Discover the best beach campgrounds in Iowa with campfires

United States
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Iowa

66% (181 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Iowa

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4 top beach campgrounds in Iowa with campfires

97%

(271)

Nature Heaven

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Knoxville, IA

Winter camping time now! This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on top of hilly land and is rare in Iowa. It has close view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light . The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on site. The RVs need to be self contained. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distances to keep privacy from each other. A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic dome tent is for those who want more climate controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. For surrounding areas, the close by White Breast Beach is open from May 23-September 3, 2024, boating, hunting and hiking activities in the lake red rock year around. For our campers safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public deer hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature, and have a comfortable stay . The cell phone signals are good, you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock lake areas. A little history of this land: This 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds and tall grass... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.

Eagleback Farms

1 site · Lodging93 acres · IA

Located in the heart of the Mississippi Valley/Iowa Wine Trail, we are a very secluded 93 acer 'Farm' that hasn't been worked for over 40 years; letting nature do what it does best! The Eagles are back nesting in the trees that have slowly crept their way back into the fields while the beavers have gradually taken back the creek, leaving us with spirit soothing scenery and plenty of swimming holes to bathe in. We have a beautiful tree house and three solid log cabins for rent, as well as many other sites for the casual camper or minimalist seeker. While here, enjoy the 3 acer spring fed pond, 40 acers of woods with trails and the plentiful wildlife that inhabit them; as well as our horses, goats, sheep, chickens, and milk cow. We are 12 miles from Historic River Town Guttenberg, IA [http://www.guttenbergiowa.net/], and less then 2 miles from two major state and federally protected river preserves (Turkey and Mississippi) in which you can enjoy beautiful beaches, boating and all sorts of water sports/relaxation. Other highlight of the area include several River Casinos, and notable Wineries such as Eagle Point and Promise Land, which dot the banks of the Mississippi River, along with the Cassville, WI [https://cassville.org/] Car Ferry Landing that is open from Spring to Fall. Dogs, cats and horses welcome and we are also available for large group retreats of all kinds with affordable catering services options too. Come discover all that the Mississippi Valley has to offer, It will keep you coming back for more!

The Country Crib

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Elkader, IA

The Cook Heritage Farm Estate, 1848 is located on 200 acres of prairie and timber in the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa. The land has been in the family for 173 years, passed on from generation to generation. The estate property borders the Turkey River and is nestled between rolling farmland and gentle bluffs leading to the mighty Mississippi. The Driftless Area of the upper American Midwest was never glaciated and is characterized by caves and cave systems, disappearing streams, blind valleys, underground streams, sinkholes, springs, and cold streams. The Beginning In 1848, Henry and Mary Cook traveled from Bavaria to America for a better life. Their journey on American soil began in New Orleans where they traveled up the Mississippi River to McGregor, Iowa. They bought their initial 40 acres through the land grant office in McGregor, hooked up a team of oxen and traveled 30 miles overland to settle in Clayton County. To stake a claim of ownership for this land they built a sod hut and lived there for two years to satisfy the land requirements. Although their beginning was meager, their courage was abundant enduring hardships for the potential the land promised. Their pioneer spirits demonstrated a deep commitment for stewardship for the land that eventually produced a rich legacy handed down for generations. Harsh winters and physical labor were offset by the beauty of the area. Henry and Mary and their descendants eventually found a harmony with one another. The Turkey River provided sustenance and its raging springtime surge demonstrated the tenuous balance between man and nature. A give and take that remains to this day. There are several options for accommodations on the acreage: each site will be added. The estate is also open to be full booked by one party - which can accommodate up to 40 over night guests including campers, RV's, house and guest lodge sites. The Country Home: This six-bedroom, two story home was built in 1917. Ninety percent of the design, woodwork, and stained glass are original. The home was plumbed and wired for electricity during the original build. A home generator was placed in the basement to supply battery energy. Radiators were the primary source of heat for every room. The lower level is still heated by radiant heat, and supplemented during fall and winter nights with a kitchen gas fireplace. This is not listed on Hipcamp. The Country Crib Guest Lodge was once the main “corn crib” on the property, used for years to dry and store corn harvested from the farms’ fields. The Crib was renovated into a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a living room, and a sleeping loft. The sleeping loft has 4 queen beds. Enjoy your favorite morning beverage on the east patio deck and watch the sun rise over the prairie flower fields. Star gazing off the second-floor deck is a must. The Crib IS LISTED on Hipcamp. (see pictures of the property and the red Country Crib Guest Lodge.) The Bin Bar adjacent to the Crib was also used for corn storage but abandoned years ago. In 2017, the bin was moved to the east side of the Crib and over the past few years has been fashioned into a gathering spot for late night storytelling and night caps. The Gazebo Fire Pit is built upon the site of the original log house ~ circa 1850. The log house had a water cistern, a conical shaped underground vessel, used to catch fresh rainwater. The water was pumped into the log house using a pitcher pump. The cistern remains and is located underneath the landscape on the west of the Gazebo. The Barn was the first structure built on the property. So, the story goes, “first take care of the livestock and horses to assure human survival”. The Barn is need of restoration. For your safety, the barn is off limits. Acreage Campsites: 6 RV campsites are available: 3 with sewer and electrical hook-ups and 3 electrical only. Surrounding area: Iowa cities including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each city boasts its own fun for day and night entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining pleasures. The Cook Heritage Farm Estate sits between Elgin and Elkader and you can easily follow the ‘river road’ to get between the two destinations.

