Best Campgrounds near Calmar, IA

Camping opportunities near Calmar, Iowa include a variety of developed campgrounds offering both tent and RV sites within a 20-mile radius. Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah serves as one of the region's most popular destinations, providing electric hookups, showers, and river access. Lake Meyer County Park Campground in Fort Atkinson offers another well-established option with both tent and RV sites, featuring lakeside views and hiking trails. Several campgrounds in the area accommodate cabin rentals and glamping experiences, including Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground and Skip-A-Way Resort. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally, with Pulpit Rock specifically open from April 1 to November 1.

The majority of campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping conditions, with most facilities operating from spring through fall. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups ranging from 30-amp to 50-amp service, though availability varies by location. Water hookups and sanitary dump stations exist at most developed sites, making the area suitable for RV camping. Tent campers can find dedicated areas along waterways at several parks, though these prime spots often book well in advance. Fishing opportunities, particularly for trout, represent a significant draw for many visitors. As one camper noted, "Lake Meyer sits atop a hill above the lake. Beautiful trails with lots of wildlife. Even an eagles nest."

The campground experience varies significantly across the region. According to reviews, tent sites along the Upper Iowa River at Pulpit Rock Campground offer peaceful waterfront camping but can be closely spaced. A visitor mentioned, "The tent sites near the river look more spaced out." Several campgrounds feature hiking and biking access, with Pulpit Rock providing direct access to the Trout Run Trail, connecting to downtown Decorah. Campers frequently highlight the clean facilities, with many noting the well-maintained shower houses and restrooms. Reviewers consistently mention the region's natural beauty, particularly along waterways, though some note proximity to highways can create noise at certain campgrounds. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and recreational courts exist at larger facilities, making them popular destinations throughout the camping season.

Best Camping Sites Near Calmar, Iowa (154)

    1. Pulpit Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Decorah, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 382-9551

    "If you camp rustic, like I did, you camp right next to he upper Iowa river but don't worry because it's not too loud that you won't be able to fall asleep."

    "This campground is located right outside of scenic Decorah and has trails for hiking or biking. Easy access for kayakers and tubers and walking distance to great breweries."

    2. Lake Meyer County Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Calmar, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 534-7145

    "As someone who bicycle tours I appreciated fire wood being on site and close to where the tent area is. The bathrooms aren’t the best but they worked."

    "Lake Meyer sits atop a hill above the Lake. Beautiful trails with lots of wild life. Even an eagles nest. There are hook ups and water."

    3. Pulpit Rock Campground

    3 Reviews
    Decorah, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 382-4158

    $28 - $37 / night

    "City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town"

    4. Pine Creek Cabins & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Decorah, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 495-5836

    5. Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cresco, IA
    17 miles
    Website

    "Easy access for kayaking and tubing on the Upper Iowa River."

    "Camp right along side the Upper Iowa River....80 foot limestone bluffs! Campground shuttles and rents canoes/kayaks."

    6. Bluffton Resort

    5 Reviews
    Decorah, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 735-5738

    $25 / night

    "Gorgeous bluffs and river to camp right next to! Can’t wait to go back!"

    "The camping sites also have large tall trees where a camper should be parked which causes you to park way to close to the fire pit."

    7. Fort Atkinson Community Park

    1 Review
    Calmar, IA
    4 miles
    +1 (563) 534-3029

    $8 - $12 / night

    8. Little Turkey Campground

    1 Review
    Calmar, IA
    12 miles
    +1 (319) 334-0135

    9. Goeken Co Park

    1 Review
    West Union, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 425-3613

    10. Skip-A-Way Resort

    3 Reviews
    West Union, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 423-7338

    "This was a nice campground next to a small town- nice quiet sites. Sites were kind of close together. Mostly seasonal spots here."

    "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids and occasionally a dumping tank for free, also miniture golf"

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Recent Reviews near Calmar, IA

423 Reviews of 154 Calmar Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Excellent

    The camp ground is split in two separate sections. We camped in the south section and found it to be pretty nice spot. Although the north section looks to be a little nicer. Definitely a popular spot so book in advance! The dump station is really small and kind of wonky but works good. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Definitely would recommend during the fall time! The area is absolutely stunning!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake Hendricks Co Park

    Paved sites, simple Accomodations

    A good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables

  • Deb M.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Blackhawk Park

    Another nice COE campground

    Nice mix of sites at this park, many with electric hookups. There’s also lots of unnumbered sites FCFS sites around the park. Only 1 bathroom/shower building, and lots of vault toilets. The west loop sites (where we camped) were a bit close together, but large and level. Even on a busy Labor Day weekend, the campground was quiet and peaceful. AT&T service was good, and T-Mobile service was very spotty. There’s a dump station and potable water on site. We will definitely be back.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    Lovely space

    There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Gorgeous sunsets

    Clean and beautiful campsite. Dry firewood and kindling available. The toilets were clean. The ridge view sites are spectacular but not for those with a fear of heights.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    great camping

    Stayed in site 71 for 3 nights. Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level.  

