Elkader sits in northeast Iowa's Driftless Region, which escaped glacial flattening during the last ice age. This landscape features steep limestone bluffs, cold-water trout streams, and the Turkey River flowing through the heart of town. Clayton County's campgrounds range from primitive riverside sites to RV parks with full hookups, with most accommodating both tent and vehicle camping.
What to Do
Trout fishing opportunities: The Turkey River and nearby streams offer excellent fishing. At Bloody Run County Park, anglers frequently catch German brown trout. "Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site (grate included)," reports Jazz C.
Hiking historical trails: Explore the limestone bluffs and river valleys on maintained paths. Backbone State Park provides multiple trail options. According to Rachel H., "We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long."
Water recreation: Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming spots are available throughout the area. The Turkey River provides multiple access points. "There is a really neat historical Mill building that is open a few hours a week for tours as well as an amazing old bridge with a wood plank roadbed that you can still drive across," notes Annie C. about Motor Mill Historic Site.
What Campers Like
Affordability: Camping rates are reasonable throughout the region. Pikes Peak State Park stands out for value. "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!" shares Danny J.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The shower house is like a bunker house - seriously, it is the tornado shelter for the park and campground! It's super clean and large, with separate toilets, showers, and changing rooms," explains Annie C. about Elkader City Park.
Historical attractions: The area features numerous historic sites connected to camping areas. Pikes Peak State Park offers "a half-mile wooden boardwalk to one of the park's glens to the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls. On your way to the falls, just north of the main overlook, you will notice Bear Mound, an effigy built by ancient American Indians who inhabited the area from 800-1200 A.D," explains Tori K.
What You Should Know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. "The only weird thing is it's along the Canadian pacific railroad so a train comes through at 10pm and 3am every night almost," warns Jazz C. about Bloody Run County Park.
Seasonal water issues: High water can affect camping during rainy periods. "When we made reservations this site required a two-night minimum stay. Don't know if that is for all seasons," notes Grace D. about Pikes Peak State Park.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly by carrier. At Big Springs Trout Hatchery Campground, Verizon typically works while other carriers may not. "I had good Verizon signal here (70 down, 20 up) but zero T-mobile signal," reports Ryan S. about Elkader City Park.
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Elkader: Nearly all area campgrounds allow pets with standard leash and cleanup requirements. "There are lots of places to walk the dogs and great hiking," confirms David W. about pet policies at Wyalusing State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Museum access: Several campgrounds offer nearby educational attractions. Wyalusing State Park provides astronomy programs. "There are many burial mounds in the park, and there is an astronomical observatory on site," Jim J. mentions.
Kid-friendly hiking: Multiple trails accommodate younger hikers. "There is a very nice smooth wood walk way for one of the trails making it easy for all ages," Hannah N. notes about Pikes Peak State Park.
Nature programs: Scheduled activities keep children engaged. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," Jennifer B. shares about Wyalusing State Park.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play equipment. Connor M. highlights Wyalusing's family-friendly amenities: "There's some really nice trails and cool rock formations, couple this with the playground and nice bathrooms it makes for an ideal campground for families with younger children."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric connections are common but full hookups are limited. At Nelson Dewey State Park, electric sites are available. "The electric and non-electric sites are well spaced and on the larger side. A nice campground overall," reports Steph P.
Dump station quality: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Ryan S. notes about Elkader City Park: "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."
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require significant adjustment. "Nice pull-through, large enough for our 36' 5th Wheel and pickup tow vehicle, needed more leveling than some," Grace D. reports about Pikes Peak State Park.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate from April through October. "This is a beautiful scenic view right next to the river and there are picnic tables fire rings and a trash can and porta potty with a water spigot for fresh water," Pat F. writes about Big Springs Trout Hatchery Campground.
