No matter what kind of camping you’re into, there are tons of fantastic campsites available in Northeast Iowa. As one of the premier destination areas for outdoor recreation, Northeast Iowa has campgrounds with tons of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Below we put together a great list of Northeast Iowa campgrounds to help you find the perfect spot.
Table of Contents
- Map of Campgrounds in Northeast Iowa
-
Campgrounds in Northeast Iowa
- Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor
- Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry
- Spook Cave Campground, McGregor
- Pulpit Rock Campground, Decorah
- Volga River State Recreation Area, Fayette
- Backbone State Park, Dundee
- George Wyth State Park, Waterloo
- Big Woods Lake Campground, Cedar Falls
- Lost Island Waterpark KOA, Waterloo
- Other campgrounds and cabins in Northeast Iowa
Map of Campgrounds in Northeast Iowa
Campgrounds in Northeast Iowa
Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor
32264 Pikes Peak Rd
McGregor, IA 52157
Pikes Peak State Park is one of the premier parks in the Iowa State Park system. This is understandable once you see the park’s impressive views.
The historic river town of MacGregor is a short drive away, and Prairie Du Chein is right across the river. Camping, hiking, and exploring the area’s rich cultural history are some of the most popular activities here.
The small campground at Pikes Peak State Park is nestled among mature hardwood trees for an ideal camping atmosphere. Considered one of the best campgrounds in northeast Iowa for its majestic views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Bluffs overlooking the rivers are a short walk from the campsites. Plus, numerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground.
Pikes Peak State Park campsites:
- 49 electric sites, 17 non-electric sites, and 2 youth group campsites
- All sites are gravel surfaces.
- Some pull-through sites are available, but most are back in.
- Dump station
Some campsites are close together and unlevel at this campground. Also, this campground was completely renovated in 2022, so some of these details may have changed with the renovation.
For more, see Pikes Peak State Park: Things to See & Do
Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry
YRSF, 729 State Forest Road
Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
Yellow River State Forest is an expansive state forest comprising 8900+ acres in six separate units for exploration. The Paint Creek Unit is the largest at 5237 acres and is home to most recreational opportunities in the state forest.
Camping at Yellow River State Forest is available within the Paint Creek Unit, with eight separate campgrounds in northeast Iowa.
- Big Paint and Little Paint Campgrounds are non-modern with gravel/grass camping surfaces.
- Creekside and Frontier Campgrounds are equestrian campgrounds.
- The remaining campgrounds are hike-in campgrounds, and a rustic cabin is also available.
- All sites in the state forest are non-modern, with vault toilets.
- Water is at the A-frame information center (outside of the campgrounds).
- No dump station
For more, see Yellow River State Forest: A NE Iowa Forest with Tons of Rustic Outdoor Adventures
Spook Cave Campground, McGregor
13299 Spook Cave Rd
McGregor, IA 52157
Spook Cave Campground is situated at the base of a scenic bluff. It has an onsite trout stream, a natural waterfall, and a pond with a swimming beach. And, of course, the famous Spook Cave.
Accommodations range from tent sites to furnished cabins and everything in between, so there is bound to be something for everyone. One of the cabins is available year-round.
Spook Cave campsites:
- 50+ electric campsites; some with water & some full hookup
- Non-electric tent sites
- 40+ seasonal sites
- Cabin rentals
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
Pulpit Rock Campground, Decorah
505 Pulpit Rock Rd
Decorah, IA 52101
Pulpit Rock Campground is a picturesque, family-friendly campground run by the city of Decorah. The campground is full of mature trees and offers a classic campground feel.
This northeast Iowa campground is very popular and is frequently crowded. Still, it offers a good amount of space between sites which helps with privacy.
The campground offers a ton of amenities. Amenities include a basketball court, sand volleyball court, playground, camp store, and a canoe landing. Also, Twin Springs Trout stream and Trout Run trail run right through the campground.
Twin Springs trout stream runs through the campground for the enjoyment of avid anglers. However, it also offers something for bicyclists and hikers! It has easy access to Trout Run Trail, an 11-mile loop trail encircling the beautiful town of Decorah. There is also a camp store at the entrance to the campground for campers’ convenience.
Pulpit Rock campground:
- 56 back-in sites, 19 pull-through sites, and 37 tent sites
- All sites have level asphalt surfaces
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
- See the campground map here.
