Top Free Dispersed Camping near Decorah, IA

Camping near Decorah, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Pikes Peak State Park Campground. “Beautiful overlooks above the great Mississippi River! Very nice trails!” said one happy camper.
• Fishing: Head to Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground for some great trout fishing. A visitor mentioned, “Good trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water.”
• Cave Tours: Don’t miss the cave tours at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground. One reviewer raved, “Love the cave tours! Some trails in the park are horse trails also, so you may encounter the occasional horseback rider.”

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground love the stunning views. One camper shared, “Campsite D's views were unbeatable. A storm rolled in over the Mississippi as we were heading to bed; it was a magical experience.”
• Privacy: Many appreciate the spacious sites at Perrot State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees.”
• Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Minnesota Whitewater State Park Campground said, “Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into.”

What you should know:

• Train Noise: If you camp at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, be prepared for train noise. One camper warned, “When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud!”
• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Great River Bluffs State Park Campground, have spotty cell service. A visitor mentioned, “There is little to no cell coverage.”
• Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Perrot State Park Campground noted, “Lots of vegetation around the camp site that made it feel a bit more private but that also brought lots of bugs and mosquitoes.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby swimming areas, like Minnesota Whitewater State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “Swimming beach about half a mile from campground.”
• Playgrounds: Check out campgrounds that have playgrounds for kids. One camper at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, “Large playground, internet at the front building in case you need to work.”
• Group Sites: Consider campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A visitor at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground noted, “Campsites are flat and grassy. They back up to each other so good for groups camping together.”

Tips from RVers:

• Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park, offer electric hookups. A reviewer said, “Restrooms were nice, shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing.”
• Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious layouts. A camper at Wyalusing State Park Campground mentioned, “Site layouts a little less private. Great hiking.”
• Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station for convenience. A visitor at Pikes Peak State Park Campground noted, “Very Easy to use dump station.”

Camping near Decorah, Iowa, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the occasional train noise and bring some bug spray!