Lucky Star Farm

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Iowa City, IA

Located on a 20-acre stretch of land between Iowa City and Kalona, Lucky Star Farm is a working farm raising dairy goats, llamas, chickens, turkeys & ducks. We are dedicated to sharing local food, education and lodging with the community. Come visit our diverse, sustainable and entertaining farm! The farm is full of outdoor opportunities. Guests can stroll over to the pond and swim, explore, or relax on the sandy beach and dock. Guests are also welcome to fish (catch and release) or use the stand-up paddleboard (lifejackets provided). There is a fire pit, complimentary firewood, and roasting sticks for your use. At the barn you can visit the goats and see their kids playing in the spring. There is a half mile trail around the property that takes you past the restored prairie and llama pasture. Guests can see what's growing in the edible forest and circle through the mandala garden. Visit the chicken coop and see how farm fresh eggs are made!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Lake Ahquabi State Park

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Hampton, Illinois

Nine Eagles State Park

Pleasanton, Iowa

Springbrook State Park

Lake Panorama, Iowa

Battle of Athens State Historic Site

Missouri

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in Iowa with campfires guide

Overview

Sandwiched between the Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers, Iowa is characterized by a mix of plains and hilly countryside, farmlands, lakes, and rivers. This Midwestern state is full of spots to get out and adventure, with about 83 state parks and nearly 6,000 campsites spread among them. The state also has an extensive river system—with numerous lakes and reservoirs—and boating and angling are among the most popular summer activities here. Like elsewhere in the Midwest, the winter months often bring with them plenty of snow, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Where to go

Northwest Iowa

Northwest Iowa has lots of parks and camping opportunities along the Des Moines River, including the massive Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Dolliver Memorial State Park. The Lakes Region—home to West and East Okoboji Lakes and Big Spirit Lake—is particularly popular among boaters, anglers, and birders, with a number of state parks and wildlife preserves across the region. Camping is available at Gull Point State Park.

Southwest Iowa

Southwest Iowa is characterized by wide-open farmland and pretty woodlands. Cyclists can take a tour of this region on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which stretches for 63 miles from the Missouri border up to Council Bluffs near the Nebraska border. The region's Loess Hills State Forest is one of the more popular areas for outdoor recreation, offering a fishing lake and more than 60 miles of trails.

Northeast Iowa

Iowa's Northeast is ideal for getting outside, with miles of recreation opportunities, from trout fishing to canoeing, on the Mississippi River and its Upper Iowa River tributary. Popular spots in the region include Backbone State Park, which offers camping, fishing, and cycling and hiking trails. The Effigy Mounds National Monument, which preserves hundreds of ancient effigy mounds built by Indigenous people during the first millennium, is also worth a visit.

Southeast Iowa

There's no shortage of lakes in Iowa's southeastern region, including Lake Keomah, Indian Lake, and Lake Bonnefield, in the charming town of Fairfield. This region is home to Lake Red Rock—the largest lake in the state—and the lakefront Elk Rock State Park offers camping, boat ramps, and 13 miles of trails. Other lake areas worth checking out include Geode State Park on the banks of Lake Geode and Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, which has camping, cabin rentals, and easy access to Lake Seguma.