Volga River State Recreation Area, Fayette
10225 Ivy Rd
Fayette, IA 52142
Volga River State Recreation Area is north of Fayette in a scenic area of Northeastern Iowa known as “little Switzerland.” The park has numerous old steel bridges crossing the Volga River, stunning rock formations, native prairie areas, and natural woodlands. Also, visitors can explore over 20 miles of multi-use trails by hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing.
There are two campgrounds at Volga River State Recreation Area.
Lakeview Campground
This modern campground is on the north side of the recreation area, near the lake.
- 35+ electric sites, most with full hookups.
- Some pull thru sites with concrete camping surfaces available
- Back-in sites have a gravel camping surface
- All surfaces are level
- Modern restrooms & shower house with individual showers.
- Dump station
Albany Campground
This is an equestrian campground on the south side of the recreation area
- 34 equestrian, electric-only sites
- 10 non-equestrian, non-electric sites
- Water available
- Vault toilets
- Campers can use the shower house and dump station at the Lakeview Campground (north side).
For more, see Volga River State Recreation Area: A Favorite NE Iowa Park
Backbone State Park, Dundee
1347 129th St
Dundee, IA 52038
Backbone State Park is a top-rated state park with the unique distinction of being Iowa’s first state park. It boasts distinctive geological features that make for some incredible hikes. Popular park activities include exploring the spring-fed trout stream, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and trout fishing.
Backbone State Park offers three different options for accommodations:
South Lake Campground
South Lake Campground is a modern campground near the park’s South entrance. It’s set among beautiful mature trees for a relaxing camping experience. Most of the sites offer a good amount of space between campsites.
- 49 electric sites, 51 non-electric sites, and 2 youth group campsites
- All campsites have gravel surfaces
- Back in, and several pull-through sites are available.
- Modern shower house & bathrooms
- Dump station
Six Pines Campground
Six Pines Campground is a primitive campground near the park’s west entrance. It’s set among majestic pine and hardwood trees for a quiet and peaceful experience. This campground is rarely busy, so if solitude is what you’re after, this is your best bet.
- 27 non-electric sites and 2 youth group campsites
- All sites have a gravel or grass surface and are back-in
- Vault toilets
Backbone State Park Cabins
The park has sixteen year-round, modern cabins nestled among mature trees and open grassy areas. Find the cabins on the park’s southeast side, past the beach area.
For more, see Backbone State Park: Iowa’s Most Adventure Filled Park
George Wyth State Park, Waterloo
3659 Wyth Road
Waterloo, IA 50703
George Wyth State Park is secluded for a park in the city and offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities.
It features four lakes for visitors’ enjoyment. Brinker Lake is 180 acres and is “no wake” until 9 AM. George Wyth Lake is “no wake” with a swimming beach and a universally accessible fishing pier. Fisher Lake is a natural oxbow lake of the Cedar River. Finally, Alice Wyth Lake is a 60-acre lake that allows electric motors only.
The park is the ideal habitat for many birds, and bird watchers have reported seeing over 200 bird species there.
The campground at George Wyth State Park is located on the banks of the Cedar River near the cities of Cedar Falls/Waterloo. It’s situated within mature shade trees and is a perfect spot for enjoying the park’s amenities.
George Wyth State Park campground:
- 69 campsites; 47 electric, 22 non-electric, including 3 walk-in tent sites, & 1 youth group site
- All sites have a level gravel/grass camping surface
- No pull-thru sites are available at this campground
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
For more, see George Wyth State Park: Escape to Nature In Cedar Falls & Waterloo
Big Woods Lake Campground, Cedar Falls
1501 E Lake St
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Big Woods Lake Campground is a county park that offers visitors a rural feel in an urban setting. It’s located within the Big Woods Lake Recreation Area and offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.
Fish and boat (no wake) at Big Woods Lake, hike or bike the Cedar Valley recreational trail system, or check out the 10-acre natural prairie area.
Most of the sites in this campground offer plenty of space, and some pull-thru sites are available. Reservations are accepted for a few spots, but most campsites are first-come, first-serve.
Big Woods Campground:
- 55 full hookup sites
- Tent sites
- Campsites have level gravel surfaces
- Modern showers
- Three cabins
Lost Island Waterpark KOA, Waterloo
4550 La Porte Rd (Hess Rd)
Waterloo, IA 50701
Lost Island Waterpark KOA is a unique campground with tons of amenities. An onsite lake offers a swimming beach, fishing, and a rental shack with 4-person paddle boats, kayaks, banana bikes, paddle boards, and water trike rentals. And a 9-hole disc golf and mini golf course offer more recreational opportunities for guests.
