Best Glamping near Boone, IA

Ledges State Park Campground and Des Moines West KOA Holiday house distinctive glamping options within reach of Boone, Iowa. These elevated outdoor accommodations feature comfortable beds, climate control, and private settings among the trees and natural landscapes that characterize the region. Both locations offer glamping structures that provide a luxury camping experience without sacrificing modern comforts. "This is the best park in the state of Iowa," one guest shared, highlighting the appeal of Ledges State Park's unique accommodations. Little Wall Lake County Park extends the glamping options with yurts that blend canvas and wood construction, providing a distinctive outdoor lodging experience. All locations maintain easy access to electricity, hot showers, and modern toilet facilities while preserving the natural setting that draws visitors to these boutique camping destinations.

Spring Lake County Park and Jester County Park provide additional glamping experiences with trails connecting directly to accommodation areas. Hiking paths wind through the wooded terrain, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography just steps from luxury canvas tents and elevated structures. A recent visitor mentioned, "The views around the park are some of the very best in Iowa. Hiking trails often found you coming face to face with deer who look at you inquisitively." Water activities feature prominently at several locations, with Spring Lake and Cherry Glen offering boating access. Timberline Campground rounds out the glamping options with seasonal availability from April through November, featuring unique accommodations including yurts that combine rustic appeal with modern conveniences. Most glamping resorts in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when boutique camping experiences are in highest demand.

Map showing campgrounds near Boone, Iowa

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Best Glamping Sites Near Boone, Iowa (22)

1. Ledges State Park Campground
40 Reviews
Boone, IA
4 miles
Website
+1 (515) 432-1852
$17 - $35 / night
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
2. Swede Point Park
13 Reviews
Madrid, IA
12 miles
Website
"Very quiet and nice neighbors camping next store , fresh water well on pump next to our campsite number #1 electric and non electric site’s ,electric sites run $18 a night non electric $11 a night , has"

"We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

3. Jester County Park
30 Reviews
Granger, IA
19 miles
Website
+1 (515) 323-5300
$20 - $25 / night
"Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate. Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. "

"Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."
4. Don Williams Park
6 Reviews
Ogden, IA
9 miles
Website
+1 (515) 353-4237
$12 - $20 / night
"Camped by tent, basic amenities on-site-fire ring, table, etc. Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff."

"Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice"

5. Spring Lake County Park
9 Reviews
Jefferson, IA
21 miles
Website
+1 (515) 738-5069
$20 / night
"The best waterfront camping we have found near us. Small friendly community of camping. Door to door ice and concession delivery."

"There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."
6. Cherry Glen Campground
13 Reviews
Johnston, IA
24 miles
Website
+1 (515) 964-8792
$24 - $26 / night
"Nice campground with 30/50 amp electric, no water or service but bathrooms are clean and many. The staff are very friendly and willing to offer info."

"There is electric hookups here and is perfect for R.Vs. The neighbors were really nice and a RV camper invited me to his campfire."

7. Little Wall Lake County Park
5 Reviews
Story City, IA
20 miles
Website
+1 (515) 832-9570
"Small lake. Some sites are reserveable online and some are first come first serve. We had water and electric on site. Showers were not open yet in April. "

"Close to the interstate and easy to get to."
8. Sportsman Park
3 Reviews
Minburn, IA
22 miles
Website
$18 / night
"Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties."

"Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts."

9. Des Moines West KOA Holiday
23 Reviews
Earlham, IA
37 miles
Website
+1 (515) 834-2729
"Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County."

"Very courteous staff and clean campground. Pizza on site is excellent snd you can order it ahead for your arrival."
10. Timberline Campground
13 Reviews
West Des Moines, IA
33 miles
Website
+1 (515) 987-1714
$35 - $80 / night
"Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm. They were ready for us and escorted us to our pull-through full-hookups site near the front of the campground."

"If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"

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Recent Glamping Photos near Boone, IA

3 Photos of 22 Boone Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Boone, IA

208 Reviews of 22 Boone Campgrounds

Amy G.
Legend
Jun. 2, 2018
Sportsman Park
Beautiful solitude with well manicured campsites
This was one of the nicest county campgrounds I've ever seen. We've been to a lot of them, but this one stands out. Not to mention that the price was unbeatable! So much more reasonable than at home. Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties. It costs $2/person/day if you are 18 or older, or a year pass is $10. There is also a lodge that you can rent.

