Best Campgrounds near Cresco, IA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Cresco. Cresco is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Cresco, Iowa (137)

    1. Pulpit Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Decorah, IA
    16 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. Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cresco, IA
    10 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."

    3. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 352-5111

    $35 / night

    "It can be a little confusing because the camping and mystery caves are a distance apart. I highly recommend going to the caves."

    "We were able to do a lot of trail exploring and had a great time on the “scenic” cave tour. The trails were well maintained but difficult to understand in some places as signage was lacking."

    4. Bluffton Resort

    5 Reviews
    Decorah, IA
    10 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."

    5. Twins Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cresco, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 380-2868

    $30 / night

    "We stayed several weeks the price was very reasonable, honey wagon service was included ; riding/ hiking trails from campsite."

    "Has playground community area fire pit and a structure built to cover picnic tables. atv trails. Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site."

    6. Maple Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 352-2056

    $35 / night

    "Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races."

    "Had a river to walk along and playground and animals for kids to enjoy. Staff were really nice and helpful."

    7. Lidtke Park & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cresco, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 566-2828

    8. Chimney Rock County Park

    1 Review
    Cresco, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 534-7145

    9. The Old Barn Resort

    10 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-2512

    "Beware, the office and bar/restaurant are located inside the barn. I say beware because there are barn swallows that nest on the outside of the barn. TONS of barn swallows."

    "But the highlight is the location on the Root River.    Tubing the river is the highlight here.  You drop in one side of the campsite and an hour later pull out on the other side,   So much fun."

    10. Hutchinson Family Farm Campground

    1 Review
    Decorah, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 382-3054

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 137 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cresco, IA

348 Reviews of 137 Cresco Campgrounds



Guide to Cresco

Camping near Cresco, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park Campground. Campers rave about the "great hiking trails" and the "lovely morning sunrise and amazing sunsets."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy water activities at Perrot State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "This park has good access for a kayak/canoe path."
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the nearby rivers. Campers at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground noted, "Good trout fishing here," making it a great spot for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Pikes Peak State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Absolutely BEAUTIFUL overlooks above the great Mississippi River!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Minnesota Whitewater State Park remarked, "The main shower/restroom area looks brand new and is very nice."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park. One camper noted, "The sites are big so you can camp far back and keep the vehicles at the front."

What you should know:

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at Minnesota Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Spotty cell service" while enjoying the park.
  • Mosquitoes: Depending on the season, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A visitor at Perrot State Park Campground warned, "Had to pull out the heavy-duty spray right out of the car."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A camper at Great River Bluffs State Park Campground noted, "There are no hookups," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby swimming areas. Campers at Minnesota Whitewater State Park enjoyed the "swimming beach about half a mile from the campground."
  • Playgrounds: Check for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. A visitor at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, "large playground" as a highlight for families.
  • Group Sites: Consider campgrounds that offer group sites for family gatherings. One camper at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground said, "Campsites are flat and grassy. They back up to each other so good for groups camping together."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Cresco, Iowa, provides a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cresco, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cresco, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Cresco, IA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cresco, IA?

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Cresco, IA.

What parks are near Cresco, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Cresco, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.