Established Camping
Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 563-586-2254 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
Starting on November 28, 2025, campsites 60 - 92 in the Little Paint campground will become 100 percent reservable and will be accepting same day reservations year round. The other three campgrounds and the back half of Little Paint will be closed and camping will not be permitted. (Posted August 25, 2025)
Creekside Equestrian Campground in Yellow River State Forest offers a landscape with forested areas and flowing water. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Yellow River State Forest trails and the Effigy Mounds National Monument.
Description
The Creekside and Frontier equestrian campgrounds are non-modern and have non-electric sites with hitching rails and vault toilets. There is no drinking water located in the campgrounds at Yellow River State Forest but it is available at the A-frame information center located on State Forest Road near Big Paint Campground approximately four miles off Highway 76.
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.
Location
Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest is located in Iowa
Directions
The entrance to Yellow River State Forest is located on Hwy 76. The forest is located 15 miles north of Marquette on Hwy. 76. The entrance will be on the right side of the road. This road is called State Forest Road or B25. If traveling from the north the entrance is located 10 miles south of Waukon on Hwy 76. The entrance of the forest from Waukon will be on the left. There is also an alternative entrance located west of Harpers Ferry approximately. 2 miles from town on county road X42, again look for State Forest Road or B25 on the left side of X42. DO NOT TAKE THE DONAHUE ROAD ENTRANCE THIS ROAD IS A LEVEL B ROAD.
Address
729 State Forest Road
Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
Coordinates
43.17684375790111 N
91.22872660352152 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
10 min away
Waukon City Park
21 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 28 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 51 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 52 min from Waterloo, IA
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
