Top Glamping near Iowa City, IA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Iowa City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Iowa City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Iowa City, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Glamping Sites Near Iowa City, IA (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades-Kepler State Park

    1. Palisades-Kepler State Park

    8 Reviews
    1 Photo
    78 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground

    2. Cedar River Campground

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves

    We are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $35 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow

    3. Sleepy Hollow

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    6 Saves

    Welcome to BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, a family-friendly RV park and campground in Oxford, Iowa. Just off Interstate 80, we're just minutes away from Iowa City.

    We offer pull-through and back-in RV sites, private cabins, primitive tent sites, and golf cart rentals. Some sites are located by our relaxing catch-and-release fishing lake. Other sites are terraced sites, nestled on a beautiful tree-covered hill. And we're close to Eastern Iowa's most popular destinations, including Lake MacBride, Coralville Reservoir, Kalona Amish Community, and the Amana Colonies.

    At BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, we go out of our way to offer our guests a comfortable, relaxing camping experience. Choose from pull-through and back-in RV sites with full hook-ups (30 amps or 50 amps) and back-in water-and-electric-only sites. We also have private cabins, perfect for families or couples. And, for folks that want to rough it, we have a number of primitive tent sites available.

    When you stay at BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, you can have a great time without ever leaving the property. Enjoy our playgrounds, pool, fishing pond, beachfront, and more. For your convenience, we also have shower and laundry facilities and a stocked camp store. We even have soft-serve ice cream!

    Need to bring your family pet? Pets are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a responsible pet owner. (Note that pets are not allowed at our tent sites.)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $22 - $85 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park

    4. Lake Iowa County Park

    6 Reviews
    14 Photos
    23 Saves

    Lake Iowa Park offers a quiet, safe and beautifully-maintained campground that includes 120 rocked pads with electricity, shower houses and a dump station. There are water hydrants with rural water spread throughout the campground to fill your camper tanks. There are two non-electric areas suitable for tents which are within a short walk to the shower house. Currently there are no reservations for camping, it is all first come first served.

    2 cabins are available for rent. Each cabin has a full kitchen and ADA compliant bathroom and will sleep 8 people.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park

    5. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    27 Photos
    31 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground

    6. Lake Darling State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    15 Photos
    35 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Creek County Park

    7. Morgan Creek County Park

    3 Reviews
    1 Photo
    18 Saves

    A wide variety of natural and recreational features can be found at the 352-acre Morgan Creek County Park. The arboretum and butterfly park is plentiful with over 250 species of native and exotic trees and shrubs, which is located on the northside of the park at 7439 Worcester Rd, Palo.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $23 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    8. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    3 Photos
    50 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $11 - $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Central Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Park

    9. Central Park

    5 Reviews
    27 Photos
    12 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Matsell Bridge Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Matsell Bridge Natural Area
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews In Iowa City

69 Reviews of 14 Iowa City Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    September 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    August 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
    May 31, 2024

    Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    Clean park warm showers

    $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    April 27, 2024

    Cedar River Campground

    Cedar river campground

    Camped there for years. Never again. Last 2 years under current owners\ management, I would not spend another dime there. They are nothing but drama. Behind office towards owners home looks like a salvage yard. They have removed families who have camped there for years. Only ones left are scared, no place to move to, or suck up to them for special privileges. Last two years were horrible. Will only return if sold to again new owners who care about campers vs money.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Liberty
    March 1, 2024

    Camp Liberty

    Wonderful camp with many amenities

    Camp offers site for all tastes: primitive and modern cabins and lodges, tents for small or large groups and couples. Hard roads, fire pits, tables, water, showers, supplies. Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake.Trails, and even guided activities.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Scott County Park
    August 24, 2023

    Scott County Park

    Large campsite with the modern ameneties

    This park is pretty huge so make sure you know which campground you’re going to. The sites here are all shaded (at least in the Pine Grove section I was in). I was next to a large shower house that had plenty of hot water and everything was super clean. The park staff were very friendly and helped me get to the campsite I needed. Beware that if you come after 10pm, there is no way to pay for your spot so you’d have to choose a random spot and come back the next morning to pay.

    The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine. Everything in Pine Grove is 50 amp. There are playgrounds for your kids to play in. Cell service was excellent for Verizon and AT&T. Not sure about T Mobile. 60mbps down and 16 up for AT&T.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Scott County Park
    April 9, 2023

    Scott County Park

    Well kept campground + peaceful/quiet

    Beautiful, spacious and quiet campground. Park rangers and staff are so kind and respectful of keeping the areas cleaned up and cared for! Lots of tree shade for picnicking, hiking trails, and even a pool! Bathrooms were always stocked and cleaned, plus they have HOT SHOWERS! Woohoo! Such a wonderful time at Scott County Park! Can’t beat it! :D

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow
    October 5, 2022

    Sleepy Hollow

    No Pets?

    Was looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there

  • Camper-submitted photo from Central Park
    September 21, 2022

    Central Park

    Very well maintained County Park with lake

    This park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Palisades-Kepler State Park
    September 20, 2022

    Palisades-Kepler State Park

    First time, one night

    Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it. It was our only night there and we heard a lot of movements by the woods that it creeped us out but we were hearing haunted stories before arriving so the Halloween vibes was definitely there. Loads of shade and quiet nice neighbors.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    September 1, 2022

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Nice clean and generally spacious

    Stayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Scott County Park
    July 21, 2022

    Scott County Park

    Just a quiet one night stay

    We needed to stay in Davenport area for the night (traveling from South Dakota to Maryland) and the reviews were high so we stopped here. Did not disappoint- very quiet, huge lot, clean and manicured, large bathhouse. Next time, we will hopefully stay for longer so we can try out the amenities!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    July 10, 2022

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Good, but.

