The best camping near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Brushy Creek State Recreation Area adventure.

Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.  

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Community favorites near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • Burkhart Farm
  • 9 sites with Electric and water. Open yard with no utilities
  • Burkhart Farm
100%
(14)

Burkhart Farm

11 sites · RVs10 acres · Woodward, IA
Water at camp sites is turned off for winter but is still available in barn to fill tanks. We live in the country on a working grain farm (corn and soybeans). It can get noisy and dusty during harvest and grain hauling operations. You could wake up to deer eating grain around the bins. In the evenings, you can look down to the East by tree line for deer and turkey. We can handle any size RV. Please pick up after your dogs. We have guest children that play in yard. All spots are level. All electric sites are 30/50 and are for year-round use. We have 9 sites with electric and city water. 3 sites are gravel. 4 sites are grass. 2 are concrete. We also have a large primitive camping area west of the grain bins in open yard (no electric or water). Rv parking is available on grass when ground is hard or on the concrete and gravel driveway when soft. We have one picnic table for campers’ use. There is a trail we keep mowed North East of the hay barn alongside the crops, which is great for walking/dog run. Gray water may be dumped in the farm field; the crops love it. Sorry, we can no longer recommend black water dump stations as the local campgrounds are refusing non-customer use. Whistling Donkey in Woodward has a dump station; you can call them and ask if you can use it (515) 438-2669. You can be as private or engaged with us as you feel. Dumpster is by machine shed. There are 30+ local TV channels (no cable available). Open southern skies for satellite use. The lights automatically turn off at 10 PM. Fire pit is available for your use. Firewood is available East of the barn. Fire Pit light dims down to 15% after 10 PM. Yard lights also come on for one minute at Noon every day. Stargazing really pops at night on a clear night. You are welcome to turn lights back on and continue outdoor activities and use fire pit as long as you do not disturb other campers. Mouse and weather vane lights stay on all night for your convenience. Please do not put trash in fire pit. (I have to clean it out) We would prefer if guests arrive before dark; we like to settle down for the evening. WIFI is 250 Mbps depending on number of users. WIFI is Farm. Password is farmfarm (no caps) (Farm is 4 Miles North of Woodward).  1140 300th St Woodward Iowa Caution;   Google maps has a tendency to have you take extra gravel roads. Follow the instructions below to stay on paved roads untill last 1/3 mile. From Woodward: Head to North end of town turn left to the West onto North 3rd St.  Go 1/4 mile turn right at T intersection to the North onto R18 for two miles.  At stop sign turn left to the West on R18.  (stay on R18 do not go straight North onto the gravel) in 1 mile turn right to the North still on R18 for 3 miles turn right to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.  Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From Ames: Head West on highway 30 to Highway 17 go South for 5 miles to Luther turn right on E57 to the West for 7 miles.   At stop sign turn left to the South on R18 for 3 miles turn left to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.  Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse Pole Light.  Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From Ogden: Head South on Highway 169 for 5 miles to E57 turn left to the East for 4 miles.  At stop sign turn right to the South on to R18 for 3 miles.  Turn left to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.  Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From East bound Interstate 80   Turn at exit 110    (Adel / Winterset) onto Highway 169 and go north 29 miles to E57.   (Google maps has a tendency to have you turn onto 300 street which is an extra 4 miles of gravel road go North to E57)  Turn right to the East for 4 miles.  At stop sign turn right to the South on R18 for 3 miles.   Turn left to the East on gravel 300th St for 1/3 mile.   Turn right at (Address 1140) Mickey Mouse pole Light.  Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot. From Des Moines take 141 to the North to Woodward (From Woodward see above). For questions about the route look at our host site at the photo map. Local Hospital Perry IA ---------------------515 465-3547 Boone IA--------------------515 432-3140 Local gas station: Casey’s General Store (gas, pizza, sub sandwiches, and groceries). Madrid (9 miles away) is the closest diesel fuel. Restaurants in Woodward: Cayennes Café Whistling Donkey Sports Bar and Grill Laundry: Uptown Laundry, 115 S Main St., Woodward Groceries: A J’s Grocery Store Picket Fence Creamery Banks: E-Bank, ATM 217 S Main St., Woodward Local Attractions: Picket Fence Creamery Woodward High Trestle Bridge & BikeTrail Also see: http://burkhartelectric.com/Burkhart%20Boondockers%20Site.html
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$10
 / night
  • Greenhouse Camping
  • Your peaceful home away from home.
  • Greenhouse Camping
97%
(120)

