Best Tent Camping near Decorah, IA

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Decorah? Find the best tent camping sites near Decorah. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Decorah, IA (26)

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    1. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    46 Photos
    4 Saves
    Waterville, Iowa

    Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

    The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek

    2. South Bear Creek

    4 Reviews
    11 Photos
    77 Saves
    Decorah, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Turkey Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Turkey Campground

      5. Little Turkey Campground

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      5 Saves
      Calmar, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

      6. Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

      2 Reviews
      10 Photos
      3 Saves
      Waterville, Iowa

      You may hear a cow moo at the hike-in sites in Camp John Shultz but you’ll not likely hear people. If you do have to share the camp, there are five segregated campsites that are well spaced and feel private. Sites range from partial shade to full shade and all but two have fire rings.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Firewood Available
      • Drinking Water
      Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville

      8. Schmidt Farm by Forestville

      2 Reviews
      15 Photos
      1 Save
      Preston, Minnesota

      Quiet, remote tent camping under dark skies for the minimalist. One mile hike-in to site. Direct access to more remote areas of the NE side Forestville State Park and 50 acres of wooded private trails. Sites are located on the lower area of our property. Approximately 100 yards between sites and each are not within site of each other. All sites are located directly on a main trail circling a walnut grove. A shared centrally located compostable outhouse is located within 50 yards of each site.

      This is a beautiful, remote property nestled between our organic Century Family Farm and Forestville State Park. We offer these limited campsites to a very specific demographic, minimalists looking for a quiet experience in nature. Years have gone into the making of these sites to be in balance with nature and our farm. These sites will be only open during spring and fall months. Camping does not include access to our other agritourism opportunities on our farm.

      Please read through our description carefully and be sure this is the right fit for you prior to booking. Please contact us with questions. I would much rather leave the site open/unbooked than not meet your expectations. You must check in at our office prior to going to your campsite.

      Additional items that will be delivered to your site. Plan ahead. $5 fee per delivery trip.

      • Firewood is available for purchase from Schmidt Farm for $8/bundle
      • Each site has a table and 2 chairs. 2 additional chairs can be requested
      • Tripods and cooking grates are available upon request
      • Bring your own container for water refills
      • Lockable totes for food storage are available upon request.
      • Plan ahead with your requests. Each delivery trip to your site will be $5.

      No hunting on property and no hunting groups.

      Know before you go. Our outhouse has a dry compostable SunMar toilet. Instructions are located inside the outhouse. There is a solar motion detected light inside the outhouse.

      Up to 2 dogs are allowed per site. Dogs must be vaccinated and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other animals. Dogs must be leashed and supervised at all times. For the safety of your pets and our livestock, visiting dogs are not allowed on the private trails. Hiking with your dog is available on and off trail in Forestville.

      Please meet us at a pre-arranged time at our farm store/camping office at least one hour prior to sunset. You will be given parking instructions and directions to hike in to your site at that time. Please pack and plan accordingly to be able to carry/pack in all of your personal items. Additional items (listed above) are available on loan to check out for your camping experience. These items will be brought to your campsite for you.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Market

      $35 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

      9. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

      1 Review
      8 Photos
      1 Save
      Waterville, Iowa

      Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

      The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

      Frontier equestrian campgrounds are non-modern and have non-electric sites with hitching rails and vault toilets

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Equestrian

      $16 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
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    Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Decorah

    431 Reviews of 26 Decorah Campgrounds


    • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      Nov. 13, 2024

      Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

      Good late season option for the self-contained camper

      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, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cedar View Park
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Cedar View Park

      Beautiful park, gross bath house

      This is a lovely park. It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad. 

      Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.

      There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake. There is a swimming beach and a dock. There is a city park adjacent to the campground with a playground and picnic shelter.

      I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up.

      The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There are camp hosts on site but I guess their duties do not include ever cleaning the restroom. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash including used condoms.

      I would stay in this campground again because I have a self contained unit and do not need to use the on-site shower house.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oelwein City Park
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Oelwein City Park

      This is a beautiful city park campground

      I 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.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Elkader City Park
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Elkader City Park

      Close to town, nice facilities, not quiet

      I had good Verizon signal here (70 down, 20 up) but zero T-mobile signal.

      The campground is close to down, there are two museums within walking distance (just steps from the campground entrance). Across the street is a walking & biking trail that will take you straight to downtown, where you'll find a coffee shop, a few restaurants, and other shopping. It's less than a 5 minute bike ride to get there, and very scenic as it follows the river.

