Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground sits alongside the Upper Iowa River in northeast Iowa, offering both tent and RV camping with electric and water hookups. The campground operates as a private facility with canoe, kayak, and tubing rentals plus shuttle service to river access points. Sites spread across upper and lower areas, with the lower campground positioned directly next to the river beneath 80-foot limestone bluffs.
The facility maintains clean shower houses and a dump station for RV campers. Chimney Rock County Park provides additional camping options nearby. Weekend visits tend to draw larger groups and more activity, while weekday stays often offer quieter conditions. Several reviewers mention the laid-back atmosphere and friendly fellow campers encountered on shuttle rides to river put-in points.
River access drives much of the campground's appeal, with multiple review mentions of clear water and productive fishing. The Upper Iowa River supports four-hour float trips, though longer excursions are available for those departing earlier in the day. Kelly D. notes visiting for 20 years and appreciates "the scenic Upper Iowa River" and accommodating staff. Sites without electricity remain available for campers preferring a more rustic experience closer to the water.
Description
Chimney Rock campground has medium service private campground with cabin rentals, canoe, and kayak rentals. Primitive and electric sites and livery service. Located along the gorgeous upper iowa river. Chimney rock campground 5 small (six person) cabins and 2 Large (12 person) cabins. All have heat and air conditioning. All include: stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, pots and pans as well as complete table service. You do need to bring your own bedding. There are full sized bunk beds in the lower level and queen beds in the loft. There is also a water storage container and sink for washing dishes. For bathing we have a community bath and shower house. There are porta potties located very near the cabins as well.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChimney Rock Canoe and Campground is located in Iowa near Cresco
Directions
From jct SR 9, SR 139 & Pole Line Rd (A34): Go 7 mi E on Pole Line Rd (A34), then follow signs 3-1/2 mi on gravel road.
Address
3312 Chimney Rock Rd
Cresco, IA 52136
Coordinates
43.41579719 N
91.93627836 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 6 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 26 min from Waterloo, IA
- 2 hrs 10 min from Dubuque, IA