    The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through. The bad: very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk. I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    July 3, 2022

    Cedar River Campground

    Perfect getaway!

    Recently under new ownership, you can tell they’ve been working hard getting the place going again. Yes, you hear traffic, but it didn’t bother us. They had a great fireworks display for the fourth. Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    July 1, 2022

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Pinicon Ridge Linn County

    This park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keep the kids entertained all day. The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating. Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    April 3, 2022

    Cedar River Campground

    Private cg along Cedar River

    Seasonal cg along the Cedar River with camp store, ice, wood, propane, showers/restrooms. Has playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow
    December 8, 2021

    Sleepy Hollow

    Under new ownership

    This campground has many amenities for the whole family. From tent sites, to Airbnb cabins for 9 people they have a site for everyone. They have laundry, showers, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, fishing and a swimming beach.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    September 28, 2021

    Lake Darling State Park Campground

    Nice little lake & ammenities

    We went out for a fishing day, boat launch was very nice and entire lake was very clean. There were several people out on the water in kayaks and paddle boats, very calm waters. Beautiful little lake with out a ton of traffic, perfect!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    August 23, 2021

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Quiet weekend on the flying squirrel loop

    Great place to kick back and relax. The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals, and our favorite an off leash do area.  We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Scott County Park
    August 10, 2021

    Scott County Park

    West Lake Park- Great Place to Park!

    Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room. There are numerous walking trails & is minutes away from the heart of downtown. Overall, a great RV parking experience & would return back again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Scott County Park
    August 6, 2021

    Scott County Park

    Beautiful Scenery, Well Maintained, A Lot To Do!!!

    We stayed in the Pine Grove Campground, Lot #15 from Sunday, July 25, 2021 - Wednesday, August 4, 2021. This campground is electric hookup only. On our site we were able to just fit our camper and truck with not a whole lot of extra room but other sites had a longer driveways able to accommodate a larger rig. We have a 25' camper for reference. We absolutely loved camping here!

    The campgrounds are well maintained. Cleaning Day is Monday... they come around to clean the bathrooms and refill products, empty the dumpsters, and clean out the fire pits. 

    We did not get any pictures of the bathrooms but they are very clean, 4 toilet stalls and 3 showers. The only issue I had with the shower was it was just a stall... not much room to put your clothes and towel, but they did provide a shower caddy to put your soaps and such on. I ended up using a bag I could hang on the hook provided on the door to keep my stuff dry while showering. 

    The campground was pretty quiet and sparse until Friday rolled around and it filled up fast! All but one site was full! Everyone was very friendly and there were a ton of kids that were playing and riding around on their bikes. It was fun to watch everyone having a good time! 

    The park is very well patrolled by the Park Rangers, you see them driving around all the time to check and make sure everything is in order. 

    We rode around on our electric bikes, strolling through the campgrounds, stopping at the lake to take in the view, stopping at the memorial to check it out. The roads are slightly narrow, just enough for 2 cars to pass each other so make sure you are looking out while riding your bike. We also did one of the hiking trails. It was a nice trail just big enough for one person (or person on a bike) to walk through so you have to walk in a single file line. We also stopped at the Pioneer Village to check it out. They do expect you to leave a $2 donation per adult and $1 donation per child, but this is based on the honor system. You put your money in a little lock box. It was very cool to see how things were done back then! We would definitely recommend stopping by, and definitely stop in the ice-cream shop and get a cone!

    The pool was open while we were there but we did not partake. It was really hot out so the pool was packed! It looks really nice from the road, it has 2 water slides and a small child area fashioned similar to a splash park.



Guide to Iowa City

Camping near Iowa City offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through beautiful trails and explore unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
  • Fishing and boating: Shady Creek is right on the Mississippi River, making it a great spot for fishing and launching your boat. A camper mentioned, "Nice boat launch. Right on the Mississippi."
  • Disc golf and playgrounds: At West Overlook Campground, you can enjoy disc golf and let the kids play in the playground. One reviewer noted, "There is disc golf as well."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. One visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and multiple water wells spread out."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Scott County Park mentioned, "The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River said, "The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sugar Bottom Campground, do not have showers. A camper noted, "There are shower houses throughout the CG."
  • Noise from trains: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Fishermans Corner, are near train tracks. One camper mentioned, "Train tracks are right next to the sites."
  • Busy on weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground said, "We were dismayed when we arrived at 3 pm on a Sunday to find the place packed with day-use visitors."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring outdoor games: Many campgrounds have open spaces for kids to play. A reviewer at F. W. Kent Park said, "There are playgrounds for your kids to play in."
  • Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. One camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Will stay here again when come back to visit her."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at Scott County Park noted, "The park is electric with a convenient dump and water station as you enter the park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "The biggest downside: hard to tell until you see your site if you have water pump close enough!"
  • Use leveling blocks: Many sites may require leveling. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "We did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires."
  • Stay connected: If you need internet access, check cell service availability. A camper at Shady Creek said, "Good cell reception. We have Verizon."

With these insights, you’ll be well-prepared for a great camping experience near Iowa City!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Iowa City, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Iowa City, IA is Palisades-Kepler State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Iowa City, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near Iowa City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.