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Best Tent Camping near Marquette, IA

434 Reviews

Yellow River State Forest near Marquette, Iowa offers several primitive backcountry tent camping options with Camp Glen Wendel and Camp John Schultz providing designated tent sites. These campsites are situated in a dense, forested environment with hiking trails connecting various camping areas. The region features diverse terrain including forested hills, sandstone bluffs, and trout streams that appeal to tent campers seeking seclusion.

Most tent sites in the Yellow River State Forest require a hike-in approach, with campsites featuring basic fire rings and benches but minimal other amenities. Campers should bring their own drinking water as potable water is only available at headquarters near the registration kiosk. The primitive tent campgrounds lack toilets, showers, and trash facilities, requiring visitors to practice leave-no-trace ethics. One camper noted, "Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore."

The backcountry tent camping experience in this area provides exceptional solitude and connection with nature. Sites are well-spaced and situated in scenic locations, including some near small ponds or streams. According to reviews, cell phone reception is limited in most camping areas, though service can be found near the fire tower (the only fire tower in Iowa). Echo Valley State Park Campground offers an alternative tent camping location with sites near a trout stream. A visitor described it as "most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping" with "only a few sites" that are "non-electric, self-pay, non-reservable." The combination of quiet surroundings, hiking trails, and natural features makes this region particularly appealing for tent campers seeking a primitive outdoor experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Marquette, Iowa (16)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Marquette, IA

14 Photos of 16 Marquette Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Marquette, IA

434 Reviews of 16 Marquette Campgrounds

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2022

    Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

    Nice back country state forest site

    Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects. Leave No Trace ethics include: minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood. Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2025

    New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

    Nice small county park campground

    General: This is a small (29-site) county park campground situated along the North Fork Maquoketa River. Nine of the sites are reservable, and the rest are first-come, first-served. Some sites are primitive, and some have water and 30-amp electricity hookups. There is one ADA-accessible site with a paved camper pad. 

    Site Quality: Most sites are level. The camper pads are gravel/grass, but not all are clearly defined. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. 

    Bath/Shower: The bath/shower house was closed when we were there in November but there are vault toilets about a quarter mile from the campground (in the day-use area) that were very clean and well-stocked when we were there. 

    Activities/Amenities: Many activities including disc golf, three hiking trails, volleyball, two playgrounds (one in the day-use area and one by the campsites). There are two reservable picnic shelters. There is also a dump station. 

    We were tent camping in November on a backpacking trip so we didn’t take advantage of any of the activities but would return in our van on a future camping trip. We were the ONLY ones in the campground at this time of year!

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Small campground has nearby hiking and fishing

    This review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.

    Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?

    It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.

    Activities

    Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.

    Amenities

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.

    Cost

    You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.

    https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Fountain Springs County Park

    Solitude and not much else

    This campground also goes by the name of Holbert. Small campground but free with a handful of picnic tables and campfires. The vault toilets were cleanish, thou older. This campground is next to a pretty little creek that you can play and fish in. The campground is really just a series of campsites strung out along the creek and road. It was pretty quiet while I was there, not many campers at all. There are no hookups for RV’s/campers so it is primarily tent camping or dry camping. There is an interesting story about how this camping area has come to be: the land was donated by Ella Ellis in memory of her husband William Ellis. They apparently loved the land and wanted to make sure it was never developed and could be enjoyed by all. A lovely story.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Swiss Valley County Park

    Great County park, preserve, campground

    Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables. Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails.

