Decorah camping sites offer several options beyond the well-known campgrounds in northeast Iowa. Located in the Driftless Area, this region features unique limestone bluffs and cold-water trout streams not found in most of Iowa's generally flat terrain. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing between November and March, while summer days often reach the mid-80s with higher humidity.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing: Bluffton Resort offers convenient river access with shuttle service. Ryan mentions, "This is a nice hidden little privately owned campground. The host, Randy is super nice and helpful with whatever you need. There is also the bar/store where you can get refreshments and food."
Cycling the trail network: Pulpit Rock Campground connects to extensive bike paths. Jenny K. notes, "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."
Trout fishing: South Bear Creek provides free primitive camping with excellent angling opportunities. Kerry M. explains, "North Bear Creek is one of the most popular trout streams in Iowa. It offers fishing for a variety of skill levels from simple power-bait up to fly fishing."
What campers like
River proximity: Many Decorah camping sites feature water access. Kari S. from Pulpit Rock Campground shares, "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."
Spacious sites: Hutchinson Family Farm Campground offers roomier camping spots. Clarke N. reports, "The sites are huge but pretty open and we needed 50' of cord to hit electrical box (not a big deal). 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."
Clean facilities: Lake Meyer County Park Campground maintains good amenities. According to B B., "This is a great little park if you need a place to stop for the night. 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."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation but offers solitude. Kerry M. from South Bear Creek advises, "Winter offers quite a bit more solitude, both in the campground and on the trout stream. Many times I have been the only person camping here during winter. The campsite is not plowed, so a 4WD is recommended."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be louder based on location. Tiffany R. warns about Pulpit Rock, "Beautiful scenery, lots of trout streams. Our site was 48 and it was noisy with the highway there. Will go back just move more in ward."
Crowds: Popular sites fill quickly in peak seasons. Mallory S. notes, "The campgrounds was mostly full (even fuller on the website, why don't people cancel when they aren't coming?)"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Upper Iowa Resort and Rental offers kid-friendly water activities. Sheena B. says, "Loved the sand bottom pool, owners were so nice and kids loved getting hard ice cream everyday from the shop! Clean, quiet, friendly place!"
Activity variety: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. Erin A. explains, "This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River... The best part of this camp is they offer tube canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle to the put in then you float back to the campground. Also has a 'pool'/man made pond with a beach all the way around it."
Budget-friendly sites: Some campgrounds offer affordable stays. B B. mentions Lake Meyer County Park Campground "was very inexpensive for tents ($10 I think)" making it accessible for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Electrical access: Check hookup distances before setting up. Clarke N. from Hutchinson Family Farm Campground shares, "We needed 50' of cord to hit electrical box (not a big deal). The lawn was nicely mowed and the sites are very level."
Site spacing: Some RV areas provide more room than others. Travis P. cautions, "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."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds have hookups at each site. Robert T. notes about Pulpit Rock Campground, "City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town."
