Camping near Decorah, Iowa centers around the Upper Iowa River with its 80-foot limestone bluffs and clear water trout streams. The region's campgrounds operate primarily from April through October, with some closing in mid-October due to northeastern Iowa's cold winters. Most sites near Decorah sit in valleys between bluffs, creating distinct microclimates where morning fog is common during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing on the Upper Iowa River: Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground provides shuttle service for river adventures. "Easy access for kayaking and tubing on the Upper Iowa River," notes Jenny K., while another visitor mentioned, "Between the campground and the nearby towns, there is easily two weeks of activities to do."
Cycling on the Trout Run Trail: The paved trail loop near Pulpit Rock Campground offers scenic riding opportunities. "We rode the entire Trout Run Trail and loved it and visited Pulpit Rock Brewery, Toppling Goliath and the Vesterheim," shares Mallory S. The trail provides quick access to Decorah's breweries and attractions.
Trout fishing in cold streams: Regional waterways support healthy trout populations. At Beaver Creek Valley State Park, located 32 miles from Decorah, "An easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park," according to Bruce C. The cold, clear waters throughout the region make fishing accessible even for beginners.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Bluffton Resort offers campsites next to dramatic limestone formations. "Try to get a site closest to the bluff for the best experience!" recommends Ryan. The proximity to geological features creates unique camping environments.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature water access beyond the river. At Upper Iowa Resort and Rental, "The pool is refreshing, campground is clean and inviting," reports Marcy F. Another visitor added, "Has a 'pool'/man made pond with a beach all the way around it."
Wooded privacy: Many campsites offer natural separation between sites. "The sites were spread out enough that it really felt like I was at a dispersed spot at times," writes one camper about Beaver Creek Valley State Park. This creates quieter camping experiences, particularly during weekdays.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds sit in valleys with poor connectivity. "There is no cell reception at this park (TMobile)," notes a camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park. Most locations report Verizon providing better coverage than other carriers.
River water levels: The Upper Iowa River depth varies seasonally. "This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River," writes a visitor to Upper Iowa Resort, but water levels can affect paddling conditions, particularly in late summer.
Campground personality differences: Skip-A-Way Resort operates from April 15 through October 15 with a family focus. "This campground has a lot of fun activities from April 15 thru Oct 15," explains Lourene M., while another camper noted, "Lots of things for kids to do!"
Tips for camping with families
Recreation facilities: Skip-A-Way Resort includes numerous child-friendly amenities. "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids," reports a visitor. The campground also features "a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting."
Movie nights: Organized activities keep children entertained. At Skip-A-Way Resort, they have "a pavilion for use any time where they also have children's movies every Saturday night during season," according to one reviewer.
Booking timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular campgrounds. Chimney Rock Campground can get busy, with one reviewer noting, "The weekends are a bit more lively, but with friendly folks." Reservations several weeks in advance are recommended for prime summer dates.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: RV lengths matter when selecting campsites in this region. At Peterson City RV Park, "The sites are very close together, but there is room in the grass behind the sites to hang out," according to Amy E. She added, "The RV sites have electricity, water, and sewer, and they are level—we were only staying one night and didn't even need to unhook our pickup."
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds. At Bluffton Resort, sites feature "electric hookups with 30 amp service" but no sewer connections, making stays of 3-4 days more practical for larger RVs with limited holding tank capacity.
Seasonal operation: Most RV campgrounds near Decorah close for winter. Upper Iowa Resort and Rental operates from "Apr 15 - Oct 15," while Pulpit Rock Campground runs from "April 1 to November 1," requiring advance planning for early spring or late fall camping trips.