  • Jen L.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Fantastic get away

    Located on the far western edge of Wisconsin this state park offers a little of everything - hiking trails connected to the camp grounds, boat access to the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, overlook of where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi River, showers and flush toilets, playground/basketball/tennis courts, etc. Depending on what part of the park you are in (and the season) you can be away from it all or have almost all the comforts of home. There are 2 campgrounds within the park - Homestead (back in the woods and a little more rustic with vault toilets and no showers) and Ridge (on the bluff). Also both an indoor group site and outdoor group site. Campsites are mix of RV (+/- electric) and tent. Ridge Campground sites- located on the bluff they stay dry even when the rivers are at flood level. Some sites have views of the river right from the tent/RV. During peak season you will definitely need a reservation (likely months in advance), but there are a few same day spots held in reserve. Also during peak season there is a concession stand near the campground and boat rental (canoe/kayak) near the boat launch (neither were open when I camped there but were on a separate day trip)

    A short drive from the state park is Effigy Mounds National Monument with additional trails and a reverse of the scenic view (looking south and east instead of west/northwest). Definitely worth a look since its FREE and so close by. Also in the area is Villa Louis (historical homestead) which can be toured for a modest fee (good rainy day activity). If coming from Madison area be sure to check out some of the small wineries along the drive either to or from the park.

  • D
    Jun. 11, 2022

    Mud Lake County Park

    Beautiful park on Miss River. Great value

    Mud Lake is a wonderful county park near Dubuque. Beautiful views of the Mississippi River. We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. The sites are mostly sunny. The park streets are gravel with gravel sites. The park is quiet except for the occasional train from the nearby tracks. Great value for $21. Electric and water hookups. Marina and boathouse next door.

    Stayed in campsite #35 which has no shade. It was a gravel site which shares a pull-through with site 36. There was more than enough parking for my TT and truck and grass on either side. The site included: picnic table and fire ring. Utilities were located in the rear. 20A/50A electric and water. Site was level. Neighbors were nearby.

    AT&T had 2 bars of LTE and Verizon 2 bars of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 47 Mbps down, 1.3 Mbps up. Verizon data VERY SLOW. No WiFi.

    Would stay here again. We camped at Mud Lake Park in a Travel Trailer.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

    Great place for a short trip

    I’ll begin by saying this is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses. We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. Our site was also extremely dusty which wasn’t a problem at all just be prepared to be a little dirty. The campground was quiet except for the occasional train that rolled through those are quite loud due to how close they are to the campground. I would definitely come back to Nelson Dewey and stay again. There was not a ton to do in the area so a short weekend stay was perfect. A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites. There is 1 designated parking spot per walk to site as well. The walk to sites are small and only accommodated our one (6 person) tent which was not a problem for us as we knew this ahead of time.

  • Lisa M.
    Jun. 13, 2019

    Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    Beautiful Views

    Some of the spots are a little uneven. Bring some leveling devices. This a very peaceful campground. Fire rings are on cement. Can find fire starters everywhere. No bugs in the 1st of June when we were there. Will plan on going back for sure. Reserve your spots cuz they go fast. If you love a great view and the smell of the outdoors this is your place!

Guide to Marquette

Tent camping near Marquette, Iowa offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature, with several well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a primitive experience.

Tent campers should check out Camp Glen Wendel

  • Located in the scenic Yellow River State Forest, Camp Glen Wendel features spacious sites with fire rings and benches, perfect for a cozy night under the stars.
  • This campground is accessible via a hike-in trail, providing a sense of adventure as you make your way through lush coniferous trees.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of nature, with a small pond nearby that adds to the serene atmosphere.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails around Camp John Schultz offer intermediate hiking opportunities, allowing you to explore the dense forest while enjoying the sounds of summer insects.
  • Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the nearby trout streams, especially around Frontier Equestrian Campground, which features trails that lead directly to these prime fishing spots.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, South Bear Creek provides a remote setting with access to beautiful trout fishing and the soothing sounds of flowing water.

Enjoy unique features at these campgrounds

  • Echo Valley State Park Campground is known for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to a trout stream, making it ideal for those looking to unwind in nature.
  • At Gateway Park Campground, you can enjoy a children’s play area and a lovely American wars memorial, adding a touch of history to your camping experience.
  • Whitetail Bluff Campground LLC offers spacious sites and a variety of activities for kids, making it a great choice for family camping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marquette, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marquette, IA is Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Marquette, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Marquette, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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