The wide-open Iowa prairie is a great place to go camping under the stars. But the great outdoors isn’t for everyone, and if you want those same stunning views without sleeping on the ground or fending off bugs, these three parks may offer the ultimate glamping experience. The yurt may have originated in Central Asia, but now they’re available at these three campgrounds in Iowa! Ever thought about checking out the best yurts in Iowa? We strongly recommend it.

1. McIntosh State Woods

Celeste T/TripAdvisor
At McIntosh State Woods, you'll find a fully furnished campground with a visitor's center, stunning views - and one exciting secret. Hidden in the back of the campground is a pair of modern yurts that are an ideal size to fit a small family.
Stanbro81/TripAdvisor
The yurts are near the campground's largest lake, making a great place for morning swimming or fishing. This is one of the best state parks with yurts in Iowa.
McIntosh Woods State Park, 1200 E Lake St, Ventura, IA 50482, USA
Stilettogirl/TripAdvisor

2. Pammel Park

SouthIA/TripAdvisor
The environment at Pammel Park is rustic in the best way, with old-fashioned log cabins dotting the grounds. However, for yurt camping, the yurts available for rent here are anything but old-fashioned - offering a dose of comfort in a humble park.
SouthIA/TripAdvisor

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Inside, the spacious and stylish cabin will make you forget you're in the woods - until you step outside to look at the stars.
Pammel Park, 562-898, Pammel Park, US-69, Forest City, IA 50436, USA
Teammilitello/TripAdvisor

3. Windy Goat Acres

Windy Goat Acres/Facebook
For a truly unforgettable glamping experience, stop by Windy Goat Acres - a working goat farm. The farm's yurt is the largest and most modern in the state of Iowa, and getting a night there is a hot ticket.
Windy Goat Acres/Facebook
When you step inside, it's not hard to see why. This circular tent house looks more like a high-end hotel room!
Windy Goat Acres/Facebook
Of course, when you're staying at Windy Goat Acres, some furry visitors on your porch in the morning might come with the territory! This is one of the best places to go if you're looking for "yurt camping near me."
Windy Goat Acres, 3091 Q Ave, Chelsea, IA 52215, USA
Windy Goat Acres/Facebook

Have you ever stayed in a yurt? What do you think about yurts in Iowa? How do they compare against other camping and glamping experiences? Let us know all about your past and upcoming camping plans in the comments section. You can find out more about renting these amazing Yurts here for Windy Goat Acres, Pammel Park, and McIntosh Woods!

Whether you’re going camping or glamping, some preparation is involved. Take a look at all of the camping gear you may need from our friends at REI.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Yurts In Iowa

Tori Jane | April 10, 2023

Where can I camp in yurts in Iowa? 

Believe it or not, Iowa is an excellent state for yurt camping. There are numerous locations where you are able to camp in yurts in Iowa, including ones like:  

  • McIntosh Woods State Park – These yurts, like all the ones we’re about to mention, are more than just affordable: they’re also much cozier than you might expect. Neat!  
  • Pammel State Park – Honestly, several of Iowa’s state parks have yurt camping options, and we’re here for it.  
  • Kennedy Park – The yurts here tend to get rave reviews.  

Learn more about the yurt village at Kennedy Park!   

What are some ideal destinations for glamping in Iowa? 

Of course, glamping in Iowa doesn’t always have to involve a yurt. There are numerous options for unique places to stay and plenty of places for glamping in IA, such as:  

  • Private properties – One of the best glamping options out there is the “private” option, where you reserve a campsite, tent, tiny home, or any other glamping setup on non-public land, usually by means of Airbnb and VRBO. You will find some of the all-time best places for glamping in Iowa on these sites.  
  • The Dyrt – This helpful website gets its hands dirty and does all the heavy lifting (and digging) for you. Find idyllic glamping locations on this easy-to-use little site designed for exactly this.  

Check out more details about Iowa’s newest glampground.   

Where should I go for the best camping in Iowa? 

Naturally, all this glamping and yurt stuff doesn’t mean regular, traditional camping is off the table, either. Some of the best places to go camping in Iowa are places that include:  

  • Iowa’s State Parks – Amazing places like Pikes Peak State Park, Backbone State Park, Bellevue State Park, and Stone State Park have some of the best camping in the Midwest.  
  • Private/Public Campgrounds – Awesome options like Pulpit Rock Campground (private) and the Brushy Creek State Recreation Area (public) ensure that your needs are met no matter what.  

Learn more about affordable campgrounds in Iowa and start planning your camping adventure!   

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