    The shower house is the newer style - individual shower rooms and then a separate mens/women/handicapped bathroom.   Showers were clean.

    Lots of hiking - down to historic village and back is about 4.5 miles round trip.  

    If you get the chance, go do the the 1 hour walking tour of Mystery Cave - well worth the entry fee.  if you go on weekend probably need to make reservations. 

    and finally need to check out Wykoff - and see Ed's Museum.  Usually open on weekends.  We went over during the week and wasn't open but you can get view inside from the street.

    TV was able to pick up about 15 stations - but there is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile.   Wifi down at the ranger office.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Very Nice

    Very nice City owned facility . City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town

  • D
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Clean sites with some privacy. Great showers and clean bathrooms. There are lots of places to walk the dogs and great hiking.

    Even if you have an inside or non cliff side site, there are plenty of places to sit and watch the sunsets.


Guide to Calmar

Camping options near Calmar, Iowa offer experiences ranging from riverfront sites to lakeside retreats within a 20-mile radius. This region sits within the Driftless Area, characterized by steep limestone bluffs, cold water trout streams, and elevations ranging from 850-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with cool evenings around 55-65°F, creating comfortable camping conditions throughout the main season.

What to do

Explore Upper Iowa River paddling routes: At Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground, visitors access canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service. "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," notes camper Kelly D.

Bike the Trout Run Trail: The 11-mile paved loop connects to Pulpit Rock Campground, offering convenient access for cyclists. "The campground is situated next to the Trout Run Trail, providing quick and easy access to the 11-mile loop or in to the city center of Decorah," explains Travis P.

Fish local streams and lakes: Multiple campsites provide fishing opportunities, especially for trout. "Fishing was really great catching several fish for dinner including some really nice size rainbow trout," reports Mike G. from Pulpit Rock Campground.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower facilities. "The facilities are nice, bathrooms were clean," states Travis P. about Pulpit Rock Campground, while a Lake Meyer County Park visitor notes, "The bathrooms aren't the best but they worked."

Riverside camping: Sites along waterways offer direct access to fishing and paddling. "My boyfriend and I stayed right on the river with our pups (pet friendly) and it was BEAUTIFUL. Easy access to restrooms but secluded and quiet too," shares Kari S.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bluffton Resort (formerly Randy's) and other sites offer chances to spot local wildlife. "Lake Meyer sits atop a hill above the Lake. Beautiful trails with lots of wild life. Even an eagles nest," reports Lourene M. about Lake Meyer County Park Campground.

What you should know

Highway noise affects certain sites: Some campgrounds have sites located near roadways. "Our site was 48 and it was noisy with the highway there. Will go back just move more in ward," advises Tiffany R. about Pulpit Rock.

Site spacing varies significantly: At many campgrounds, RV sites can be closely situated. "What I didn't enjoy was how close each RV site is. The sparks from our fire were making their way to our neighbors site," explains Travis P.

Water access limitations: Not all campgrounds provide full water hookups. At Pulpit Rock, "City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town," according to Robert T.

Seasonal considerations: The best places to camp near Calmar, Iowa typically operate from April through October. Skip-A-Way Resort runs "from April 15 thru Oct 15," according to Lourene M.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple activity options: Skip-A-Way Resort offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting... You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf... They have river rafting, a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting," shares jeremiah B.

Budget-friendly options: Lake Meyer provides affordable tent camping. "It was very inexpensive for tents ($10 I think) and the tent camping area was very nice with 3 giant pine trees and some picnic tables and fire rings," reports B B.

Weekend planning: Popular campsites near Calmar fill quickly, especially in summer. "We drive about 3.5hrs to stay and its definitely worth it! We enjoyed one day of kayaking and another day of cycling on the trout run trail," shares Reah E. about her experience at Bluffton Resort.

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: At Bluffton Resort, site placement can affect your experience. "The camping sites also have large tall trees where a camper should be parked which causes you to park way to close to the fire pit," warns Tonya B.

Check amenities before booking: Campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. At Goeken Co Park, facilities are more primitive: "Best for self-contained campers and tents if you don't mind roughing it," advises Carolyn M.

Extended stay options: Some Calmar area campgrounds cater to longer-term campers. Skip-A-Way Resort has "permanent sites and rentals. There is tent sites and rental campers also. Sewer, water and electric," according to Lourene M.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Calmar, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Calmar, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Calmar, IA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Calmar, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Calmar, IA is Pulpit Rock Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calmar, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Calmar, IA.