Motor Mill Historic Site near Elkader, IA, offers camping in an area characterized by rolling hills and the Turkey River. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the historic Motor Mill and the scenic Backbone State Park, providing opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.

Motor Mill Historic Site

Are you in need of a campground near Elkader, IA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Elkader. Find the best campgrounds near Elkader, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Elkader

The Best Camping Near Elkader, Iowa

This campground is on the Turkey River in an open field. There are a handful of picnic tables and fire pits scattered around, and there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to sites, although there is a pay station with “sites” noted. The best sites are on the back edge, up against the woods where you can have some tree cover and possibly hang a hammock. If you are out in the main field, there are very few trees and no suitable hammock trees. There are NO hookups for campers/RVs. This is a primarily tent campground. Things get kinda rowdy on the weekends; it seems this is a party campground for all the river rats who come to play in the river. Across from the camping area is river access for boats, fishing, and kayaking. There is a really neat historical Mill building that is open a few hours a week for tours (not while I was there) as well as an amazing old bridge with a wood plank roadbed that you can still drive across. I found the bridge construction pretty amazing and wish I was there on a weekend instead of during the week as I would have loved to tour the old Mill. As it was I was still able to walk the grounds (NOT suggested at night due to uneven ground) and imagine how this little community would have functioned long ago.

Photos of Motor Mill Historic Site

Real photos from real campers