      The facilities are newer and pretty nice. The showers are the single-button kind with no temperature adjustment. If you wait a while, the water does get barely warm enough for a comfortable shower.

      This is not a quiet campground, it has a well traveled highway on one side, and a city main street on the other side that semi trucks use during the day. Sometimes there are highschool football games at the stadium next to the campground. Late at night it does get quiet.

      The sites are grass or gravel. There are electrical hookups at most sites, with water faucets spread throughout the campground. The sites are mostly shaded.

      I enjoyed the George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum ($5 admission) and the Elkader Depot Museum (free) which are located right next to the campground.

      The downside to this campground is the dump station. It is just a hole in a manhole cover. It's in a dirt/weedy area and smells terrible. It's located across the street from the campground.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from River of Lakes Campground
      Sep. 20, 2024

      River of Lakes Campground

      Ok. Great checkin - however..

      Nice campground with many sites on the Mississippi backwaters and decent fishing stayed two days and opted on a third. However, after we paid for the third night we noticed a campsite on the other side. Of course the first amendment is everyone’s freedom but really ,do campers need to put out “2024 No More Bulls***” AND how about 2024 Fu** your Feelings” that was in front of their welcome sign. These phrases were on massive flags nailed to trees. Of course we all have freedoms but because these vulgar, in your face phrases were seen every time we left the campground we did not feel comfortable. Good thing I did not have my grandkids along. We all have our beliefs, but is offensive language regarding politics have a place in campgrounds have a place? I say “No!” those folks were out of line and it is wrong. We will never return to this campground again.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Wyalusing State Park Campground

      Nice Park

      Nice sites, trails and facilities. Stayed during the week in mid September. Beautiful sites overlooking the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Great hiking with clean bathrooms and toilets. Private with plenty of room from neighbors for our teardrop.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground
      Sep. 19, 2024

      Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

      Beautiful & peaceful

      Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.

      Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.

      The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.

      Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.

      Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.

      NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.

      The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.

      Leaves are just starting to change in September.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Sep. 18, 2024

      Schmidt Farm by Forestville

      A very peaceful camping experience

      If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you.   You can tell that the hosts have put a ton of work and love into their property and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them.   The campsites are large and kept up and I picked campsite two so that I could hear the creek behind me and I enjoyed hearing it the whole time I was there plus the Forestville State Park was just across the creek.   The peace and quiet allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had, I didn't hear a person or a vehicle the whole night and the crickets, frogs, and occasional hooting owl just added to the nighttime experience.

    • Karen S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Schmidt Farm by Forestville

      A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies.

      This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others. Site locations offer ample space for multiple tents. The native wildflowers are a special treat.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Fontana County Park
      Sep. 15, 2024

      Fontana County Park

      New, clean, no trees

      There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.

      I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Klocks Island Park
      Sep. 15, 2024

      Klocks Island Park

      Crowded and quiet

      This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.

    • FThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

      Lovely Place

      The park is very easy to get to right off the highway. We were greeted by a beautiful meadow with a very well maintained gravel road, stopped by the info station and bought wood and a parking pass (pass is required and is 7$ for one day, easy online purchase). The sites are a bit of a ways into the park but with that maintained road it was very easy. The facilities are great. Very clean bathroom with nice showers (cold water then warmed up). The campground was quiet but there were still a good amount of people staying as well. We stayed just one night and were very happy with this area! Really pretty

    • Tanner D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

      Great place to get away

      My wife and I went there for the weekend and it was great. Clean and spacious sites. The bathrooms were even clean. They also provided free showers. The wood was a reasonable price and easily available at any time of the day. It was also pet friendly. I do wish that they hadn't cleared away so many trees. A little more shade would have been nice since we were in a tent. But other than that was was perfect.

    • Niki S.
      Camper-submitted photo from R Campground, Inc
      Jul. 15, 2024

      R Campground, Inc

      Very clean, friendly owners, great co-campers

      Randy was amazing and very attentive to my questions. Check in was super easy and the directions for check in were clearly spelled out. Everything was mapped out and the website was easy to use as well. The pond itself was pretty to look at and made for great photos, however it was loaded with geese which made it not user friendly. I would recommend this campground, and I will definitely go back to camp again!

