Camping areas near Elkader, Iowa range from full-service RV parks to primitive sites within the Mississippi River valley. The region features limestone bluffs, spring-fed streams, and hardwood forests typical of the Driftless Area, which escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons see cooler 50-70°F days with significant temperature drops at night.
What to do
Canoeing and tubing activities: Skip-A-Way Resort offers river recreation from April through October. "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids and occasionally a dumping tank for free, also miniture golf," reports Lourene M.
Beach swimming options: Family-friendly water activities are available at several Skip-A-Way Resort locations. "We stayed here 4 nights. They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes," notes jeremiah B.
Hiking trail exploration: The rugged terrain offers challenging trails at Backbone State Park. "We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake," says Larissa C. who visited during October for peak foliage viewing.
What campers like
Variety of family activities: The campgrounds feature numerous recreational options beyond standard sites. "This campground has a lot of fun activities from April 15 thru Oct 15. They have permanent sites and rentals. There is tent sites and rental campers also," explains a Skip-A-Way Resort visitor.
Clean facilities: Wyalusing State Park maintains high standards for bathrooms and showers. "Let me wax poetic about the new bathroom/shower block. While I didn't take photos (should have) this is one of the nicest public bathrooms I've ever been in. Not just in a state park, ever," writes Josh F.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Nelson Dewey State Park. "Most campsites have privacy and are quiet due to being a smaller park. Bathrooms and showers are modern and clean," notes Renee W., highlighting the benefit of choosing a less crowded destination.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks that can disrupt sleep. "HUGE caveat - this site sits on a ridge above a county highway and freight train tracks. There are also train tracks on the other side of the river. When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries," warns Steph P. about Nelson Dewey State Park.
Site accessibility challenges: Walk-in sites require planning at certain parks. "The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver, the trail to the site is manageable until the last 50 feet, which is steep and rocky," mentions a Nelson Dewey visitor about Site C.
Shower facilities vary: Rustic Barn Campground RV Park offers superior shower facilities. "Shower house was immaculate with large hard stalled showers/changing room," says Chris S., an important consideration for longer stays in rv campgrounds near Elkader, Iowa.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities for kids: Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres provides multiple kid-friendly activities. "Great owners, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground)," reports David W.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing without leaving the property. "This place had so much! They had a little train ride, miniature golf course, catch and release fishing in their pond, splash pad, lots of cool things hand built structures to see as well," writes a Beyonder Getaway visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Some sites accommodate special needs. "My daughter is in a wheelchair so we requested the accessible site. It's right next to the showers with an adapted pic-nic table and raised fire pit!" notes a camper who stayed at Beyonder Getaway for four nights.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: RV campgrounds Elkader, Iowa and surrounding areas have different site preparations. "All sites had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," notes Lee D. about Rustic Barn.
Recreation room amenities: Some parks provide indoor entertainment options. "Nice rec room with TV, games, books, soft seating, pinball, ping pong, and pool table. Outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc," explains a camper at Rustic Barn Campground.
Seasonal availability: Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground operates from May through October like many area campgrounds. Reservation policies can be strict, with one visitor noting, "When we arrived we called the phone number listed on the closed gate. The owner, Joyce came out and said we would need an appointment to drive thru."
