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.
"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."
"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."
$28 - $37 / night
"City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town"
"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."
$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."
"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"
"We brought are kayak with us and went down the Upper Iowa River Saturday and Sunday, if you are at this campground make sure you spend a day on the river."
LegendThis is a very small campground in the middle of town across from the high school track/football field. It has a handful of grassy sites. River is behind the property. It is located off a fairly busy road. The bike trail and root river (paddling route) is close by. Pretty area.
LegendThis is a small primitive campground that has 1 vault toilet. (no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price.
LegendThis area is getting more developed as the Owl Center will be moving here from the current location on Main Street. You do need to walk several hundred feet to the tent sites. Nature center, natural playground, biking trails, root river with paddling opportunities. This area is part of the drift-less region and known for its rolling landscape.
LegendLocated on state forest land there are 2 separate areas right next to each other. The first loop is for smaller vehicles and tents and the larger area should be reserved for larger vehicles with horse trailers. There are hiking and equestrian trails present into the state forest land. There is one vault toilet. No other amenities. Beautiful area!
LegendThis is a tucked away campground off a few miles of gravel near Spring Grove, MN. It has a pool and activities found at many KOAs. There is a beautiful creek going through the property and is a very beautiful area known as the driftless region.
LegendThis campground offers a few sites (on the smaller side) in a private area, but within town limits. There is a frisbee golf course present and it is just downhill from the football field. Spring Grove is a cute town with a strong German ancestry roots.
LegendA handful of rustic type sites in the town. This is directly across from the football field, a nice outdoor basketball court and a park.
LegendThis small campground is at the county fairgrounds in the city of Preston, MN. It has basic sites that are fairly good sized. Located within a few hundred yards of the river and the bike trail. Downtown businesses are walkable.
TravelerStaying in the Deerfield (?) loop provided quiet sites, some good wooded walks in the campground, and clean bathrooms. The park itself offers pretty, remote hiking along the bluffs and in the forests. You won't get bored camping here, although Wyalusing is a little too big to be walkable. Summers can be very hot, and swimming at Wyalusing is iffy/nonexistent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 158 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.
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