Yellow River State Forest offers diverse backcountry camping experiences within northeastern Iowa's Driftless Region, an area characterized by steep forested ridges and cold-water streams. The forest contains over 25 miles of marked hiking trails through terrain that ranges from 600 to 1,100 feet in elevation. Winter camping options remain available through seasonal closures with temperatures that can drop below 0°F during January and February.
What to do
Trout fishing access points: Little Paint Creek provides excellent spots for beginners, with one handicap-accessible pool and multiple stocking locations. According to a camper at Little Paint Campground, "This trout stream is excellent for beginners. It is stocked, and there are multiple pools that are easily accessible with one that is handicap accessible."
Hiking to natural features: The forest includes interesting geological formations like caves that can be reached via multiple trail difficulty levels. "There are miles of great hiking trails and two trails for mountain biking. While the trails to Big and Little Sand caves are lovely, they are also heavily trafficked," notes a visitor at Wyalusing State Park Campground.
Fire tower visit: Iowa's only fire tower is accessible via hiking trails from several campgrounds. The tower offers cell reception where other areas lack service. A camper at Camp John Schultz mentioned, "Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects... near Fire tower (only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here."
What campers like
Spacious primitive sites: Many campsites provide ample room without electric hookups, creating a more natural camping experience. "The campground was pretty busy, but we felt comfortable with the seclusion of our sites. It is a primitive campground. There were walk-in in campsites available too which we decided we would try if/when we come back again since they are a bit more secluded and private," notes a camper about Big Paint Campground.
Affordable pricing: The basic facilities are reflected in low nightly rates. A camper at Yellow River State Forest noted, "Very secluded with good fishing opportunities and great fishing in the area!" Another mentioned, "This site fills up really fast because of the cheap price of only 9 dollars. This is the cheapest but one of the best campsites I've been to."
Cabin option: The Fire Tower Cabin provides a unique lodging option with more amenities than tent camping. According to a visitor, "Modern Cabin is well maintained, electricity, microwave, a full sized refrigerator, and two porches, where one of them is screened in. Sleeps 6."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds have pit toilets only, with drinking water available only at specific locations. A camper at Bloody Run County Park reported, "Primitive camping spot, surprisingly nice bathrooms. Only weird thing is it's along the Canadian pacific railroad so a train comes through at 10pm and 3am every night almost."
Weather impacts: Spring conditions can be challenging with rain and mud on trails. "Took my 5 year old son camping here in early April of 2024 and it was fun... It was a Colder night as we camped in 30 degree weather and freezing rain came into our campground. This along with the wind made our situation feel pretty cold and we left early in April," a visitor noted about camping in the region.
Terrain challenges: The area's steep topography requires caution on some trails. As one camper advised, "There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy."
Tips for camping with families
Variety of difficulty levels: Families with young children should choose shorter, less challenging trails. "We visited in 2018 and the views are breathtaking! The sand caves are cool, lots of unique hiking features. The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," notes a visitor to Pikes Peak State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Multiple sites in the region feature Native American history. "A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching!" shares one visitor.
Child safety concerns: Supervise children closely near bluffs and water features. "Just keep in mind that it's on a bluff so there are some steep drop-off points that children could take a pretty nasty fall from," warns a camper from the region.
Tips from RVers
Limitations on size: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs but lack full hookups. According to a camper at Blackhawk Park, "Site was mostly level with gravel, picnic table and fire pit/grate. The trees on this look are amazingly tall and provide great shade."
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should check road conditions before arrival, especially during spring thaw. "We stopped here to sleep on our way home from a long road trip. The electric sites are like a typical RV park, not much space or privacy," notes one RVer.
Water access: No campgrounds in Yellow River State Forest have sewer hookups or dump stations. "FYI When we made reservations this site required a two-night minimum stay. Nice pull-through, large enough for our 36' 5th Wheel and pickup tow vehicle, needed more leveling than some. Some sites have power and water, ours only power. There's a water pipe and dump station on the way out."
