Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

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.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsChimney Rock Canoe and Campground is located in Iowa near Cresco

Detail location of campground
Private Campground

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

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites 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


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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2021

Hidden oasis from the city

We booked a spot for our RV because we wanted to explore the Decorah,IA area and it’s abundant set of activities. The campground is more on the rustic side but they have a nice clean shower house, very well kept grounds and a ton of space to spread out. The lower campground is right next to the river and there are RV, tent and cabin sites available.

SiteLE-10
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by MitchRoeschlein , August 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by MitchRoeschlein , August 12, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2019

The best weekend camping so close to home!

Chimney Rock Campground was exactly what this Family needed for our first camping trip! We stayed in the upper C campground, every spot is spread far apart for privacy. Yes there was music and people partying I have read people complain in other reviews, but it was done at a decent time and what do you expect? we have all been there and done that and they were done before midnight and silence the rest of the night! We rented canoes and went on a four hour trip but next time we will Deff go on a longer canoe trip and leave earlier. The scenery and the clear water on the river and we went fishing and caught one after the other. We cannot complain about one single thing from our weekend getaway close to home and will be back very very soon.

SiteC upper level
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by Laura P., August 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by Laura P., August 4, 2019
Reviewed May. 22, 2018

Best place to unplug with the family.

Excellent staff. One of the best kept campgrounds I've been to. Between the campground and the nearby towns, there is easily two weeks of activities to do. More depending on the time of year you go. They offer canoeing, kayaking, tubing, sand volleyball court, shower facilities, water and electrical hookups, cabins, picnic shelter, and firewood on site. Go to http://www.chimneyrocks.com for more information

SitePrimitive site
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by Jeremy L., May 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by Jeremy L., May 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by Jeremy L., May 22, 2018
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2018

Perfect Spot on Upper Iowa River

I have been visiting Chimney Rock Camp and Canoe for 20 years. Every time I visit I have a wonderful time enjoying the scenic Upper Iowa River. This part of Iowa is a treasure. Deb and her crew are always helpful and accommodating. They run a great canoe/kayak/tube rental with shuttle service. This is a private campground. I appreciate the laid back vibe. We have been here during the week and have had the place pretty much to ourselves. The weekends are a bit more lively, but with friendly folks. Some of my favorite memories are on the shuttle bus up to the drop in and laughing with fellow campers/ river floaters. We love Chimney Rock and pray this little slice of heaven is available for us to enjoy for years to come. We prefer to stay down by the river sans electricity. We have done this for years in a tent and now in our hybrid camper. There are cabins, electric sites, showers and a dump station.

Reviewed Apr. 23, 2018

Canoe Rental and Group Camping

We visit on memorial day weekend with a large group. Camp right along side the Upper Iowa River....80 foot limestone bluffs! Campground shuttles and rents canoes/kayaks.

SiteRiverside
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by J. T., April 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground by J. T., April 23, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What canoe rental options are available at Chimney Rock Campground in Cresco?

Chimney Rock Campground offers comprehensive water recreation rental options including canoes, kayaks, and tubes. The campground provides a convenient shuttle service that transports guests and equipment to designated launch points along the Upper Iowa River. This service allows visitors to enjoy paddling experiences without worrying about transportation logistics. The rental operation is well-established and professionally managed by the campground staff, who are known for being helpful and accommodating to guests' needs. The river access is easy and convenient, making this an excellent base for exploring the scenic Upper Iowa River.

Where is Chimney Rock Campground located in Iowa?

Chimney Rock Campground is situated along the Upper Iowa River in northeastern Iowa. The campground is positioned in a particularly scenic area characterized by dramatic 80-foot limestone bluffs. Its location provides easy access to the river while serving as a convenient base for exploring the broader Decorah area. The setting combines natural beauty with proximity to local towns that offer additional activities and amenities.

What amenities and facilities are available at Chimney Rock Campground?

Chimney Rock Campground features clean shower facilities, water and electric hookups for RVs, and a sand volleyball court. The grounds are exceptionally well-maintained with spacious campsites that offer privacy, particularly in the upper C campground area. The campground has two distinct sections - a lower area directly adjacent to the Upper Iowa River and an upper area with more spread-out sites. For recreation, the campground provides canoe, kayak, and tube rentals with shuttle service, and direct access to the river for water activities. The facilities are clean, the grounds are well-kept, and the overall atmosphere balances natural beauty with essential camping amenities.