Secluded riverside ranch

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%
(41)
38mi from Radcliffe · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Cabin in the Woods

3. Cabin in the Woods

100%
(5)
37mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player. Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$120
 / night
Pine Lake State Park

4. Pine Lake State Park

100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

5. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Saylor Creek Hideaway

6. Saylor Creek Hideaway

100%
(7)
46mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort! Experience a unique getaway with your friends or family. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, creating fun family memories or simply looking for a weekend getaway, our place is perfect for you! “There is nothing like hearing the owls at night and hanging out by the campfire all day.” - Christy Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to the beauty of nature and relax with a cup of espresso on the deck. During the day, explore all that Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. And when night falls, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and share stories while roasting s'mores. You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Our glamping tent offers all the amenities you need to feel comfortable while still being immersed in nature. With air conditioning and heat, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs no matter what the Iowa weather throws your way. Get a good night's sleep in our king-size bed with cozy bedding. Enjoy the convenience of running water at the nearby sink and shower, which means you won't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores? No problem! “This is the perfect getaway location without having to "rough it"... this was the absolute best place to try out camping without sacrificing some comforts.” - Gloria Inside the Tent: - King size bed. All bedding is provided. - Couch folds into a twin size bed. Bedding provided. - Towels, shampoo, conditioner body wash - Air conditioning & heat - Small refrigerator - Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar - Dining table with two chairs - TV with Hulu, Disney+, Prime - WiFi - Board games “Extremely comfy bed with cozy warm bedding.” - Lindsey Outside the Tent: - Two deck chairs - Solo Stove smokeless fire pit - Two Adirondack chairs - Charcoal grill with charcoal - One large bundle of firewood - Fire starter and lighter - Outhouse with sink & composting toilet - Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head This tent is tucked into the trees on the 7 acre property where we live. Our house is out of sight when you're on the campsite. A short walk down a path and you will reach the tent where you will be immersed in the trees.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$173
 / night
Black Oak Tiny Cabin

7. Black Oak Tiny Cabin

100%
(2)
44mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more! Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$135
 / night
Spruce Tiny Cabin

8. Spruce Tiny Cabin

100%
(2)
44mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging
Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities. 100 private wooded acres 80-acre recreational lake Beach Fishing Boating Swimming Hiking Campfires Challenge Course Frisbee Golf
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$135
 / night
Beeds Lake State Park

9. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ledges State Park

10. Ledges State Park

100%
(4)
94 sites · Luther, Iowa
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Dolliver Memorial State Park

11. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Union Grove State Park

12. Union Grove State Park

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Saylorville Lake

13. Saylorville Lake

100%
(9)
446 sites · Polk City, Iowa
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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