We rented a cabin for $50, because it was only about $10 more expensive than what we were planning on spending for a campsite in Minnesota. Normally, we stay in tents, so we were very pleased to find the options that this campground had to offer at such reasonable cost! If you wanted a tent site without electric, it was only $8. Electric sites were only $12. And the sites were incredibly well groomed. They were clean (I didn't see any trash). And they were tucked into the woods. A caretaker lives on site, and although we rarely saw him, it was obvious that he cared about his job. The bathrooms were clean and cared for too!

We were in a cabin and they were simple, but suited our needs. They had two wooden cabin-style buildings with little front porches (not screened in, but room under the overhang for chairs). Inside, you had two bunk beds, and the bottom bunk of one was a pull out futon, so you really had room to sleep 5 people. (Must mention: The futon in our cabin was horribly uncomfortable. I would have given 4 stars to the review because of it, but the futon alone shouldn't take away from the rest of the campground, which was immaculate). There was also a bathroom with an ADA shower, toilet, mirror and sink. In the room, there was a mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, little sink and it even had air conditioning! Tucked in the corner was a folding table and chairs. A few hooks scattered around the walls completed the room. The A/C in ours wasn't at full working capacity, but it did chill the room down enough to be very comfortable. And it was very hot outside! We also had a little fire ring and picnic table, just outside the door.

The campground could accommodate plenty of tents and campers alike. Some electric, some not. All with very nice grassy pads for tents, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Grass was well clipped and there were plenty of parking spaces. It was very quiet when we were there, but I assume it gets busy on the weekends. The shower/bath house had separate bathrooms (both unisex) and both with toilet, mirror, sink and shower). Both were very clean for a camp bathroom. A little campground for those wishing to camp together was at the back of the park. It, too, had bathrooms. But they were locked, so I couldn't peek inside.

Bottom line, it was well worth our $50 for the cabin (you can't even get a hotel room for that price any more). I'd love to go back and tent in the quiet of a weekday eve when the crickets are chirping and I can feel the breeze through the tent!

Please note - there are no trash cans at the campground if you are in tents or RV's (the cabins have them inside). It is a carry in/carry out campground

There are LOTS of water pumps all over the campground. Yay for water!!
A
Amanda H.
Guide
Sep. 28, 2020
Jester County Park
Solid campground
Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines. We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical. The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice. This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups. There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people. Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark. Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate. Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents. 2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use. There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile. Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake. Lots of picnic areas throughout the park. There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses. Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors. Quick drive into Des Moines too.
Tom S.
Guide
Sep. 30, 2016
Ledges State Park Campground
Don't fall off the ledge!
One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.

The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.

What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.

If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.
Larissa C.
Guide
Aug. 3, 2018
Jester County Park
Best Camping in Central Iowa
Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit. In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new (opened August 2018) Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing, and even cabins if you want to rent them (fully stocked, linens included!).

Our favorite spot to camp is 410 and 409. It's a secluded area within the 400s that is lined with trees on one side and a drop off into the Saylorville water circuit on the other (see photos). For $15/night/camping spot, you can enjoy the best view of stars and amazing sunsets. We go a couple times a year to camp and Jester has even been the place where we hold special events like birthdays/going away parties.
Wendy P.
Scout
Jul. 19, 2018
Ledges State Park Campground
Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.
One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.
Renee H.
Ranger
May. 23, 2024
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Nice modern KOA
Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.
b
bob G.
Traveler
Nov. 19, 2022
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Great Setting, Nice Campground
Very courteous staff and clean campground. Pizza on site is excellent snd you can order it ahead for your arrival.
Jodi H.
Traveler
May. 5, 2019
Spring Lake County Park
Best waterfront camping we have found
The best waterfront camping we have found near us. Small friendly community of camping. Door to door ice and concession delivery. Awesome open air roller skating rink and nightly grilling parties at the beach.
Deb K.
Scout
Dec. 23, 2023
Ashton Wildwood Park
I love this secluded little campground!
I live just 7 miles away, but I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping. Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children. There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs. (Bring your flashlight!) Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side. There is also a big group site for family get togethers. There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement. I'd highly recommend it, but I don't want it to get too crowded!