The Calmar region sits in northeastern Iowa's Driftless Area, characterized by limestone bluffs and valleys carved by ancient glacial meltwater. Local campgrounds typically range from 850 to 1,200 feet in elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 78-85°F during peak camping season. The area's unique topography creates multiple microclimates, offering sheltered camping options even during spring and fall when weather conditions can change rapidly.
What to do
Fishing access: Trout streams throughout the region provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly at Twin Campgrounds where sites are positioned right alongside the Turkey River. "Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site," notes camper Greg K., who appreciated the convenient water access.
Biking trails: The Trout Run Trail near Pulpit Rock Campground offers an 11-mile paved loop suitable for all skill levels. Camper Mallory S. shares, "We rode the entire Trout Run Trail and loved it and visited Pulpit Rock Brewery, Toppling Goliath and the Vesterheim."
Kayaking and canoeing: The Upper Iowa River provides multiple paddling routes with limestone bluff views. Clarke N. from Hutchinson Family Farm Campground recommends: "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."
Hiking with morning coffee: Echo Valley State Park Campground features gentle morning trails perfect for starting your day. Wilber S. reports, "The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)."
What campers like
Spacious camping sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at Hutchinson Family Farm Campground, where you won't feel crowded. Clarke N. notes, "The sites are huge but pretty open... The lawn was nicely mowed and the sites are very level. We did check out some of the other campgrounds and did find that some have you packed in like cord wood."
River access campsites: Camping directly beside water is a major draw for visitors to Bluffton Resort. Rose L. enthuses, "Gorgeous bluffs and river to camp right next to! Can't wait to go back!" This sentiment is echoed throughout reviews of riverside campgrounds in the region.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers at area campgrounds. Mike G. observed at Pulpit Rock Campground, "Bathrooms were warm and really clean, staff was really great and if youre bringing a pet, there were plenty of areas to walk."
Quiet atmosphere: For campers seeking peace, Echo Valley State Park Campground offers exceptional solitude. Wilber S. remarks, "I was a quarter mile from the next nearest site. Certainly a tent oriented campground, RVs would have a difficult time."
What you should know
Limited tent options: Some campgrounds prioritize RV camping with fewer designated tent sites. Travis P. notes about Pulpit Rock Campground: "The facilities are nice, bathrooms were clean. What I didn't enjoy was how close each RV site is... The tent sites near the river look more spaced out."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate approximately April through October, with Pulpit Rock Campground specifically open "April 1 to November 1" according to official information.
Flood potential: Some riverside campgrounds may experience high water during spring or after heavy rains. Always check water conditions before booking, especially for sites along the Upper Iowa River.
Campground amenities vary significantly: Some locations have complete facilities while others are quite primitive. Kerry M. explains that Echo Valley State Park Campground is "non-electric, self-pay, non-reservable, and has only a few sites... most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping… large RVs would not do well."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Skip-A-Way Resort offers numerous family-focused amenities. Jeremiah B. reports, "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. Lots of things for kids to do!"
Pet-friendly considerations: Most campgrounds around Calmar welcome pets but enforce standard leash and waste disposal rules. At Little Turkey Campground, Douglas M. notes the campground is "Clean friendly quiet" with "free wood" - beneficial when camping with pets that need constant supervision.
Budget-friendly options: B B. points out that Lake Meyer County Park Campground offers 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."
Weekend planning: Some campgrounds become considerably busier on weekends. Kelly D. observes about Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground: "We have been here during the week and have had the place pretty much to ourselves. The weekends are a bit more lively, but with friendly folks."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When choosing RV sites near Calmar, consider proximity to fire pits. Travis P. cautions at Pulpit Rock Campground, "The sparks from our fire were making their way to our neighbors site" due to tight spacing between RV sites.
Electrical needs: RVers should note varying hookup options. Tracy B. observed at Skip-A-Way: "This was a nice campground next to a small town- nice quiet sites. Sites were kind of close together. Mostly seasonal spots here."
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions for larger rigs. Keri S. notes about Pulpit Rock Campground: "Sites can accommodate large coaches, pull behind trailers or tents," but many other campgrounds in the region have size limitations.
Navigational challenges: Some pet-friendly camping near Calmar involves complex directions. One reviewer mentioned a campground owner "drove to town so we could follow him in" - helpful for RVers unfamiliar with rural Iowa roads.
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