Best Campgrounds near Harpers Ferry, IA
Yellow River State Forest surrounds Harpers Ferry, Iowa with several established campgrounds offering varied camping experiences. Big Paint Campground and Little Paint Campground provide tent and RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The Fire Tower Cabin offers a unique lodging option within the forest. Nearby Pikes Peak State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles southwest, features additional camping options with more extensive amenities including showers and sanitary dump stations. The region includes both primitive backcountry sites at Camp Glen Wendel and Camp John Schultz for hikers seeking solitude.
Camping in this area follows seasonal patterns with most developed campgrounds operating from April through October, though some Yellow River State Forest sites remain available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis during winter months. The forest's campgrounds provide access to trout fishing streams, making them popular destinations for anglers. Water access varies by campground, with some sites positioned directly along creeks. Cell service can be limited throughout the forest, particularly in backcountry areas. Visitors should check current conditions before arrival as weather impacts accessibility. A visitor noted, "We stayed at the Big Paint Campground and had a nice time. The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites."
Trout fishing represents a significant draw for campers in the Yellow River State Forest area. The forest contains multiple stocked streams that attract both fly fishers and conventional anglers. Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds, allowing visitors to explore the forest's diverse terrain including Iowa's only fire tower. According to one camper, "Little Paint Creek is excellent for beginners. It is stocked, and there are multiple pools that are easily accessible with one that is handicap accessible." Equestrian camping is available at specialized campgrounds including Frontier and Creekside, which accommodate both horses and riders with appropriate facilities. The campgrounds generally maintain a quiet atmosphere, though they can become busier during deer hunting season and when trout streams are freshly stocked.
