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

Pitch your tent or park your RV right along the river in Stuart, where over 730 campsites line the banks and backwaters. The average site goes for $45 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $29 if you plan ahead. You’ll find campsites set up for pets, hot showers, and legal campfires—essentials after a day of swimming or watching wildlife dart through the brush. Don’t miss Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure (206 reviews) for riverside views and easy water access. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground (114 reviews) offers a laid-back vibe and regular local events, while Greenhouse Camping (112 reviews) gives you a quiet escape tucked among trees. Winter brings snow sports, but it’s the river that draws campers back—whether you’re in for a swim or just want to watch the water roll by.

98% (503)

Top-rated campgrounds

Pitch your tent or park your RV right along the river in Stuart, where over 730 campsites line the banks and backwaters. The average site goes for $45 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $29 if you plan ahead. You’ll find campsites set up for pets, hot showers, and legal campfires—essentials after a day of swimming or watching wildlife dart through the brush. Don’t miss Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure (206 reviews) for riverside views and easy water access. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground (114 reviews) offers a laid-back vibe and regular local events, while Greenhouse Camping (112 reviews) gives you a quiet escape tucked among trees. Winter brings snow sports, but it’s the river that draws campers back—whether you’re in for a swim or just want to watch the water roll by.

98% (503)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

98%

(209)

6.5mi from Stuart · 14 sites · Lodging · Menlo, IA

Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.

2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%

(492)

12mi from Stuart · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Earlham, IA

This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!

3. Greenhouse Camping

97%

(151)

43mi from Stuart · 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.

4. Springbrook State Park

111 sites · Lake Panorama, Iowa

Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Walnut Woods State Park

100%

(3)

22 sites · West Des Moines, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay

100%

(1)

49mi from Stuart · 2 sites · Lodging · Lacona, IA

We invite you to turn off your phone and unwind on the front porch rocking chair as you watch one of our breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. Pasture and grassland with 7 ponds are accessible by a short hike along the cattle trails. A marked perimeter trail follows Wolfe Creek, home to wildlife and a shady cool spot during the hot days of summer. Mulberry Cottage is at the northeast corner of a 200-acre cattle ranch where we practice rotational grazing on ten paddocks. The cabin, surrounded by Mulberry and Osage Orange (Hedge Trees) are host to berry eating birds and mammals. (And the occasional marsupial). Cattle are fenced outside the cabin area but may be close by where you hear them and see them. Deer and coyotes are common on the property as plenty of birdlife. The cabin is a farm-stay experience with farm fresh eggs, and Mulberry preserves for your baked goods in the morning. You will need your muck boots and cowboy hat to hike our cattle trails and wade in the creeks. Try your hand at "frogging" in the marshes of one of our 7 ponds. Bottle-feeding a calf or collecting eggs are some of the chores you are welcome to participate in. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and birding opportunities. The head cowboy himself will invite you to chore time or have a farm tour of our grazing and regenerative practices. Our natural beef and tallow products are all for sale at the farm or grill up some "Ohnemusbeef" available at our farm store.

7. Rooted Timbers

100%

(20)

5.8mi from Stuart · 4 sites · Tents · Stuart, IA

We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage. We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.

8. Saylorville Lake

100%

(9)

446 sites · Polk City, Iowa

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Ledges State Park

100%

(4)

94 sites · Luther, Iowa

Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Stuart

Springbrook Campground

20mi from Stuart · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Springbrook State Park

100%

(3)

Walnut Woods Campground

30mi from Stuart · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Walnut Woods State Park

100%

(1)

Acorn Valley Campground

35mi from Stuart · 95 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

36mi from Stuart · 67 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(5)

Cherry Glen Campground

37mi from Stuart · 125 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(3)

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

37mi from Stuart · 159 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(4)

Ledges Campground

40mi from Stuart · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ledges State Park

Stories from the community

J

James

2 weeks ago

With pets

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

After a long day of driving, this was the perfect place to stop. The only mistake I made was not arriving sooner to enjoy the property more. Linda was so responsive, incredibly accommodating, and just a joy to communicate and plan with. Having two large dogs is tough to travel with, and Linda made it so easy within our travel plans. I will be back with my fishing gear in the future. Thank you for the hospitality!

R

Robin

3 weeks ago

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Beautiful property, lots of trails to explore, pond and complete relaxation. Hunters Havin sleeping cabin was awesome. Great for cooler weather and beautiful surroundings for campfire. We can’t wait to return in the summer with the grandkids.

RV Spots have electric at the site, water to fill your tanks with and we have a dump station on the way out.

Xavier

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Great roadside stop. Safe and comfortable. Would reccomend.

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.

Holly

October 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

The host was super friendly and flexible, even when we got in around midnight. The space was safe and views were lovely the next morning. I'd recommend staying!

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!

E

Eric

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.

Rayven

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We had a great stay! The cabin was cozy and clean, tucked on the outskirts of Des Moines in a quiet little RV park and campground. The host was super friendly and helpful, and we appreciated that it wasn’t crowded at all. There were fun swings to discover around the property, and we enjoyed a perfect evening campfire—firewood was conveniently available on-site. Would definitely stay again!

J

James

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

The facilities were good, the site was nice (trees, nearby creek), and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only potential downside to this campsite is that there was fairly continual traffic noise from an interstate highway that was about a half mile to the north of the site; the noise eventually faded into the background of our awareness and didn't impact our ability to sleep at night

Patricia

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Hostess was friendly and helpful. The site was large and shady. The facilities were clean. Directions, actually coordinates, were for a location about a mile away. I had to call to find the campground. Site T3 was very close to I-80 so it became noisy at times. The brook had an area of extremely slow moving water which seemed to attract mosquitoes. Perhaps that was seasonal. I would highly recommend for RVs and camper vans. Only can rate a maybe for tent camping..

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.

Ronda

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

I enjoyed the privacy and shade that site #T3 offered. The other tent sites in the loop were in full sun. I set up a tail gate tent and appreciated that there was enough grass at the end of the parking gravel for the tent. The large site could easily fit a couple of more tents. Very relaxing to listen to the accessable babbling creek on the back of the site. Only negative would be if there are other tenters you could be bothered by the close port-a-potty. I definitely heard the white noise of the interstate but it didn't drown out the sounds of the owls at night. Few lights in the campground allow for stargazing. So surprised to find the cleanest shower house ever! The private shower included a sink and toilet. Host was quick to answer any questions I had. I will definitely visit again.

Devon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

The Ranch is a hidden paradise for a person like myself!! Very peaceful with a Creek,Pond, and Trails!!!! We had a Full moon during the stay and it’s amazing view every night! 10/10!!! 5 Star!!! MUST SEE!!!

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.

A

Ariane

August 2025