Decorah is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Decorah is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Decorah, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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."
"Decorah is so beautiful. The river is right beside the tent sites. Hiking trails close by. Caves and water falls only a short drive away. Tubing, canoeing, and kayaking services behind camp grounds."
"We booked a spot for our RV because we wanted to explore the Decorah,IA area and it’s abundant set of activities."
"Easy access for kayaking and tubing on the Upper Iowa River."
$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."
"The South Bear Creek entrance is located near Highlandville, IA off of Quandahl Road. This is Iowa Department of Natural Resources land and offers primitive camping only."
"A couple sites are very close to the stream, which is wonderful to have the flowing water sound to help me fall asleep.
This campground can get very busy during the spring, summer, and fall."
"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."
"As someone who bicycle tours I appreciated fire wood being on site and close to where the tent area is. The bathrooms aren’t the best but they worked."
"Lake Meyer sits atop a hill above the Lake. Beautiful trails with lots of wild life. Even an eagles nest. There are hook ups and water."
"Wen I lived in Minnesota and my boyfriend was living in iowa, this was our go-to meeting place for our weekend getaways. "
"This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River."
"It was also VERY close to several other sites. If you are looking for more privacy, I would suggest a site like 34. Absolutely no cell service, which can be nice as long as you’re expecting it."
"The park has a lot of very well maintained trails. The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley."
RangerI enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.
There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.
The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.
There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.
I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.
ScoutWe stayed here for the month of august, and this place is awesome! Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races. Dog park, small general store, backs up to a national park, close to town, immaculately maintained, volley ball court, lots of shade trees, easy access, and Andy(owner/operator) is the nicest person you’ll ever want to meet. For those so inclined there’s church service on Sunday in an old (cool looking!) barn! Fire pits at every spot. There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster. 5/5 will definitely be back!
ScoutThis 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.
ScoutThis campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.
This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.
This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.
GuideDecorah is so beautiful. The river is right beside the tent sites. Hiking trails close by. Caves and water falls only a short drive away. Tubing, canoeing, and kayaking services behind camp grounds. Super affordable site rates. Shower house. Picnic tables and fire pits at each site.
LegendIn the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.
Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. They are happy to let you meet them with their presence.
There are 2 campsites, if you wish. One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing! The other is nestled in the woods. Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet. But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house. The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days. The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night.
At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours. It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food. So they know where it comes from and how it was treated. I love it.
This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic. Just what the soul ordered.
ScoutMy 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.
TravelerFrom someone who typically prefers backpacking and sleeping in remote areas, this campground facility, pretty much in the city, is okay.
The facilities are nice, bathrooms were clean. 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.
The campground is situated next to the Trout Run Trail, providing quick and easy access to the 11-mile loop or in to the city center of Decorah.
Overall, decent for a city campground, but very crowded. The tent sites near the river look more spaced out.
TravelerCame in late but found a spot, only 6 first come fist serve camping sites. I was a quarter mile from the next nearest site. Certainly a tent oriented campground, RV’s would have a difficult time. Will certainly stay here again. 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)
Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Decorah, Iowa, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Decorah, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Decorah, IA is Pulpit Rock Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Decorah, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near Decorah, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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