Lost Island Waterpark KOA:
- Over 140 full hookup sites & 8 tent sites
- All gravel camping pads
- 4-8 person cabins available
- Modern restrooms/showers
Other campgrounds and cabins in Northeast Iowa
Andy’s Mountain Cabins
2335 Andy Mountain Ln, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
- Located near Effigy Mounds National Monument, Yellow River State Forest, & Pikes Peak State Park
- Luxury cabin rentals
- RV park with full hookups
The Natural Gait Campground & Cabins
1878 Old Mission Drive, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
- Near Effigy Mounds National Monument, Yellow River State Forest, & Pikes Peak State Park
- Nine electric sites and primitive campsites
- Two cabin rentals
Deer Run Resort RV Park
501 S High St, Elkader, IA 52043
- Located on the Turkey River & about 30 miles from many NE Iowa attractions
- 81 RV camping sites
- Cottage rentals
- Daily, weekly, & seasonal rentals
Bear Creek Cabins
3497 Highlandville Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
- Located just north of Decorah
- Modern log cabins for rent
- 13 electric sites and six primitive sites
Hutchinson Family Farm Campground
2299 Scenic River Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
- Located near Decorah
- Electric and primitive campsites along the Upper Iowa River
- Two log cabins for rent
- Kayak and tube rentals (and shuttles)
Bluffton Resort & Bar
2619 W Ravine Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
- Near Decorah, on the Upper Iowa River
- Electric and primitive tent sites, some riverside
- Kayak rentals
White’s Riverside Bluffton Campground
2633 W Ravine Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
- Near Decorah, on the Upper Iowa River
- Electric campsites; some riverside
- River access (kayak rentals nearby)
Upper Iowa Resort & Rental
578 Lonnings Dr, Dorchester, IA 52140
- Located 23 miles northeast of Decorah on the Upper Iowa River
- Campsites with electric & water (plus seasonal sites) & cabin rentals
- Extras include swimming, river access with kayak, canoe, & tube rentals
Chimney Rock Campground
3312 Chimney Rock Rd, Cresco, IA 52136
- Located 15 miles northwest of Decorah near the Upper Iowa River
- Electric sites, primitive tent sites, and 6 cabin rentals
- River access and canoe, kayak, & tube rentals (+ shuttles)
Harvest Farm Campground Resort
3690 318th Ave, Cresco, IA 52136
- Located 22 miles northwest of Decorah on the Upper Iowa River
- Sites with electric & water, primitive & electric tent sites, and cabin rentals (+ seasonal sites)
- River access; canoe, kayak, & tube rentals (+ shuttles)
Skip A Way Campground & Resort
3825 Harding Rd, Clermont, IA 52135
- Located 30 minutes west of Pikes Peak SP; 30 min south of Decorah
- Electric, full hookup, & primitive sites with nightly, weekly, & monthly rates
- Extra amenities, like a beach, restaurant, mini golf, & river access
Heritage Hills Campground
26411 Harding Rd, Clermont, IA 52135
- Located 30 min. west of Pikes Peak SP; 30 min. south of Decorah
- 60 campsites with electric; primitive tent camping; equestrian sites (& trails)
- Extra amenities, like volleyball, wagon rides, & special events
Echo Valley State Park
9672 Echo Valley Rd, West Union, IA 52175
- Located near Volga River State Recreation Area
- Primitive tent sites
- Trout stream and hiking trail
Klock’s Island Park & Campground
1000 West Water Street, Fayette, IA 52142
- Located on the west side of Fayette & near Volga State Recreation Area
- Electric and water hookup sites available first come, first serve
- River access
Gouldsburg County Park
18649 Sunset Rd, Hawkeye, IA 52147
- Located northwest of Fayette; 30 minutes south of Decorah
- 30 electric sites
- River access
Lakeshore RV Resort & Campground
1418 Q Avenue, Oelwein, Iowa 50662
- Located on the southwest side of Oelwein
- Full hookup sites
- Extra amenities, like beach, mini golf, and pickleball
Little Turkey River Campground
206 3rd St SE, Waucoma, IA 52171
- Located 26 miles southwest of Decorah; 27 miles northwest of Fayette
- 20 RV sites (some with water hookup) & tent camping