Greenhouse Camping

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Ankeny, IA
We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too! We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny. Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park. Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center. Upscale shopping and dining at the District. Or venture out a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or the Iowa State Fair. It's the best of country and suburban living! End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire. Learn more about this land: You'll love this relaxing space to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!  Very easy access,  we are just 1/2 mile off of Interstate-35.  Our farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.  This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging.  It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!  We're a 15 minute drive from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and the beach life.  You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just 15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town Ames, and  at The District in Ankeny.   Upon your arrival you'll find the greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with 4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.  
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30.40
 / night
  • DILLON TREE FARM
  • DILLON TREE FARM
  • DILLON TREE FARM
100%
(2)

DILLON TREE FARM

6 sites · RVs36 acres · Alden, IA
Up-and-coming Christmas tree farm sits near the Iowa River (1/4 mile away). Up to 7 electrical hookups. In between two smaller towns (Alden and Iowa Falls) with restaurants and things to do. We have a big gravel lot. Christmas trees, timber, and a creek to explore. A nice peaceful setting to enjoy with friends and family.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • Friendly farm animals!
  • Our event center (where you'll check in).
  • Friendly farm animals!
99%
(78)

J.V. Vineyard & Retreat

7 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Scranton, IA
Nestled in the heart of farm country, you'll find a gem hidden near the Raccoon River. Find yourself by getting lost in nature! Our property includes over 40 acres of timber with hiking trails throughout. The main property located near by, includes our vineyard and farm. Come meet some of the farm critters, use the modern bathroom/showers, charge devices and relax at the pond. We have several group camp sites as well as remote hike in options (contact us for more info on these!). Learn more about this land: Choose to stay in one of our private tent sites, with only views of nature surrounding you. The listed sites here are accessible by car, but if remote/hike in is more your style, we have those, too - just ask! Or try out our tree house camp experience: a platform built into the trees with provided 8 person tent secured to the base (contact us to reserve/book the tree house. Rental is $45/night). We also have a large group site. Firewood is provided on site - please do not bring in your own. The campgrounds are a short jaunt from our vineyard. At the vineyard is our event center with lodging. Campers are welcome to use the modern facilities at the event center. Guests are welcome to enjoy the pond (kayaks provided, catch & release fishing), 9 hole disc golf course and play area. There are acres of woodlands to explore with ample opportunity for wildlife watching. We are a short drive to a boat launch river access. Firewood and non potable water is provided for campers.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

  • Secluded riverside ranch
  • Secluded riverside ranch
  • Secluded riverside ranch
100%
(28)

Secluded riverside ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Goldfield, IA
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
  • Tent camping on the Raccoon River
  • Tent camping on the Raccoon River
  • Tent camping on the Raccoon River
99%
(51)

Tent camping on the Raccoon River

1 site · RV, Tent42 acres · Lake City, IA
Learn more about this land:Come relax at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch on the Raccoon River. The river offers floating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The nearby Rainbow Bend park and other local conservation areas offer hiking opportunities. As a working ranch, we have friendly Scottish Highland cattle onsite for great photos and selfies.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
  • Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
  • Our barn dormitory with 7 bedrooms, a lounge, men's and women's restrooms with showers, and kitchenette on the lower level. The upper level has a full kitchen, a large dining hall/dance hall, and a stage.
  • Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
100%
(37)

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

2 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Zearing, IA
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory.  Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips.  As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to  offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open.  We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them.  Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC.  We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night

The best camping near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Well what do we have here? An equestrian’s dream come true you say? That’s right, Brushy Creek State Park has one of the best equestrian camping facilities in the mid-west and 45 miles of multi-use trails ripe for exploring, all surrounding a sweet little lake. Trails are not just for the horse crowd though, hikers, bikers, and winter sport addicts will also want a piece of this pie. After hitting the trails, how about parking it on the sandy beach for a refreshing dip in the lake. Boaters and anglers will be happy about the multiple boat ramps and the no-wake status which means peace and quiet, and all the fish will be yours! Hunters, you are not left out of this picture either, hunting for deer, turkey, and pheasants among others is one of the most popular pursuits here. Something for everyone indeed!

When to go

The best time to visit Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it can be quite busy. Winters are cold and quiet, ideal for those seeking solitude amid the park's wintry charm.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park alerts and closures, especially during severe weather conditions or maintenance periods.
  • Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is accessible to visitors year-round, from dawn until dusk.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable outing.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to confirm their availability during off-peak seasons.

Top parks near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Rock Creek State Park
Ponca State Park
Clear Lake State Park Iowa
Lake Louise State Park
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Frontenac State Park
Buckhorn State Park
Blue Mound State Park

Top cities near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Omaha
Marshalltown
Ames
Iowa City
Kansas City
St Paul
Olathe
Minneapolis

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