Yellow River State Forest provides equestrian camping options with trail access through diverse terrain near Decorah, Iowa. The forest's valley location features hardwood trees, trout streams, and hills that create natural obstacles for trail riding. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs in the 80s, making spring and fall popular seasons for horse camping in the area.
What to do
Trail riding access points: Frontier Equestrian Campground and Creekside Equestrian Campground offer direct trail connections with varying difficulty levels. "Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings," notes James M. about Creekside Equestrian Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Trout streams run throughout the forest with seasonal stocking schedules. At Big Paint Campground, campers can access quality fishing spots. "Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful," reports Tori L.
Hiking trails: Non-equestrian visitors can explore miles of hiking trails with lookout points. A camper at Big Paint Campground mentions: "We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground."
What campers like
Scenic overlooks: Three lookout points are accessible via the trail system, offering views of the forest and surrounding valleys. According to James M. at Frontier Equestrian Campground, "Trails from camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Some trails are multiuser."
Spacious campsites: Sites provide adequate room for horse trailers and camping equipment. "We stayed at the Big Paint Campground and had a nice time. The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites," explains Daphne D.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the forest. One camper at Big Paint Campground notes, "Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush." The diverse habitat supports various bird species visible from trails and campsites.
What you should know
Limited services: During winter months (November through March), amenities are reduced. "Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station," reports Stuart O. about Big Paint Campground.
Cell coverage gaps: Signal strength varies throughout the forest. "I had no phone service," mentions Tori L. at Big Paint Campground, while others report intermittent coverage at higher elevation points.
Off-season operations: From November through March, sites operate on first-come, first-served basis for $12 per night. "Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March," confirms Stuart O.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose campsites away from stream banks during spring runoff periods. At Wyalusing State Park Campground nearby, "The sites are not very private. Have some nice hiking trails and a small lake a short walk from the campground," notes Melissa A.
Weather preparation: Valley locations can experience temperature fluctuations and morning dew. "It was a Colder night as we camped in 30 degree weather and freezing rain came into our campground. This along with the wind made our situation feel pretty cold," warns Connor M. about nearby camping.
Tick prevention: Tall grasses in summer months require proper clothing and regular checks. "Going in knowing that there were pit toilets and no potable water, I did not have high expectations for this campsite. I was pleasantly surprised to find it very well maintained with spacious sites," shares Tamsyn K.
Tips from RVers
Water access planning: No central water hookups mean bringing sufficient supply. "Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site," explains Tori L. about Big Paint Campground.
Campsite surfaces: Most sites are grass-based which may become soft after rain. "Sites are primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration, ice/wood available across road at visitors station," notes James M.
Power management: Electric sites have 30 and 50-amp service, but hookups are limited. "Most of the sites are completely on the grass," mentions Mary S., suggesting RVers should check ground conditions before setting up, especially in wet weather.
