Best Glamping in Iowa

Best known for its rich farming history, Iowa is also rich and diverse in nature, with a multitude of destinations to camp and hike. If you’re planning on camping in Iowa, you’re in luck.

Effigy Mounds National Monument is situated on the bank of the Mississippi River at the eastern border of Iowa. Part of the “driftless” region of Iowa that was left untouched by the passing glaciers thousands of years ago, the area’s bluffs, forests, and other habitats host diverse ecosystems to explore and admire.

More than that, Effigy Mounds is notable for its historic settlement by the Native American Effigy Moundbuilders, who build massive sets of mounds that, from a bird’s eye view, form the shape of animals such as bears, cats, and birds. These nature-inspired monuments blend well with the natural scenery, making it an ideal site for camping.

Another excellent site for camping in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park. Located next to the eastern Iowa town of Maquoketa, the 370-acre park contains amazing caves weaving throughout the limestone bedrock of the bluffs. Spelunkers and nature-enthusiasts alike will enjoy exploring the caverns, such as the 800-foot long Dancehall Cave.

Even if you’re not up for venturing into the caverns, there are plenty of other things to do at Maquoketa Caves. Hikers can walk along six miles of trails throughout the park, passing by habitats ranging from bluffs to woodlands to prairies. Unfortunately, the campgrounds are closed until October 2018 for renovations to the camping facilities, but when it is open again you should definitely consider a visit.

Camping in Iowa is diverse and plentiful, there are countless campsites and trails that you may wish to consider. Once you start exploring Iowa’s natural ecosystems, you’ll begin to see the true beauty of the vibrant state.

Best Glamping Sites in Iowa (90)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $12 - $25 / 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. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    29 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "Bathroom was clean, lit, and stocked - even had hand sanitizer! RV loops had flush toilets and showers, but we didn’t stay long enough to make the trek worth it."

    "Best campground shower I've ever had in my life, both in water pressure, heat and cleanliness of facilities. Be aware that it's first come first served."

    3. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    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. Lake Anita State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 762-3564

    $12 - $20 / night

    "This campground has both RV full hookup and electric sites very close to the lake. Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks."

    "We were on the outer loop which put us closest to the lake and offered electrical hook-up. The shower house was pretty nice, clean and pretty centrally located. "

    5. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    22 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    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."

    6. Rock Creek State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    Website
    +1 (641) 236-3722

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Stopped overnight on our way home from Iowa City. No reservations & took our chances on finding an electric site. Score! Neighbors were friendly."

    "The lake has lots of features like brush piles, vertical structures, mossy areas and you can go over by the bridge and fish the rocks. It’s a great place if you have a boat or kayak/canoe."

    7. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    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. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    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!"

    9. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    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."

    10. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    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."

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Glamping Reviews in Iowa

595 Reviews of 90 Iowa Campgrounds