Yellow River State Forest's equestrian-focused campground sits within forested terrain near creek and river corridors in Allamakee County, Iowa. Sites are spacious and include fire rings, picnic tables, and tie-ups for horses, with full hookups covering electric, water, and sewer. Trails leave directly from camp, crossing trout streams along the way. A manure station with tools is on-site. Self-registration is available. At $25 per night, the campground suits horse riders and anglers looking for direct trail and fishing access, with Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest nearby for overflow or alternative staging.
Description
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.
Frontier equestrian campgrounds are non-modern and have non-electric sites with hitching rails and vault toilets
Fee Info
Equestrian - Standard Non Electric: $16.00
Reservation Info
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.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
All four campgrounds are 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10 pm CST the day of arrival. Exception: Little Paint Campground sites 60 - 92 are open year round.
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.
The Big Paint, Creekside, and Frontier campgrounds and campsites 93 - 118 in the Little Paint campground will be closed starting the Friday after Thanksgiving - March 31.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFrontier Equestrian Campground is located in Iowa near Waterville
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
43.17671336944274 N
91.22893059661403 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next 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
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
