The best campgrounds near Waukee, Iowa with hiking

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States! If you're a hiking enthusiast looking for a camping experience near Waukee, Iowa, we've got you covered. With over 240 options specifically tailored to hiking in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your needs. Whether you're on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, we've got options starting as low as $5 per night and an average price of $60 per night. Looking for recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites near Waukee, Iowa: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Lake Red Rock Oasis (75 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and pet-friendly accommodations. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from, including climbing, snow sports, and paddling. Get ready to explore the great outdoors and book your camping adventure today!

97% (786)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States! If you're a hiking enthusiast looking for a camping experience near Waukee, Iowa, we've got you covered. With over 240 options specifically tailored to hiking in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your needs. Whether you're on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, we've got options starting as low as $5 per night and an average price of $60 per night. Looking for recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites near Waukee, Iowa: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Lake Red Rock Oasis (75 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and pet-friendly accommodations. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from, including climbing, snow sports, and paddling. Get ready to explore the great outdoors and book your camping adventure today!

97% (786)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

98%

(208)

26mi from Waukee · 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)

13mi from Waukee · 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. Nature Heaven

96%

(315)

47mi from Waukee · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Knoxville, IA

The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has it’s special nature-beauty, so we open year around. This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa with view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distances to keep privacy from each other. A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. For surrounding areas, the close by White Breast Beach is open from May 23-September 3, 2024, boating, hunting and hiking activities in the lake red rock. For our camper's safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature and have a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.

4. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%

(41)

49mi from Waukee · 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.

5. The Waypoint

99%

(55)

16mi from Waukee · 5 sites · RVs · Earlham, IA

A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35. 18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community. If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.

6. Greenhouse Camping

97%

(151)

20mi from Waukee · 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.

7. Rooted Timbers

100%

(20)

22mi from Waukee · 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.

Camper favorites near Waukee

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%

(41)

49mi from Waukee · 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.

The Waypoint

99%

(55)

16mi from Waukee · 5 sites · RVs · Earlham, IA

A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35. 18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community. If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.

Greenhouse Camping

97%

(151)

20mi from Waukee · 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.

Rooted Timbers

100%

(20)

22mi from Waukee · 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.

Public campgrounds near Waukee

100%

(3)

Walnut Woods Campground

7.8mi from Waukee · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Walnut Woods State Park

Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

12mi from Waukee · 67 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(1)

Acorn Valley Campground

12mi from Waukee · 95 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(5)

Cherry Glen Campground

13mi from Waukee · 125 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(3)

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

14mi from Waukee · 159 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(3)

Lake Ahquabi Campground

26mi from Waukee · 104 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Ahquabi State Park

100%

(4)

Ledges Campground

27mi from Waukee · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ledges State Park

Springbrook Campground

33mi from Waukee · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Springbrook State Park

67%

(4)

Green Valley Campground

43mi from Waukee · 83 sites · Tents, RVs · in Green Valley State Park

Elk Rock Campground

44mi from Waukee · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Elk Rock State Park

100%

(1)

Equestrian Campground

44mi from Waukee · 55 sites · in Elk Rock State Park

100%

(1)

Whitebreast Campground

47mi from Waukee · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

Stories from the community

R

Robin

2 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

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Great roadside stop. Safe and comfortable. Would reccomend.

C

Cristian

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Nature Heaven

Great location, and accommodating host. Great directs and signs as you go through. Defined trailed with class 2 base gravel for easy 2wd access. Saw multiple deer both day for short time I was there. Well maintained.

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.

K

Katie

October 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Gorgeous property. Booked the sight above the pond which was beautiful and peaceful. Great sunset spot.

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!

J

Josh

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to The Waypoint

Emma and her husband Jason always go above and beyond to make any visit to the Waypoint awesome! The stay was perfect as usual and I will definitely be back again

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!

Site 3. is on a hill top. One part of the site is in the shade and another part is on a limited open spaces. This site have beautiful view of pond, hills and lake. very nice sunset view if weather permit.

G

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

Wow this place is just so gorgeous. We fit one 2 person tent and one 4 person tent very comfortably next to each other. When you’re in or around your tent, or sitting at the bonfire it’s incredibly private, but you can still walk out just 30 feet and see the beautiful wide open view. Definitely will be back soon a recommending this site to all of my friends!!!

Cristian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot

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

Eric

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Loved the location, the view. And the fun setup. Had a great time!

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.

K

Kyra

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

I was only able to stay one night on my road trip, and I wish I had alloted another for this site! Linda was so so sweet and set me up with her favorite spot and it didnt disapoint <3

Kit

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

My friend and I had a lovely time camping on Anna’s land! When we arrived there was someone already in our spot but Anna quickly sorted out another spot for us that we think was even nicer than what we had planned. We had a great view with a gentle breeze. All the spots offer lots of privacy.

C

Cody

September 2025

30 ft toy hauler

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Anna’s Hipcamp spot near Lake Red Rock is beautiful-lovely prairie with peaceful sunsets and sunrises. It’s great for stargazing and telescope use, with private access, a water fill, fire pits, and good campsites. The hosts are great, and it’s boondocking on restored land that feels truly serene.