Best Glamping near Monticello, IA

Pinicon Ridge Park and Matsell Bridge Natural Area provide upscale outdoor accommodations near Monticello, Iowa. These Jones County glamping destinations feature comfortable canvas tents and cabin-style glamping units with modern amenities. Pinicon Ridge offers climate-controlled units with private decks overlooking the Wapsipinicon River, while Matsell Bridge provides a more secluded glamping experience with rustic luxury accommodations. Both locations include comfortable beds with linens, electricity, and access to modern shower facilities. The sites are arranged to maximize privacy while maintaining proximity to natural features. Most glamping units include picnic tables, fire rings, and scenic views of the surrounding woodland and water features. As one visitor noted, "This park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The new showers are amazing and the sites are very spacious with generous grassy areas."

Glamping guests at these locations enjoy direct access to water recreation on the Wapsipinicon River, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Pinicon Ridge Park features well-marked hiking trails through wooded areas, an observation tower for panoramic views, and a highly-rated playground facility perfect for families with children. Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers a more secluded experience with primitive trails and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Central Park, located just 15 minutes from Monticello, provides additional glamping options with amenities like free WiFi and beach access. According to a recent visitor, "The campsite was very well maintained with full service sites, trails, nature center, and lake access for beach, paddling, and fishing." These luxury camping destinations are typically available from April through October, with some sites requiring advance reservations during peak summer months.

Best Glamping Sites Near Monticello, Iowa (19)

    1. Central Park

    6 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 487-3541

    "There is a new beach for swimming, and some hiking and nature trails. Easy kayak access with parking. The fire pits are really nice and have grates for cooking."

    "Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."

    2. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "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."

    "Storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages. Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park and state land nearby. Lookout Tower is a must see."

    3. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."

    4. Bailey Ford Delaware County Park

    2 Reviews
    Delhi, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "from trout steam,river access for boats or kayaks, to the beautiful trails with educational signs along it. this park is perfect"

    "Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!"

    5. Swiss Valley County Park

    9 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 556-6745

    "Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive"

    "This was a great stay other campers around us were very nice and super friendly as well. I think the only thing I would have a complaint about would be the bath house."

    6. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $12 - $80 / 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."

    "Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."

    7. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Cassville, WI
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 725-5374

    $33 / night

    "The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."

    "Had a hike on site on the bluff. Stunning views and very secluded. Carts available for hauling in your gear. Hiking trails, fire wood for sale on site. Bathrooms very nice, showers like new!"

    8. Delaware County Coffins Grove Park

    2 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "Electric and water only. Nice playground for young kids. Limited activities."

    "Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."

    9. Grant River Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 582-0881

    $14 - $26 / night

    "Nice view at the Mississippi River $20 per night with electrical hook up. "

    "We stayed right by the bathrooms. Showers have a push button so water pressure and temperature was not very great. The river was a great view and campground was big to walk around."

    10. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $12 - $60 / night

    "Cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition.  The gentleman that takes care of the campground takes great pride in his work and it shows - kudos to him! "

    "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster."

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Glamping Reviews near Monticello, IA

127 Reviews of 19 Monticello Campgrounds


  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice Flat, Well-Groomed Albeit Barren CG

    This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you – with each site offering FHUs with electric, water& sewage, fire rings and picnic tables. If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, Woodside is somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever. Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water.

    Albeit with a short hike through the forest, Woodside CG is near Cody Lake and Glynn’s Creek, which offers some decent oaring in your kayak or canoe. Sitting adjacent to Cody Lake is an eponymous community shelter than can be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean as well access to Glynn’s Creek Trailhead which is a moderate hike and further afield throughout the rest of the park, there’s no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found Woodside to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. Oh, and the incredibly friendly rangers that constantly patrol and keep this beautiful park in full working order were nothing short of amazing.

    Happy Camping!

  • Rene
    Aug. 21, 2020

    Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

    All around decent site

    I camped in 18 in early August. The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit. As a hammock camper, this was not a good site. The trees were far from the cleared area making a hammock hard to set up. Facilities were great and the mosquitoes we're almost non-existent. Great location for a larger group or multiple tents.

    The only thing you need to be aware of: there is a train track very close. The train runs very regularly and can be loud. For me, it was the city noise I needed to fall asleep.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park

    Definitely The Most Nature-Shrouded Option Here at Scott County Park

    If you find yourself near the Quad Cities, you’ll definitely want to check out Scott County Park, which boasts 6 different CGs to choose from. Wilderness campground, as the name suggests, puts you smack-dab in the middle of the forest, and of all the campgrounds, is definitely one of my favorites as a tent pitchin’ outdoors enthusiast. Unlike either nearby Woodside or Bald Eagle campgrounds, which are more geared for the RV driving and 5th Wheel hauling camping community, Wilderness CG isn’t very level, has decent natural barriers like tree roots, forest boundaries like thick brush and space constraints to consider, yet this CG still offers near equal amenities as the other CGs.

    The surroundings here are thick and lush, providing you with a real authentic experience in nature and offers real amazing solitude, peace & quiet as well as substantial privacy, where you and your camping exploits won’t be on full display with the entire campground that you are surrounded by. This lone fact makes Wilderness unlike any of the other campgrounds here at Scott County Park. The individual camping sites are incredibly spacious, fairly uneven land with all spaces offering substantial shade, thick backdrop behind each spot and tons of foliage. Because of all the trees and brush, the grounds don’t feel as well-kept as some of the other CGs, but that’s really just a result of fallen leaves and branches – so not the worst outcome (and if it bothers you that much, just bring a rake). Like all of the other campgrounds here, you’ll experience impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and decent – not great– space in the shower.

    Incredibly different from either Bald Eagle or Woodside campgrounds, there is no nearby lake here at Wilderness, so if you do want to get your oaring in, you’ll have to drive to one of the park’s lakes, which isn’t the most difficult thing to accomplish here. While there is no dedicated shelter in or near Wilderness CG, there is a designated picnic area just due west called Prairie Sun, which is great for a game of football, hosting a BBQ or playing cards on one of the several picnic tables you’ll find here. You’ll discover that there’s a total of 3 restroom facilities, but only one with shower capabilities – all of which are incredibly well-maintained. Lastly, one of the things that make Wilderness differentiated here in Scott County Park is that a ton of the best hiking trails converge at this CG, so if you’re tent camper and want to be located right in the thick of nature, while having direct access to prize hiking above just about anything else, then this is your haven.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. The rangers here are incredibly friendly, professional and very helpful by constantly being on patrol and keeping this beautiful park in full working order.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2025

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice, newer campground with solar power!

    Campground is closed for the winter season. Campground offers host, nicely maintained heated showers and restrooms, play area, firewood, available on site, RV pads are hard surface, have fire rings, water, electric, tables. Since this campground is newer, not much shade yet.

  • David S.
    Sep. 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.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Boulder Creek Campground

    Pretty Disappointed

    This park fell short in so many ways. Having stayed in other Yogi Bear's we were expecting similar accommodations. I will say they had a lot of rain and it did affect most of the campground. We booked over the phone for two nights. It was nearly $90 for those two nights. This is pretty spendy for us but we were meeting friends there. We arrived at the campground and were given site 14. It as across from our friends cabin so it should have been good. However, we got to our site on a very poorly maintained road only to find the site did not have a fire pit or a picnic table. It was extremely tiny, barely big enough for our truck and definitely not enough room for our two tents. The site was covered in sticks and debris and there was trash bags in front of the cabin across the washed out road. We went down to voice our concern that this was just not going to work and they said to try site 13. Even worse then 14. It was a grass spot, mowed out, no place to park a vehicle, which I'm glad I left at the bottom of the hill, extremely narrow, washed out road going to site 13. There still was no picnic table but there was a fire pit. Stated this is just not going to work. We paid way too much for so little accommodations. They said they couldn't refund or move us to an electric site (we didn't need electric but the two previously mentioned sites were not going to work) without talking to their boss. After already spending 28 days in a tent, across the country, I was pretty upset that this yogi bear was so bad. They did end up moving me to site 17, which was one of the few that did not have a completely flooded fire ring. Which leads to the next things, almost all of the grounds were completely flooded. Fire rings couldn't even be seen they were so far under water. To walk to any part of the park involved getting your feet wet. The playground swings were above water making it difficult for the kids to reach them without getting really wet. There had been no attempts to move any water from the storms making it difficult to enjoy parts of the park. The pool was pretty cold but I suppose it is Wisconsin. The staff did have many events going on but if you were early, you wouldn't even know the events were going on. They showed up right on time and then had to set up. But they did do a variety of races and had a pirates and princess dance. They brought in actual hair dressers to do the little girls hair for them. That was something the girls in the group enjoyed. They also had cartoons playing in the evenings. The kids also enjoyed that. Overall, I would never return, there are so many really nice parks in Wisconsin for way less money. This was not worth it at all.

  • Rebecca B.
    Jul. 26, 2020

    Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

    Best bluff views

    Had a hike on site on the bluff. Stunning views and very secluded. Carts available for hauling in your gear. Hiking trails, fire wood for sale on site. Bathrooms very nice, showers like new! Lots of picnic sites along the bluff.

  • M
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Blanding Landing

    Nice campground, near river, also near noisy train

    Overall nice campground. Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric. 

    The toilets in the back part by the electric campsites are pit toilets. Flush toilets, sink, and showers up by the check in area. There’s a playground for kids. 

    Sites by the river don’t have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most “wooded” but also right near the trains. Trains are noisy—we slept through them but are also used to living by a train station. Your mileage may vary on that one. 

    We (tent campers) had site 24. It’s the last site in that part of the driveway and I recommend it because you have a lot of open space to one side plus not far from water or bathrooms. The most wooded sites are at the end farthest away from the entrance but tent campers should know there are a lot of RVs down there usually. 

    We used this as a stop over on a longer road trip. If you like boating or fishing this is probably a good fit. Galena and Dubuque are not far. Overall not a lot of hiking or activities in the immediate area though. Good option for an overnight.

    As a note, we have ATT and had decent cell service here.


Guide to Monticello

Monticello, Iowa offers diverse camping experiences within Iowa's rolling hills and waterways. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter dropping below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular due to moderate temperatures and colorful foliage changes along the Wapsipinicon River corridor.

What to do

River recreation: Pinicon Ridge Park offers excellent boating opportunities on the Wapsipinicon River. "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," notes visitor Brandon T.

Hiking trails: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area features an 8-mile loop trail around the lake. "There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop. There is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to 'bail out' so take water and pace yourself," advises Mitch C.

Fishing access: Multiple locations offer fishing within 30 minutes of Monticello. "There is a beautiful little lake. Nice beach area. Camping sites pretty level," says Leslie P. about Central Park, adding "Park has free WiFi."

Playground facilities: Family-friendly parks include designated play areas. At Bailey Ford Delaware County Park, "Bailey's Ford has everything you need for a night or a week. It's clean and beautiful. Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground," says Laura.

What campers like

Modern bathrooms: Recent renovations have improved facilities at several parks. At Pinicon Ridge Park, "Awesome Campground. Clean, and even NEW showers that are outstanding. Storm shelter right on site," reports Beau Z.

Quiet camping spots: For those seeking seclusion, Matsell Bridge Natural Area delivers. "Good campsite for a mellow weekend. When i visited we were the only campers there an it was awesome!" shares Ryan.

Level sites: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained, level camping pads. "The sites were a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table," notes Clint G. about Pinicon Ridge Park.

Educational opportunities: "From trout steam, river access for boats or kayaks, to the beautiful trails with educational signs along it. This park is perfect," says Ronnie N. about Bailey Ford Park, highlighting the interpretive elements.

What you should know

Bug protection: Insects can be problematic during warmer months. At Matsell Bridge Natural Area, Carol M. advises, "Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness."

Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks. Swiss Valley County Park visitor Michael S. notes, "The shower facilities weren't bad but they have sulfites in the water so it stinks a little."

Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-August), reservations are essential. "Weekends are pretty much sold out," reports David J. about Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

Flooding potential: Low-lying areas may flood during heavy rain. "Lower area is susceptible to flooding during extremely high water, but county staff is very proactive and hospitable with helping campers relocate from dangerous areas," says Beau Z. about Pinicon Ridge Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Central Park offers excellent facilities for children. "This campground has a beautiful little lake (glad to see it back). The museum is fun afternoon trip to hike to and visit," shares Robert F.

Tent spacing: Sites at Pleasant Creek are designed with families in mind. "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade," describes Ann B.

Water activities: Multiple options exist for swimming and paddling. "Nice big pond for some easy kayaking. There is a new beach for swimming, and some hiking and nature trails. Easy kayak access with parking," says Brandon R. about Central Park.

Nature education: Several parks feature nature centers and interpretive trails. "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.," reports James M.

Tips from RVers

Utility hookups: Most campgrounds offer electric sites, but not all have full hookups. "We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week. Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in," explains David J. from Pleasant Creek.

Parking limitations: Be aware of vehicle restrictions. "Thurs evening we had friends join us. The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule," notes David J., indicating strict enforcement of parking rules.

Site selection: Some areas offer more spacious RV sites than others. "Electric and water only. Nice playground for young kids. Limited activities," reports Matthew B. about Delaware County Coffins Grove Park.

Seasonal availability: While luxury glamping in Monticello area is typically available from April through October, some RV sites remain open year-round. "Campground offers pads, firings, electric, tables, and there is a dump station," notes James M. about Palisades-Kepler State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Monticello, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Monticello, IA is Central Park with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Monticello, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 glamping camping locations near Monticello, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.