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    • Camping near Jefferson

    Enjoy a getaway into Iowa’s scenic wilderness while camping near Jefferson.

    98% (535 reviews)
    1. United States
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    2. Iowa
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    3. Jefferson
    98% (535 reviews)

    Popular camping styles for Jefferson

    Community favorites near Jefferson

    Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

    • 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
    • The Waypoint
    • The Waypoint
    • The Waypoint
    100%
    (37)

    The Waypoint

    5 sites · RVs18 acres · Earlham, IA
    A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35. 18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community. If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.
    Pets
    Toilets
    Campfires
    from 
    $35
     / night
    • Burkhart Farm
    • 9 sites with Electric and water. Open yard with no utilities
    • Burkhart Farm
    100%
    (16)

    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
    • Outdoor shower surrounded by trees
    • Saylor Creek Hideaway
    • Outdoor shower surrounded by trees
    100%
    (4)

    Saylor Creek Hideaway

    1 site · Lodging7 acres · Des Moines, IA
    Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort! Experience a unique getaway with your friends or family. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, creating fun family memories or simply looking for a weekend getaway, our place is perfect for you! “There is nothing like hearing the owls at night and hanging out by the campfire all day.” - Christy Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to the beauty of nature and relax with a cup of espresso on the deck. During the day, explore all that Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. And when night falls, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and share stories while roasting s'mores. You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Our glamping tent offers all the amenities you need to feel comfortable while still being immersed in nature. With air conditioning and heat, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs no matter what the Iowa weather throws your way. Get a good night's sleep in our king-size bed with cozy bedding. Enjoy the convenience of running water at the nearby sink and shower, which means you won't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores? No problem! “This is the perfect getaway location without having to "rough it"... this was the absolute best place to try out camping without sacrificing some comforts.” - Gloria Inside the Tent: - King size bed. All bedding is provided. - Couch folds into a twin size bed. Bedding provided. - Towels, shampoo, conditioner & body wash - Air conditioning & heat - Small refrigerator - Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar - Dining table with two chairs - TV with Hulu, Disney+, Prime - WiFi - Board games “Extremely comfy bed with cozy warm bedding.” - Lindsey Outside the Tent: - Two deck chairs - Solo Stove smokeless fire pit - Two Adirondack chairs - Charcoal grill with charcoal - One large bundle of firewood - Fire starter and lighter - Outhouse with sink & composting toilet - Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head This tent is tucked into the trees on the 7 acre property where we live. Our house is out of sight when you're on the campsite. A short walk down a path and you will reach the tent where you will be immersed in the trees.
    Potable water
    Toilets
    Campfires
    from 
    $150
     / night
    • Rooted Timbers
    • Rooted Timbers
    • Rooted Timbers
    100%
    (20)

    Rooted Timbers

    4 sites · Tents12 acres · Stuart, IA
    We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage. We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    from 
    $45
     / night
    • Firefly Creek Ranch
    • Firefly Creek Ranch
    • Firefly Creek Ranch
    92%
    (13)

    Firefly Creek Ranch

    10 sites · RVs, Tents31 acres · Guthrie Center, IA
    Our property was once the County Home until it was closed due to regulatory changes to the mental health industry. The property sat vacant for 2 years as a deficit for the county and its taxpayers. We had a plan to breathe new life into this property by re-opening as a non-profit Art, Community, and Retreat Center.  We are in the heart of the rolling hills surrounding Guthrie Center & Lake Panorama.  It is simply an amazing place.  Please come and see what makes this experience unique.  Learn more about this land:Peaceful farm setting in the rolling hills of Guthrie County, Iowa. Outdoor rustic camping and indoor simple Bed & Breakfast rooms.  10 Rustic Campsites or 1 with water and electric hook-ups for additional $5 night.  Self contained campers welcome.  Ask about our Gathering & Retreat Center with 8 indoor overnight accommodations available.  Sleeps 8-15.  
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    from 
    $22.50
     / night

    Public campgrounds near Jefferson

    Ledges Campground
    100%
    (4)

    Ledges Campground

    94 sites · RVs, Tents In Ledges State Park
    Cherry Glen Campground
    100%
    (5)

    Cherry Glen Campground

    125 sites · RVs, Tents In Saylorville Lake
    Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground
    100%
    (3)

    Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

    159 sites · RVs, Tents In Saylorville Lake
    Lake Anita Campground
    100%
    (2)

