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Best Hipcamps in Iowa
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.
Emma is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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RV/tent sites (dispersed)
5 sites
The Waypoint
98%
(68)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Reviews
98% Recommend68 ratings · 52 reviews
The Waypoint offers a peaceful retreat close to Des Moines, ideal for those seeking a private, nature-filled camping experience. Reviews consistently highlight the quiet, scenic setting, with many campers enjoying the quarry pond and prairie teeming with wildlife. Hosts Emma and Jason are frequently praised for their welcoming demeanor and informative tours of their property's animals. While most feedback is positive, a few mention that the bathroom facilities could use some attention.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
This place, in my opinion, showed a host who has zero interest in being a host. No signage or indication of where to park, “spots” unmowed, instructions to NOT contact host, no greeting or acknowledgement of me and porta potty absolutely covered in mouse droppings. I would be embarrassed to recommend this place but if that’s your thing, then go for it.
Recommends
· July 2026
12 ft travel trailer ·
The Waypoint
The waypoint was exactly what we were looking for in a brief weekend getaway. Quiet, clean, and private sites, close to the Des Moines metro, and a wonderful piece of land offering opportunities explore. The quarry pond is beautiful, well kept, and was a favorite of ours, as was the prairie full of native pollinators.
We will be back for sure!
Easy to get to. Lots of spots with good tree cover for privacy. Bathroom needed some TLC. Bugs were there but didn’t bite me
The waypoint is beautiful. This is exactly the type of Hipcamp I’m always looking for, the kind where you’re truly secluded in nature. I went to sleep surrounded by fireflies in a lovely prairie. I explored a path in the morning and found a beautiful pond teeming with damselflies and singing frogs. Next time I come back it will be when I have more time to enjoy the peace and calm (this time was just a one night stop to break up a drive)
Recommends
· June 2026
17 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
Nice quiet. Plenty of room for many campers. Not far off the highway.
Recommends
· June 2026
30 ft travel trailer ·
The Waypoint
This place is absolutely a dream! Beautiful peaceful property with lots of land to roam, an idyllic little swimming pond and fireflies lighting up the sky at night. Emma is the sweetest person you will meet and you will not regret choosing this place to stay.
Recommends
· May 2026
8 ft travel trailer ·
The Waypoint
The Waypoint is a perfect camp spot. It is secluded with a great pond to walk around and explore. We love our weekends out at the waypoint and will keep coming back!
Recommends
· May 2026
20 ft travel trailer ·
The Waypoint
Emma was an excellent communicator throughout our entire stay. Very accommodating and easy to follow instructions. The site was everything we needed and the port-a-potty was clean. We had the chance to meet her husband, Jason and all the adorable animals. He gave us a great tour and is doing amazing work with the property. Our first stop of many on a long cross country road trip and it set the bar high! We will definitely recommend to friends and family and hope we have a chance to stay here again.
Wanted to do a one nighter just to get out and enjoy the weather. Had waypoint in my list to checkout and definitely a nice spot away from civilization. Private gravel road to the 5 sites on the property. The sites were somewhat flat and space enough to fit 2 cars. We had two Jeep Gladiator Overland setups so we had enough space to spread out. We took the end site that had a walking path to a small pond. Overall a great spot if you wanna get out.
The only thing I would suggest is make a map of the sites as we were drove around to figure what was a site. We just followed the firepits so not a big deal. There is a slight interstate noise but barely heard it when in my tent.
Thanks again and will come back soon!
It’s a very nice private peice of land. Highly recommended. It is nice and quiet and had no issues for my 3rd or 4th time there
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
Recommends
· September 2025
18 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
The Waypoint
We had a wonderful, relaxing weekend at Waypoint. We enjoyed walking the nature trails and fishing in the pond. We even visited the alpacas. Emma kindly gave us an educational tour of all of their animal friends including dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and alpacas. Emma was very patient with our kid's many questions. The land is kept wild except for the camping spots and trails. We will definitely return.
Recommends
· August 2025
16 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
Nice little place. We didn’t get to stay very long, but it is very peaceful and quiet.
