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- Camping with Hiking
The best camping near Waterloo with hiking
99% (563) • 652 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Waterloo
Windy Goat Acres
1. Windy Goat Acres
99%
(760)
35mi from Waterloo · 5 sites
We love animals, plants, art, and outdoor recreation and love sharing these things with people! We found the perfect little plot for all of these things we love. Nature, art, animals, and lots of space! The hilly, lush land is also known as the Bohemie Alps and it's quite a beautiful area tucked away in Iowa.
Visit with the llamas, goats, peacocks, potbelly pigs and the horses and hike around the property or stay in for a quiet stay with a good book and enjoy all the sights and sounds. Lots of extra 'add ons' to enhance the experience, like a waffle bar kit, smore's package, hikes, and more!
Semi wooded property with hiking trails, hammocks, aerial silks, campfire pit. 5 mi away is Otter Creek Lake, a recreational park for fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. We have 2 kayaks available. So much to do! Also perfect to just relax, meditate, yoga, sleep...
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Lil' Bit of Country RV Park
2. Lil' Bit of Country RV Park
47mi from Waterloo
Lil' Bit of Country RV Park stands out as a hidden gem in Northeast Iowa, nestled at the western edge of Strawberry Point along Highway 3, where the serene flatlands meet the majestic cliffs of the Mississippi River. This charming campground features 16 spacious full hookup campsites that are big rig friendly, offering both 30 and 50 amp options. Many sites are conveniently pull-through accessible, making your arrival and departure a breeze.
Guests will appreciate the park's amenities, which include limited Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies (with pets on a leash), and sewer hookups at every site. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire circles, perfect for enjoying evenings under the stars. Essential facilities such as restrooms with hot showers and laundry services are also available to enhance your stay.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers a wealth of activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The local community features two banks, a grocery store, a hardware store, a pharmacy, and several dining options, including Casey's pizza and a historical hotel known for its ghostly tales. Just a scenic 40-mile drive away, the Mississippi River provides additional recreational opportunities, including a casino in Marquette, IA.
Nearby attractions include Jakway Forest County Park, Backbone State Park
George Wyth State Park
3. George Wyth State Park
100%
(1)
State park 4.2mi from Waterloo · 69 sites
Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Union Grove State Park
4. Union Grove State Park
State park 31mi from Waterloo · 22 sites
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
5. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
State park 37mi from Waterloo · 74 sites
Discover the allure of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pine Lake State Park
6. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
State park 38mi from Waterloo · 127 sites
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Volga River State Recreation Area
7. Volga River State Recreation Area
State park 39mi from Waterloo · 82 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Volga River State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Backbone State Park
8. Backbone State Park
80%
(5)
State park 41mi from Waterloo · 124 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Beeds Lake State Park
9. Beeds Lake State Park
State park 49mi from Waterloo · 142 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
99% (563) • 652 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Waterloo
Windy Goat Acres
1. Windy Goat Acres
99%
(760)
35mi from Waterloo · 5 sites
We love animals, plants, art, and outdoor recreation and love sharing these things with people! We found the perfect little plot for all of these things we love. Nature, art, animals, and lots of space! The hilly, lush land is also known as the Bohemie Alps and it's quite a beautiful area tucked away in Iowa.
Visit with the llamas, goats, peacocks, potbelly pigs and the horses and hike around the property or stay in for a quiet stay with a good book and enjoy all the sights and sounds. Lots of extra 'add ons' to enhance the experience, like a waffle bar kit, smore's package, hikes, and more!
Semi wooded property with hiking trails, hammocks, aerial silks, campfire pit. 5 mi away is Otter Creek Lake, a recreational park for fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. We have 2 kayaks available. So much to do! Also perfect to just relax, meditate, yoga, sleep...
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Lil' Bit of Country RV Park
2. Lil' Bit of Country RV Park
47mi from Waterloo
Lil' Bit of Country RV Park stands out as a hidden gem in Northeast Iowa, nestled at the western edge of Strawberry Point along Highway 3, where the serene flatlands meet the majestic cliffs of the Mississippi River. This charming campground features 16 spacious full hookup campsites that are big rig friendly, offering both 30 and 50 amp options. Many sites are conveniently pull-through accessible, making your arrival and departure a breeze.
