Best Campgrounds near Harpers Ferry, IA

Harpers Ferry, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Harpers Ferry, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Harpers Ferry, Iowa (137)

    1. Wyalusing State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    McGregor, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 996-2261

    $15 - $35 / night

    "A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching! Come one New Years for the annual carp drop :)"

    "Camp sites are far enough away from neighbors that there is some privacy. Need a state park sticker to access. Illinois Minnesota and Iowa are all short drives away."

    2. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    McGregor, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 873-2341

    $20 / night

    "It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."

    "Spots are gravel and are within walking distance of Mississippi River views and park trails. Overall great experience!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "Who knew that Iowa has hills like this?! We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds."

    "The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."

    4. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "Still, it was a lovely place with nice trails and great river access. There are also some breathtaking lookout points to see the countryside."

    "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."

    5. Little Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 - $75 / night

    "Iowa only has a few state forests and this one has something the others do not... trout fishing."

    "It is nestled in the woods not far from the Indian Mounds area in Iowa.  I stayed at Little Paint Campground.  There are pit toilets, but the water said not for drinking. "

    6. Bloody Run County Park

    7 Reviews
    Marquette, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 245-1516

    "It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy."

    "Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creak."

    7. Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    "Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here."

    8. Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $75 / night

    "Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable"

    9. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    1 Review
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $16 / night

    "Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser."

    10. Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    1 Review
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $16 / night

    "Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings."

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Showing results 1-10 of 137 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Harpers Ferry, IA

445 Reviews of 137 Harpers Ferry Campgrounds



Guide to Harpers Ferry

Camping near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Pikes Peak State Park Campground. “This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails that overlook the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers,” says one happy camper.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Bloody Run County Park is a great spot. One visitor mentioned, “Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site.”
  • Kayaking: The backwaters of the Mississippi are perfect for kayaking. Campers at Wyalusing State Park Campground rave about the access to these waters, saying, “Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning views at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground. One reviewer shared, “Campsite D's views were unbeatable. A storm rolled in over the Mississippi as we were heading to bed; it was a magical experience.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry. A camper noted, “The park has a great feeling of isolation and wilderness that can be absent from other places.”
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers at Pulpit Rock Campground mention the cleanliness of the facilities. “Bathrooms were warm and really clean, staff was really great,” said one visitor.

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, like Bloody Run County Park, are near train tracks. One camper mentioned, “A train comes through at 10pm and 3am every night almost.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Big Paint Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, “The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Camp Glen Wendel offers primitive sites. A reviewer said, “Sites have fire rings and benches, some more spacious than others.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. Pikes Peak State Park Campground has trails that are great for family hikes. One family shared, “Hiking was phenomenal at Pikes Peak! We will never forget those views!”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. Campers at Goose Island enjoyed fishing and boating, saying, “This campground is ideal for boating, fishing and camping.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring insect repellent and comfortable seating. A camper at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground mentioned, “Be prepared for humidity and bugs, it’s right by the river.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should check the size of the sites before booking. One reviewer at Blackhawk Park noted, “The electric sites are like a typical RV park, not much space or privacy.”
  • Use a Fan for Bugs: To keep bugs away, consider using a fan at your campsite. A camper at Goose Island mentioned, “We use a fan at the campsite which really kept most of them away.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Pulpit Rock Campground appreciated the availability of a dump station, saying, “Very Easy to use dump station.”

Camping near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Harpers Ferry, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Harpers Ferry, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Harpers Ferry, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Harpers Ferry, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harpers Ferry, IA is Wyalusing State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Harpers Ferry, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Harpers Ferry, IA.

What parks are near Harpers Ferry, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Harpers Ferry, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.