This is a wonderfully quiet place with gorgeous trees! It was a little too hot for pups and I to explore much but our camping area was very secluded and private. Emma is an incredibly responsive and kind hostess!
This place was very secluded with private campsites. Our dogs loved it also. Obviously certain months bring bug spray lol. Had it not been overcast I'm sure we would have been able to enjoy millions of stars. If you e joy outdoors and seclusion 100% recommend!
Recommends
· August 2025
20 ft Class B ·
The Waypoint
Our first night in our new camper van was spent in this very private peaceful location! Nice walk to beautiful pond - enjoyed the stay!
Recommends
· July 2025
21 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
The Waypoint is peaceful and gorgeous! We love the access to great gravel bike rides and proximity to the conservancy.
Mixed feelings
· June 2025
16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
The Waypoint
A lovely property with a large fishing pond. Overall the setting is beautiful but could use some more visual clues for camping spot lanes versus hiking paths.! The fire pit (tires rims) we had was quite small but we managed to make it work. The port a potty was super clean. The pond was beautiful offering a canoe and fishing poles for use. A nice place to camp if you’re self contained with kids.
Amazing is all I have to say. A nice “in the cut” spot to get away but not too far away from the city. The hosts were very clear and helpful with whatever you may request.
We spent the weekend at The Waypoint in Iowa for our maiden voyage with our new Airstream, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. The site is peaceful and remote, yet easy to find and conveniently close to the interstate. The setting is beautiful—quiet, open, and surrounded by nature, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. On the drive to the camping spot, we passed by the hosts’ friendly animals, including llamas, chickens, and their two beautiful white Pyrenees dogs, which added a charming, pastoral touch to the experience. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, and the site itself was well-maintained and thoughtfully set up. We left feeling refreshed and are already looking forward to returning. Highly recommend The Waypoint for anyone looking for a serene and comfortable camping experience.
Great quiet place to stay, nice camping spots! Fire rings are nice to have and there are plenty of spots to chose from
Recommends
· March 2025
15 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
Beautiful, private, safe, and spacious!
So lovely to have this kind of place to explore with the dogs. Thank you for having us !
Recommends
· February 2025
16 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
Perfect spot to get us tucked up, and out of the wind. Beautiful spread! 10/10 will be back
Recommends
· November 2024
20 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
Nice and quiet place, great hosts! Was my second time there and will be going back
Recommends
· October 2024
16 ft pop-up camper ·
The Waypoint
A nice tucked away spot, good for a road trip over night.
We recently camped at Waypoint and had a wonderful relaxing weekend. Perfect place for a really chill time not too far from the highway, but far enough to feel like you're nowhere. The hosts are warm and kind and care about your stay and that you truly do enjoy your time. I pulled a camper to a spot that overlooked a valley to the west. The autumn sunset along with the fall leaves makes for some wonderful campfire sit and sips. Emma's written directions are easy to interpret. I will definitely stay again, maybe to do some fishing in their beautiful pond. Thanks guys!
It was great! Ended up leaving early cause of a friends medical emergency but it is definitely a hidden gem
Recommends
· October 2024
18 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
Emma’s place was easy to locate, Quiet and a short distance off the interstate. We were travelling and just stopped for the evening. The washroom was very clean and stocked. Thanks
Recommends
· September 2024
4 ft campervan · With pets ·
The Waypoint
We loved tent camping on the land. We’re used to dispersed camping and this was it. Great Lake and views! Easy to find as near the interstate. And loved meeting the animals. Emma is very knowledgeable and passionate about what she does.
Recommends
· September 2024
15 ft campervan ·
The Waypoint
Beautiful spot. Nice and quiet.
Arrived just before sunset after a long day of driving. Instructions were spot on and I found a nice spot out of the way.
Stayed the night and left early in the morning. Didn't get any time to really explore, but it was a nice place to rest on a multi day drive.
Location
Earlham, Dallas, Iowa, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Emma W.
Joined in October 2023Things to do nearby
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