Guests will appreciate the park's amenities, which include limited Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies (with pets on a leash), and sewer hookups at every site. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire circles, perfect for enjoying evenings under the stars. Essential facilities such as restrooms with hot showers and laundry services are also available to enhance your stay.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers a wealth of activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The local community features two banks, a grocery store, a hardware store, a pharmacy, and several dining options, including Casey's pizza and a historical hotel known for its ghostly tales. Just a scenic 40-mile drive away, the Mississippi River provides additional recreational opportunities, including a casino in Marquette, IA.
Nearby attractions include Jakway Forest County Park, Backbone State Park
George Wyth State Park
3. George Wyth State Park
100%
(1)
State park 4.2mi from Waterloo · 69 sites
Discover the natural charm of George Wyth State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Union Grove State Park
4. Union Grove State Park
State park 31mi from Waterloo · 22 sites
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
5. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
State park 37mi from Waterloo · 74 sites
Discover the allure of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pine Lake State Park
6. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
State park 38mi from Waterloo · 127 sites
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Volga River State Recreation Area
7. Volga River State Recreation Area
State park 39mi from Waterloo · 82 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Volga River State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Backbone State Park
8. Backbone State Park
80%
(5)
State park 41mi from Waterloo · 124 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Beeds Lake State Park
9. Beeds Lake State Park
State park 49mi from Waterloo · 142 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Beeds Lake State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jennifer
2 weeks ago
With kids
Our family loves staying at Windy Goat Acres! It's wonderful for kids and adults. I highly recommend Queen Armadillo's Yurt, the waffle basket add-on and walking up the trails behind the accommodations to view a breathtaking view of the rolling hills of Iowa. The hosts are accessible and very friendly.
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L
Laurel
3 weeks ago
With kids
What a beautiful place to explore! The Yurt we stayed was cute, spacious and comfortable. Plenty of privacy with the other few cabins/yurt’s nearby. Loved saying hello and feeding the friendly animals! Truly a special place and can’t wait to visit again! TAKE THE TRIP!
See moreA
Alexis
3 weeks ago
With pets
This was our best spent spring break yet! My kids think I'm the best mom ever for finding this place. Our yurt overlooked almost the entire farm so it allowed us to feel safe letting the kids (7&10) roam a bit. A peacock & the minis were even comfortable coming up to our yurt to say hello.
See moreL
Lee
February 2026
With pets
This yurt is beautiful, the landscape is beautiful and peaceful. Truly we had a great stay!
If you’re not physically capable of much walking, I would stay in the other yurt since this one is quite a bit of a walk from the parking and pretty far from the bathroom. I’m not a fan of porta potties, especially since it was so cold out, but it’s great that it was there for emergencies. The main bathroom needs a curtain, to me it’s very strange that there isn’t one.
If you’re coming in the winter, bring really warm and thick socks, and big thick blankets. Yes the yurt is heated but not very well. I wish I had brought another thick blanket for the floor as they are very very chilly. Our nights were below zero, I think if the temps were around 20’s and 30’s overnight it wouldn’t have been bad at all.
We did have a little mouse thief, which is to be expected in this sort of setting, but just a note to put your bread in a better spot than I did. The yurt does have a tv, which I wasn’t expecting but it was pleasant to stay in and watch movies since we couldn’t really do much outside. The couch is comfy! My only real complaints are that the bathrooms are so far away, and that the bunk bed blocked the star gazing at night. If we come back, I will rent the other since the queen armadillo bunk bed blocks the view. Hosts were wonderful, didn’t bother us at all but were responsive when needed.
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Cortney
February 2026
With pets
This is our second time staying here. We stood in the armadillo yurt and it was do beautiful and had everything you needed and more. We loved being able to bring our dog and enjoyed all the trails. We fed the animals. Loved hearing the Peacocks. We got the waffle bar and it was delicious. Such a neat place and the hosts are great. Will be back.
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A
Anita
November 2025
1 night at Windy Goat Acres
Such a cute little farm! We loved all the animals and Jessica was nice to chat with. We added on the waffle bar, eggs, soap, and cup of treats for the animals. All were well worth it!
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H
Haley
November 2025
With pets
Queen Armadillo yurt was magical! We arrived when it was dark and had a little trouble finding our spot since it was back a little farther but the owner helped us with directions. Once we walked into the yurt and turned on the lights, we were all so impressed with how warm and cozy it felt. We enjoyed the firepit and the super cool hammock net that is installed just outside the yurt. In the morning, we walked around the trails a little bit and then the waffle bar was delivered which was really fun. Feeding the animals was our favorite part. The ducks went absolutely bonkers for the grapes and made us light so hard. The horses and alpacas were total sweeties. One of our most favorite family getaways ever and we will come back to stay again this spring!
