$12 / night

Camper submitted image from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest - 1

Camper submitted image from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest - 2

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Camping

Established Camping

Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

12 Reviews

About

Department of Natural Resources

Yellow River State Forest

Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

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Location

Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest is located in Iowa

Coordinates

43.16566159980247 N
91.259792376559 W

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Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

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Site Types

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Fires

$12

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James M.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2022

Primative backpack site in State Forest

Camp Glen Wendel is about 1 mile in from self camp registration at HQ. Sites have fire rings and benches, some more spacious than others. This Camp has wonderful stands of coniferous trees. The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk.

Month of VisitAugust

(15) View All

Kevin C.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 6, 2021

Great backpacking loop

I've done this loop several times, and have never been disappointed. Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails. There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy.

Christopher S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2020

Backpacker's Training Ground

My friend and I were eager to test out some new backpacking gear for the first time in advance of a larger trip this summer.

We have stayed several times at the Big Paint Campground which is a wonderful drive-up campground that seems to have mostly tent campers. Only two sites at that campground have direct creek access, 55 and 53.

For our most recent trip, we hiked from Paint Creek area headquarters along Brown's Hollow Trail to Brown's Hollow Campground. It's a low spot in the area, and became a bit soft as we were met with a brief downpour just as we arrived. But what can you expect being down in a 'hollar'?

This park is LUSH. Tons of wildlife and we thoroughly enjoyed hunting for wild oyster mushrooms which we gave a quick sautee before including in our rehydrated meals.

This was a quick trip, only one night. However we took it slow the next morning and we're greeted by HUNDREDS of butterflies! They were everywhere! Using the Koffman's Field Guide to the Midwest I identified them as Hackberry Emperors. Magical morning indeed.

The park has several backcountry camping spots and I will likely use them all as I continue to train for a larger trip later this summer. The park has a great feeling of isolation and wilderness that can be absent from other places.

SiteBrown's Hollow

Month of VisitJuly

(7) View All

Shyla G.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

Backpacking the paint creek loop

Been coming to yellow river for years but have always wanted to go backpacking. Finally, convinced one of my friends to come with, we ended up getting scared around midnight from the noises. Took our hammocks down and ran all the way back 😂 still a fun time beautiful hike and nice area to set up camp, also had service!

(5) View All

Macel C.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2020

Great gem

Well spaced out camp sites ,very primitive. Great spot to view the stars. Awesome for kids.

(7) View All

J. T.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2020

Great backpacking camps along trails

Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore. Great scenery.

David H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2020

Great place

No showers or dump station. But it was great.

Brooke M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2018

great park for backpacking

great park with a few longer trails for backpacking. have used these trails/this park to prepare for longer trips. wonderful spots to camp and the creeks are very clean and pretty! I've backpacked here multiple times and have only run into other people once or twice. hidden gem.

Matt S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2017

Yellow River is awesome for weekend Backpacking! Gear Review: Bonk Breaker is a little pricey and Mountain House strikes gold with the Breakfast Skillet

I am a real fan of Yellow River State Forest. It really caters to Backpackers and horseback riders. There are trails made for just backpacking and then other trails open to both backpackers and equestrian campers. I am a backpacker and the main caution I would give someone backpacking is try and avoid some of the equestrian trails, they may be a little too adventurous if you are not accustomed to dodging horse poop on the trail.

The other advice I would give a backpacker is make sure you find the marked campgrounds. There are several unsanctioned campsites along the trail. This may sound cool, but I promise you, the sanctioned campsites are beautiful and you will feel like you missed out if you skip them.

Yellow River State Forest is beautiful. ALSO DON'T MISS THE FIRE TOWER. It is very cool, but it is closed off to climbing it.

GEAR REVIEW: While backpacking at Yellow River State Forest I tried the BONK BREAKER Almond and Honey and Almond and Cherry protein bars. They were descent, but I thought at a price of $3.00 a bar, at REI, was a little steep for what you got. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars for taste and 2 out of 5 stars for price.

I also tested the MOUNTAIN HOUSE BREAKFAST SKILLET: 5 out of 5 stars!!! The taste is awesome, it is light weight, and I would call it major comfort food, especially on a backpacking trip.

(13) View All

Lynn G.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2017

Beautiful lush forest with serious trails

Amazing place to explore for all ages. Who knew that Iowa has hills like this?! We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds. There are other parks and waterways to visit nearby and a town nearby.

Yay: the dense forest and water is really special. Campsites are clean and everything is very well tended. There are a few campgrounds especially for horses. Backcountry sites are free but no reservations are taken.

Nay: honestly can’t remember any issues at all!

Surprise: there is hunting open to the public so enjoy and/or be careful!

Lindsey R.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Cheap getaway!

Very secluded with good fishing opportunities and great fishing in the area!

kevin T.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2016

Yellow river

This site fills up really fast becaue of the cheap price of only 9 dollars. This is the cheapest but one of the best campsites ive been to. The entire place is opened to hunting and there is hikes you can do. There is snow in the winter.