    • Kenneth M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Clayton Hills Campground
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Clayton Hills Campground

      Best Owners Ever

      I was looking around for a place and being the weekend after the 4th of July, I knew there wouldn't be many options. This place is literally a hidden gem and should get more focus!!! The owner had a spot for my family and me!!! When he found out that I was only tent camping, he even lowered the price!!! He didn't have to do that at all and it wasn't expected. Grassy locations everywhere. Wonderful water and electric hookups!!! A little piece of heaven here. JJ is an AMAZING host!!!

    • Heather S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Bluffs Resort
      Jun. 24, 2024

      Hidden Bluffs Resort

      Babbling Brook and Hosts Activities!

      This campground became our favorite site in quite a while! Minimal bugs, very nice staff, beautiful sites with lots of nature! Dog friendly. Playground, mini golf, and pool all complimentary! 2 trails and babbling brooke were peaceful. They had kid and adult activities scheduled for Friday and Saturday which was a cool surprise when we checked in!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
      May. 29, 2024

      Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

      Decent Camp Ground

      Book this campground last minute over the phone for a weekend of trout fishing in the driftless area. Fishing was great. The upper ridge campground did not have hardly any grass so it got muddy fast when it rained. The pit toilets were kind of dirty though toilet paper was always stocked so that’s a plus. I explored the other 3 campground at sidie hollow while I was there and this is my take. The main campground had nicer facilities and a play ground for kids. The boat landing campground is convenient if you have a boat. The upper ridge campground has the most shade out of all 3 campgrounds (cooler in the summer). The locals sell firewood for $5 a bundle which is awesome. I would stay at this campground again.

    • Tori L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      May. 26, 2024

      Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

      Dream stay.

      Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. 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. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

    • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan City Park
      May. 23, 2024

      Sylvan City Park

      Small city park campground right in town

      Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail. RV sites were close to each other with little privacy. Many tent sites around the perimeter. Short walk to bathhouse. Showers are not free, 4 quarters for 5 minutes. No laundry available. Campground is first come/first serve and doesn’t take reservations or online payment. Payment is made at adjacent city office.
      Sites are gravel, fairly level. Water and electric available at rv sites.
      Nice park nearby with stocked fishing pond. There is some noise due to the park being tucked into the city. Garbage and dump station free for campers. They ask for a donation for dumping if not camped there. Tight access at dump station might make it difficult for larger rigs. Strong Verizon signal.

    • Eugene O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
      May. 20, 2024

      Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

      Good campground, rude and unprofessional management

      If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
      May. 20, 2024

      Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

      Management is beyond horrible. Very unprofessional.

      If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.

    • Tiffany K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Peak State Park Campground
      May. 20, 2024

      Pikes Peak State Park Campground

      Quaint Campground with River Views

      Loved this campground but it does have some drawbacks. Set up a lot for rv camping with site layout and connections. Some sites have the fire ring very close to the parking area and some spots have limited shade (compared to the majority of the campground that is in the trees). The bathrooms and showers are in good condition. The Mississippi River overlooks are a short walk away. There were lots of birds and spiders around the campground. There are a good number of hiking trails in the park.

    • Marci S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Peak State Park Campground
      May. 14, 2024

      Pikes Peak State Park Campground

      Dramatic scenery, quiet campground

      This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails that overlook the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The boardwalk trails also lead to a small falls and more. Site 51, where we stayed, is near trailhead but on a slight slope. Showers, water, dump station available here, no playground


    Drive Time


    Guide to Decorah

    Tent camping near Decorah, Iowa, offers a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

    Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

    • Enjoy free primitive camping at South Bear Creek, where you can set up near the tranquil sounds of the creek.
    • Echo Valley State Park Campground offers a self-pay system for its tent sites, providing a peaceful retreat for just a small fee.
    • For a more developed experience, Little Turkey Campground features amenities like electric hookups and showers, with reasonable rates for tent campers.

    Tent campers like these nearby activities

    • Fishing enthusiasts will love South Bear Creek, known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities along the creek.
    • Hikers can explore the scenic trails at Echo Valley State Park Campground, which also features a charming petting zoo nearby.
    • For those seeking solitude, winter camping at South Bear Creek provides a quiet escape with fewer crowds and stunning winter landscapes.

    Tent campers appreciate these amenities

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Decorah, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Decorah, IA is Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Decorah, IA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Decorah, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.