    Lake Anita Campground

    160 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Anita State Park
    Acorn Valley Campground
    100%
    (1)

    Acorn Valley Campground

    95 sites · RVs, Tents In Saylorville Lake
    Springbrook Campground

    Springbrook Campground

    111 sites · RVs, Tents In Springbrook State Park
    Dolliver Campground

    Dolliver Campground

    24 sites · RVs, Tents In Dolliver Memorial State Park
    Beach Campground

    Beach Campground

    252 sites · RVs, Tents In Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
    Black Hawk Campground

    Black Hawk Campground

    128 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hawk State Park
    Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

    Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

    67 sites · RVs, Tents In Saylorville Lake
    Walnut Woods Campground

    Walnut Woods Campground

    22 sites · RVs, Tents In Walnut Woods State Park

    Top camping destinations

    Beresford
    Beresford
    14 campgrounds
    Myre - Big Island State Park
    Myre - Big Island State Park
    270 campgrounds
    Saylorville Lake
    Saylorville Lake
    147 campgrounds
    Indian Cave State Park
    Indian Cave State Park
    174 campgrounds
    Canton
    Canton
    13 campgrounds
    Blue Mounds State Park
    Blue Mounds State Park
    104 campgrounds

    3 top campgrounds near Jefferson

    • 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
    Campfires
    Trash
    from 
    $30.40
     / night
    • Come Enjoy the Beauty
    • RV Spots have electric at the site, water to fill your tanks with and we have a dump station on the way out.
    • Come Enjoy the Beauty
    96%
    (465)

    Come Enjoy the Beauty

    61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Earlham, IA
    This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees.
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    Campfires
    Showers
    from 
    $29
     / night
    • Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
    • Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
    • Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
    99%
    (175)

    Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

    13 sites · Lodging40 acres · Menlo, IA
    Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors.  We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins.  We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning.  We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    Trash
    from 
    $15
     / night

    Nearby parks

    Explore the area’s public lands.

    Ledges State Park
    100%
    (4)
    Ledges State Park
    Luther, Iowa
    Saylorville Lake
    100%
    (9)
    Saylorville Lake
    Polk City, Iowa
    Lake Anita State Park
    100%
    (2)
    Lake Anita State Park
    Anita, Iowa
    Springbrook State Park
    Springbrook State Park
    Lake Panorama, Iowa
    Dolliver Memorial State Park
    Dolliver Memorial State Park
    Lehigh, Iowa
    Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
    Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
    Lehigh, Iowa
    Black Hawk State Park
    Black Hawk State Park
    Lake View, Iowa
    Walnut Woods State Park
    Walnut Woods State Park
    West Des Moines, Iowa
    Value Prop
    Value Prop
    Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
    Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

    Camping near Jefferson guide

    Overview

    An hour outside Des Moines, Jefferson makes a convenient launching point for Greene County camping adventures. Pedal down Jefferson’s 56-mile biking trail through Raccoon River Valley after setting up camp in nearby Spring Lake Park. Here, RV and tent sites have electric hookups, firepits, and picnic tables as well as accessibility to showers and bathrooms. South of Jefferson, Springbrook State Park encompasses 12 miles of hiking trails through rolling hills and a fishing lake stocked with crappie and largemouth bass. Find a cabin rental in the park with a full kitchen for a family, or park the RV in spacious, ADA-accessible vehicle sites near restrooms and dump stations. For a swim break, head to Jefferson and Big Creek State Park, Iowa’s largest state-park beach. Extend the stay at private campsites in town that include glamping cabins with access to saltwater hot tubs, or big rig-friendly campgrounds that provide firewood, private showers, and on-site playgrounds.

    Popular Jefferson trips

    RV parks & camping with full hookups
    Cabins with showers
    Farm camping with showers
    River, stream, or creek RV parks & camping with full hookups
    Ranch camping with fishing
    RV parks & camping
    Camping
    Glamping

    Top parks near Jefferson

    Blue Mounds State Park
    Lake Louise State Park
    Kilen Woods State Park
    Minneopa State Park
    Ice Age National Scenic Trail
    Merrick State Park
    Buckhorn State Park
    Brunet Island State Park

    Top cities near Jefferson

    Omaha
    Lincoln
    Des Moines
    Marshalltown
    Kansas City
    St Paul
    Olathe
    Minneapolis

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