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S
Sarah
November 2025
With kids
Our family loved spending time at Windy Goat Acres. It is such a peaceful place. The animals are so sweet and full of personality. Jess made us feel so welcomed. This is our second time here. Can't wait to go again! There is just something magical about this place!
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J
Julie
October 2025
2 nights at Windy Goat Acres
The entire trip was wonderful! The Queen Armadillo's Yurt was well supplied and very comfortable. We were thrilled to find so many hidden treasures of various artwork and activities as we explored the area. The goat social was a favorite as well as feeding the animals. Finding the horses freely wandering the farm throughout the day was so peaceful. This will definitely be an annual trip for us.
See moreM
Mandy
October 2025
With kids
Everything was wonderful! We loved our cabin and the beautiful surroundings. I came with my two city children, 11 and 13, and they had the most wonderful time with all the animals. We opted for the extra rabbit and llama experiences, a cup of animal feed, and piggy popsicles. Jess was a wonderful host and responsive through text to any questions we had and for scheduling our experiences. Thank you for giving my city kids a magical farm experience!
See moreM
Melissa
October 2025
2 nights at Windy Goat Acres
Very fun way to Yurt in Iowa. We had the Auren Armadillo and our friends rented the Hobbit House. Great fire pits and loved having a sink in our Yurt.
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K
Keely
October 2025
With kids
We had the absolute best time at Windy Goat! We have three small children who loved every aspect of it. Glamping with goats, horses, bunnies and more! Jim & Jess were so patient, kind and informative. The fairy trails, and waffles were such a hit! We will definitely be back. Thanks for an amazing stay.
See moreR
Rebecca
October 2025
With kids
This place is definately a gem!! i hope to make this a recurring family weekend. such a fun place with hidden treasures and the host and hostess was so kind!! my only regret was not having more time.
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B
BROOKE
October 2025
With pets
The Queen Armadillo yurt was spacious, comfortable, clean and had what we needed. The hosts, Jim and Jes were helpful and accommodating. Even firewood was available to purchase for a late night hangout and s’mores. The property is beautiful with many walking/hiking trails.
It was great getting to visit with the many animals on the property.
We enjoyed the serene, green, sanctuary away from a busy city existence.
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M
Mickey
September 2025
With pets
We had a great time staying here!
Was a little hot but the yurt does a good job of keeping you cool in between activities.
Hiking to the bathroom/shower was not that bad.
I did my showers in the evening with storm clouds rolling in, it was really quite the atmosphere.
I would definitely add in the goat social or another activity. All the animals are very friendly.
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Rebecca
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Windy Goat Acres
This was our 4th year staying at Windy Goat, first for our mini moon and every year since for our anniversary. While each structure on the property is charming in its own way, we always return to the same yurt for the consistency and extra space when we bring our dog and cat. Jess and Jim are awesome hosts, fascinating and creative people who really know how to create a fun atmosphere.
The animals and guest houses are amazing enough but they take it even further with little touches like options for fresh focaccia or waffle bar, delicious drinks at the garden bar with hammocks and string lights, and other points of whimsy all over the property.
This particular stay we accidentally didn’t book a second night and Jess was able to accommodate us in the cabin next door. While it would have been tough to sacrifice the space when booking- we were delighted to try out this new dwelling, enjoyed the closer proximity to the barn yard and better views out the windows and sliding patio door for the animals. Thanks for another amazing stay! We always look forward to coming back!
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Cecily
August 2025
With kids
We absolutely loved Windy Goat Acres! We hope to return again so that we can stay longer. Feeding popsicles to Bentley the pig was a delight. And walking the grounds was lovely. Beautiful property we truly hope to experience again!
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Aimee
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Windy Goat Acres
The views were beautiful. The owners were friendly and very knowledgeable. We loved staying in the Queen Armadillo's Yurt. There was plenty of open space and privacy and plenty to do as well. I loved hearing the goats bellowing and roosters crowing to wake us up. It was a wonderful experience. We will definitely be back.
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Callie
August 2025
With kids
The view was priceless. The country there is absolutely beautiful! We had a nice camp fire and the air conditioned yurt was much appreciated. Fantastic glamping experience:)
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Nicole
August 2025
With kids
Cozy stay for 2nd time at Jess's yurt. A/c made the evening very comfortable and kid loved taking a walk to see all the farm animals.
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