The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Radcliffe, Iowa

In Radcliffe, over 950 riverfront campsites put you right up against the water—think easy mornings with a fishing rod, afternoons spent swimming, and nights by a crackling campfire. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average hovering around $38. Top picks from regulars include Greenhouse Camping (112 reviews), Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), and Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews)—each spot with its own quirks and regulars. Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers. Winter rolls in? snow sports pick up where the fishing leaves off. This stretch of river gets busy, but you’ll always find a quiet bend if you know where to look.

98% (210)

Top-rated campgrounds near Radcliffe

In Radcliffe, over 950 riverfront campsites put you right up against the water—think easy mornings with a fishing rod, afternoons spent swimming, and nights by a crackling campfire. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average hovering around $38. Top picks from regulars include Greenhouse Camping (112 reviews), Secluded riverside ranch (31 reviews), and Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC (30 reviews)—each spot with its own quirks and regulars. Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers. Winter rolls in? snow sports pick up where the fishing leaves off. This stretch of river gets busy, but you’ll always find a quiet bend if you know where to look.

98% (210)

Top-rated campgrounds near Radcliffe

1. Greenhouse Camping

97%

(151)

38mi from Radcliffe · 2 sites · RVs · Ankeny, IA

We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too! We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny. Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park. Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center. Upscale shopping and dining at the District. Or venture out a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or the Iowa State Fair. It's the best of country and suburban living! End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire. Learn more about this land: You'll love this relaxing space to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!  Very easy access,  we are just 1/2 mile off of Interstate-35.  Our farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.  This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging.  It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!  We're a 15 minute drive from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and the beach life.  You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just 15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town Ames, and  at The District in Ankeny.   Upon your arrival you'll find the greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with 4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.  

2. 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.

3. 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.

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. DILLON TREE FARM

100%

(10)

15mi from Radcliffe · 7 sites · RVs · Alden, IA

Up-and-coming Christmas tree farm sits near the Iowa River (1/4 mile away). Up to 7 electrical hookups. In between two smaller towns (Alden and Iowa Falls) with restaurants and things to do. We have a big gravel lot. Christmas trees, timber, and a creek to explore. A nice peaceful setting to enjoy with friends and family.

7. 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

8. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

9. 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

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

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jennifer

October 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

4 nights at Greenhouse Camping

My dogs and I loved our stay on Robin’s land. He is very kind and had everything we needed. Peaceful location and close to everywhere we were going. Will definitely stay again.

Laura

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Greenhouse Camping

Perfect location, beautiful sunset (picture included) nice grassy trail for an anytime still by yourself or with your dog. Speaking of dogs, Robin has installed a HUGE and I mean HUGE Dog Park. Water, electric and convenient extras if you want them🫶🏼 I’ll be back!

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

Loved the extra space we could let our dog investigate

Amanda

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

1 night at Greenhouse Camping

Convenient metro location with easy access to food and nature areas. Loved the location and didn’t mind the minor road/interstate noise. Clean. Great basic campsite with some extra touches.

E

Executive

September 2025

33 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Greenhouse Camping

This so calm and relaxing. Lots of space and quiet. Right now there is a lot of construction going on in the area, but it was still quiet during our three night stay. Robin stopped by the first night to make sure we were settled in and had what we needed. Very friendly. Met the other camper there who was taking their two dogs to the dog run. Nice fenced in area that is quite large. We don't have dogs, but that was a nice area to take them to play. We will definitely try to stay again if we are in the area.

M

Maria

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Greenhouse Camping

Nice little spot. Could use some updated pictures showing the housing development and construction going on across the road. Well-kept yard and very nice dog park. I wasn’t sure where the walking paths were and I didn’t get much information about the property when I checked in with the host. Could use a new bench and fire pit, as well as empty the port-a-pot. It was good for an impromptu night away.

M

Michele

August 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Greenhouse Camping

Nice place to pull in for the night. The little dog park was a bonus.

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!

S

Sarah

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Greenhouse Camping

We had a great time. The site was beautiful and Robin was incredibly kind and welcoming.

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!!

L

Linda

July 2025

40 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to DILLON TREE FARM

Very very clean, Ryan & family very friendly, you can tell they take much pride in their farm & sharing it with making campsites to share. The aroma walking thru the pines was amazing. Definitely stay there again.

J

John

July 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Greenhouse Camping

Accurate description and attentive host. We had a great time!

Jayne

July 2025

24 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to DILLON TREE FARM

WONDERFUL FIRST TIME EXPERIENCE WITH HIP CAMP!!! Ryan’s family was the bonus on top of amazing camp sites and beautiful countryside. We loved everything about our 1 night stay, and we will be back! Clean, pristine grounds, pickleball, walking trails. A fire was already started and Ryan’s came out to share snores with us! Loved their pups! The tree farm and we bought fresh sweet corn to take with us! An amazing experience!

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.

D

Dale

July 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Greenhouse Camping

Excellent service and communication. Location is spectacular! Electric, water, fire pit, trees shade…need I go on? Will come back and stay later.

T

Terry

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer