Best Glamping near Woodburn, IA

Winterset City Park and Timberline Campground feature the most refined glamping accommodations within a short drive of Woodburn, Iowa. Both locations offer climate-controlled glamping structures with electricity and modern amenities for a comfortable outdoor retreat experience. "The park was clean with level sites. The front desk person was friendly and helped me with my reservation," noted one visitor, highlighting the attentive service that elevates the glamping experience. Each safari-style tent and glamping unit comes outfitted with proper bedding, climate control options, and proximity to clean shower facilities. Pammel County Park also offers yurt accommodations for those seeking a more unique glamping option, with full access to drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities.

These boutique camping destinations provide convenient access to the scenic bridges of Madison County, with glamping tents strategically positioned to maximize privacy and natural views. One guest shared, "Wonderful setting and quiet place to stay. Beautiful views with quick access to Bridges of Madison County." Glamping stays typically run from April through October or November, depending on the location. Hiking trails surround the properties, with the Pammel Park yurts offering trail access directly from the accommodation area. Visitors can arrange firewood delivery for evening campfires without sacrificing the comforts of glamping. The properties maintain clean bathrooms and shower facilities exclusively for glamping guests, enhancing the upscale outdoor experience while maintaining proximity to Des Moines attractions just 30-45 minutes away.

Best Glamping Sites Near Woodburn, Iowa (16)

    1. Hickory Hills Park

    5 Reviews
    Woodburn, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    $5 / night

    "Big, clean fire pits with grills and a picnic table. Plenty of space to feel comfortable."

    "Arrived late and just filled out the registration form. They have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have two clean pit toilets. You can stay 14 days free I think."

    2. Lakeside Casino RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Woodburn, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 477-5253

    $35 - $45 / night

    "There is full hook up for water, electric and sewer. All spaces are paved. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park. If you are here to gamble, you will love it."

    "It was a close walk to Pilot for supplies."

    3. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-7101

    $20 - $25 / night

    "We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed."

    "They have a beautiful lake and a beach. The water has minimal seaweed and great temperature! They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!"

    4. Otter Creek Park

    2 Reviews
    Indianola, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    5. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3258

    $15 - $22 / night

    "The campground is well maintained and has a camp host on site.  The Shower/restrooms were clean and stocked.  Firewood is available for 8$ a bundle.  Sites are gravel base and  fairly level. "

    "It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground."

    6. Pammel County Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3536

    $15 - $20 / night

    "We drive by the campground on our way down to the family farm on the regular, but staying in the grounds overnight was a whole different experience!"

    "The campground hosts were welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable of the park and the area.  I would give the park 5 stars, but feel the restroom/shower facilities were small for that many campsites."

    7. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 266-1563

    "camped here in 2021 and I enjoyed it but the first night I was there I ran my vehicle down the second night I was there I took a tour on the campgrounds and got verbally accosted but another camper for walking"

    "It’s got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It’s a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that’s got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass."

    8. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    45 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."

    9. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    42 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."

    "Playground was next to us but it was fun watching the kids play. Full sun in the morning but afternoon was shaded by trees. Restrooms and shower was clean and close walking distance."

    10. Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

    7 Reviews
    Moravia, IA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 647-2079

    $22 - $230 / night

    "Campground was very clean and staff was helpful and polite. A lot of spots have a nice view of the water. It tends to be very busy. My stay was a week past labor day and still over half full."

    "Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels"

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Recent Glamping Photos near Woodburn, IA

2 Photos of 16 Woodburn Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near Woodburn, IA

137 Reviews of 16 Woodburn Campgrounds


  • B
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground

    Lake Ahquabi During Balloon Classic

    We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed. Also, it had a great fire pit with grill grate that could be moved. It was the perfect overnight location and cheap accommodations during the National Balloon Classic. We spent the night before at the Balloon Glow, came back and had a nice camp fire, then an early morning rise for a balloon flight made for close proximity. There were nearby bathroom facilities that were available. The truth is that the one closest was not lit well and a little messier, perhaps less maintained. The other facility was well lit and not too far a walk. During day light you could see the lake in the distance from this site, and the clearing around the site gave great visibility of stars with very low light pollution. The only downside was this site was near the main entry and exit road on the lower loop, which meant traffic in and out could prove to be a downside. Not for us on our stay at night because of late arrival and early departure, but it is good to know. All in all it was a good stay, the only challenging part was knowing which sites were available and the camp hosts weren't too helpful in knowing or seeking which were still open. But we were lucky to find one!

  • Renee H.
    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.

  • Carrie C.
    Oct. 9, 2021

    Hickory Hills Park

    Osceola ,IA

    Pulled in late so didn’t get a good look, but from what I can seen this is a pretty nice campground. Looks to be about 10 sites, nicely spread apart. Big, clean fire pits with grills and a picnic table. Plenty of space to feel comfortable.

  • b
    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.

  • Rick D.
    May. 16, 2021

    Winterset City Park

    A good place to relax and recharge

    We enjoyed a long weekend here reconnecting with friends.  The campground is well maintained and has a camp host on site.  The Shower/restrooms were clean and stocked.  Firewood is available for 8$ a bundle.  Sites are gravel base and  fairly level.  The city park has a edge maze that is unique.  The John Wayne museum and downtown are a 20 minute walk away. This is our second visit there and I would go back again.

  • Aliyah B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2018

    Hickory Hills Park

    Great Quiet Free Campground

    We stayed two night at this campground. Arrived late and just filled out the registration form. They have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have two clean pit toilets. You can stay 14 days free I think. Quiet and had the place to ourselves. Maintained and they had patrol checking through at night. Highly recommend it.

  • L
    Jun. 10, 2020

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Peaceful and clean!

    We stayed one night in a basic cabin. AC was on upon arrival- check in/out was quick and easy !Bathrooms were immaculate! Pizza & Chicken ordered on site was a delicious dinner when we were just to tired to fuss with our own gear. Nice store too!!

  • Whitney S.
    Apr. 9, 2022

    Yellow Banks County Park

    Ever changing

    I camped here in 2021 and I enjoyed it but the first night I was there I ran my vehicle down the second night I was there I took a tour on the campgrounds and got verbally accosted but another camper for walking near their campground and then I mistakenly left some food out and my dog and I were woken up by wild dogs.
    In 2022 I came out again and it was a much better adventure the campgrounds are beautiful they have two different electric sights and they have a newly furnished tent site.

  • Renee H.
    Oct. 31, 2023

    Lakeside Casino RV Park

    Decent place to spend the night

    RV park is relatively quiet and easy to get into. The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad. The cable didn’t work, but electric and water had no issues. Easy on and off to the interstate. There is only one garbage dumpster near the entrance and we didn’t see a camp host on site or anybody to check in with. We stayed just one night on our way through the area and were comfortable.


Guide to Woodburn

Dispersed camping opportunities exist within a 30-mile radius of Woodburn, Iowa, where the rolling hills of southern Iowa meet agricultural landscapes. Camping season typically runs April through October with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak months. Several parks offer electrical hookups and water access while maintaining proximity to local attractions and outdoor recreation areas.

What to do

Hiking trails with historical significance: Hickory Hills Park features trails leading to Native American burial mounds. "This is a great little park just east of New Virginia, Iowa. The hiking trails are pretty easy going through the forest and then opening up next to old Native American burial mounds," notes Matt S., who visited Hickory Hills Park with a Boy Scout troop.

Water activities on Middle River: Canoe loops at Pammel County Park provide a unique water experience. One visitor explains, "We did kayak the loop one day-it took about an hour for the 1.9-mile loop and water levels were pretty low. It's pretty easy/convenient as far as letting in and taking out." The park features both water and land-based recreation options.

Fishing opportunities: Lake Ahquabi State Park offers reliable fishing spots within a short drive from Woodburn. "There are a few trails, there is plenty of fishing, a swimming beach, and they have water sport rentals," shares Caitlyn H., who has tent camped at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground several times.

What campers like

Spacious, well-maintained sites: Yellow Banks County Park earns praise for its campsite design. "Sites are well spaced. Shaded. Double lane dump station," notes Kelly in their review of Yellow Banks County Park. The park offers both electrical hookups and primitive camping options.

Clean facilities: Many glamping accommodations close to Woodburn, Iowa maintain high cleanliness standards. At Timberline Campground, a visitor reported, "Facilities are all very clean and well taken care of. The pool is a great bonus!" This campground, located in Waukee, provides glamping structures with modern amenities.

Quiet atmosphere: Island View Campground on Lake Rathbun receives praise for its tranquility, especially midweek. "Large, clean campsites with ample shade. Spectacular lake views especially for sunset. Very quiet during the week," writes Heather M. about her Island View Campground stay during late summer.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Woodburn operate from April through October, with varying closing dates. Winterset City Park typically closes November 15, while Lake Ahquabi remains open until December 31.

Tunnel clearance issues: When visiting Pammel County Park, RVs need to be mindful of the tunnel height. "If you are over 12 ft, make sure and take the detour around the tunnel," advises Mia L. in her review. The park offers an alternative route for taller vehicles.

Weekend crowding: Sites fill quickly, especially from Thursday through Sunday. A regular camper at Yellow Banks County Park advises, "Can usually get site without reservation, IF you roll in on Wed. By Thurs night, it's full."

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Winterset City Park offers playground facilities with convenient campground access. "It has shade trees, grass, free showers and lots of room. It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance," notes Heather G. in her review of Winterset City Park.

Water recreation options: Families with children enjoy the beach and water activities at Lake Ahquabi. One visitor shares, "They have a beautiful lake and a beach. The water has minimal seaweed and great temperature! They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!"

Safety considerations: For families concerned about security, some campgrounds offer patrol services. At Hickory Hills Park, a camper noted, "Maintained and they had patrol checking through at night. Highly recommend it."

Tips from RVers

Hookup logistics: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup placements. A visitor to Pammel Park warns, "The RV spots were a mixed bag. Some shady (higher numbers), some full sun. If you are over 12 ft, make sure and take the detour around the tunnel. There are water hook ups, I just had to use 75 feet of hose to get to it."

Site leveling: At Timberline Campground, RVers appreciate the level sites. "Sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking. We just stayed over night since we're heading home. They take you to your site," reports Roxanna L.

Off-peak advantages: For RVers seeking quieter glamping experiences close to Woodburn, Iowa, mid-week visits offer advantages. One Timberline Campground visitor noted, "Since we came in October, pretty empty after Labor Day during the week."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Woodburn, IA is Hickory Hills Park with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 glamping camping locations near Woodburn, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.