The best forest campgrounds near Radcliffe, Iowa

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%

(41)

13mi from Radcliffe · 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.

2. Secluded riverside ranch

100%

(41)

38mi from Radcliffe · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Goldfield, IA

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.

3. Cabin in the Woods

100%

(5)

37mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging · Bondurant, IA

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)!

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

5. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Saylor Creek Hideaway

100%

(7)

46mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging · Des Moines, IA

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.

7. Spruce Tiny Cabin

100%

(2)

44mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging · Montour, IA

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

8. Black Oak Tiny Cabin

100%

(2)

44mi from Radcliffe · 1 site · Lodging · Montour, IA

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.

9. Beeds Lake State Park

142 sites · Hampton, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

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

11. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

12. Union Grove State Park

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa

Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

13. Saylorville Lake

100%

(9)

446 sites · Polk City, Iowa

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Radcliffe

100%

(1)

Pine Lake Campground

19mi from Radcliffe · 127 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pine Lake State Park

Beach Campground

29mi from Radcliffe · 252 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Beeds Lake Campground

33mi from Radcliffe · 142 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beeds Lake State Park

100%

(4)

Ledges Campground

33mi from Radcliffe · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ledges State Park

Dolliver Campground

33mi from Radcliffe · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dolliver Memorial State Park

Union Grove Campground

38mi from Radcliffe · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Union Grove State Park

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(3)

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

41mi from Radcliffe · 159 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(5)

Cherry Glen Campground

42mi from Radcliffe · 125 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(1)

Acorn Valley Campground

43mi from Radcliffe · 95 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

44mi from Radcliffe · 67 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

Stories from the community

H

Hans

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Secluded riverside ranch

Very friendly hosts, cool property with lots of walking trails and cute animals

J

Josh

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Great land, and always will enjoy seeing all the animals! Definitely will have to make a stop here again in the future!

Natasha

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded riverside ranch

Awesome private campsite, right next to the river! Clear line of communication with Tyler the whole time. Next time I'll bring a wagon to haul my gear out there, but definitely worth it! My dog loved all the space to run and all the swimming he got to do!

R

Ramsey

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Secluded riverside ranch

I absolutely loved camping at Tyler’s place! It felt so welcoming and private, shout out to Conor being the lil farm cat that showed us around lol Will definitely be returning for another awesome night

Lauren

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler and Sarah were so nice, meeting us the moment we arrived. We were given the option of a few sites and essentially, anywhere really. The space we set up camp at was like a shire tucked away not far from the main yard and bathroom. But somehow felt totally secluded. Our music didn't even cut through the trees. The dogs got to run their butts off, we soaked up the gurgling creek and hooting owls. We will definitely be back. My personal highlight- The cows. Next time I need to meet and pet the pig!

M

Melissa

August 2025

2 nights at Saylor Creek Hideaway

My husband and I stayed here for 2 days after our wedding. We are active duty military and are stationed on the east coast, but had our wedding in Iowa, where I am from. We had days of travel and wedding stress and were looking for a quiet place to decompress in nature before getting back on the road to travel back home. We had the best night of sleep since we started wedding planning in January. Everything was perfect. We cannot recommend this site enough for couples who want an outdoor getaway without the stress of setting up a tent or the discomfort of sleeping on a cot. Thank you, Melissa, for the perfect mini moon!

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!!

K

Kirsten

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

This was a great place to stay. Tyler greeted us upon arrival and showed us around pointing out several options for setting up our tent. We were disappointed that it rained the next day so we had to leave without the chance to explore the trail and meet the animals. We’ll have to go there again.

T

Terry

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer

1 night at Secluded riverside ranch

We enjoyed the camp site, the welcoming host and meeting the well cared for rescue animals! Easy to find location, would certainly stay again.

R

Rob

June 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler was a great host and the site was just what I was looking for! A peaceful place for a getaway complete with a Noah’s Ark full of animals!!

H

Heather

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Oak Tiny Cabin

The little cabin is was nice! We really enjoyed our stay. The office manager/co-director was on top of anything we needed. She even brought us firewood!! The only thing I would add is the cabin is part of a larger camp. So there is no guarantee you will have it all to yourself as the description says. However, it was very quiet and we were not disturbed any other campers. I would recommend 10 out of 10!

K

Kalin

June 2025

With kids

2 nights at Saylor Creek Hideaway

Super cute and private. It has all the comforts of home with all the beauty of the outdoors. I loved all the thoughtful touches like the earplugs, s'mores supplies, and the espresso maker with all the fixings you can think of. I highly recommend this place if hotels just aren't your thing. I will definitely recommend this to friends and family.

S

Savannah

June 2025

2 nights at Saylor Creek Hideaway

My wife and I had such a magical time here for her birthday! We came after doing the rail car explorers in Boone and it was such a relaxing time. After getting food in town, we had a night by the fire which was super relaxing. Our last morning it ended up raining which was actually very pleasant and calming. Such a lovely stay!

T

Tyrsa

June 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

We had a great stay at Lazy J's! It was very peaceful and nice to be close to so many different animals. Our kids and dogs loved spending time here and being out in nature. We will definitely be back again sometime!

R

Raymond

May 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler was an excellent host. He greeted us upon arrival, gave us the layout of the land. The campsite by the river front was amazing. It’s about 97% shaded with a fire pit right by the river. It’s a great place to unwind and recharge. He even makes his own maple syrup from trees on his land, which is fantastic. And, if you happen to be in the mood to feed some of his animals he’s s rescued, you can purchase some food to give to his critters. We will definitely be going back out to unwind at the riverfront sight again.

K

Katie

May 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Secluded riverside ranch

Great lil find! The house is secluded so no busy roads or highway lights. Tyler was friendly and accommodating with my late arrival. The animals were the sweetest and the cows just stared at me haha! They've got a cat who followed me on my morning walk - super cute! Would recommend to anyone!

Mark

May 2025

With pets

1 night at Spruce Tiny Cabin

The good: At night you'll have crickets and frogs singing for you, and in the morning birds will take over. Waking up to a sun rising over the lake is wonderful. The host was friendly, and they provide pretty much everything you'll need. There is a great truck stop just a few minutes away, too. The bad: There were dead bugs everywhere. The bed wasn't the most comfortable. The road is in terrible condition, and I worried about getting out if it rained. If I'd been on the motorcycle it would have been impossible to do.

J

Jessica

April 2025

Tent

3 nights at Secluded riverside ranch

Tyler was a great host, very friendly and helpful. The site by the river was everything we wanted and hoped for. With only the sounds of nature around, we had total privacy. Tyler had a nice trail mowed through the tall grass which was a great relaxing walk. Would highly recommend this spot and will probably be back. Plus he has really cool cows :)