Yellow River State Forest in northeast Iowa provides primitive backcountry tent camping in a unique Driftless Area landscape. The terrain features diverse topography with elevation changes of 200-300 feet between ridges and valleys. Backcountry sites at Camp Glen Wendel and Camp John Schultz can be accessed via well-marked trails with some steep sections requiring careful footing during wet conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Glen Wendel offers access to trout streams with minimal pressure from other anglers. "Very secluded with good fishing opportunities and great fishing in the area," reports Lindsey R., who found the area perfect for a "cheap getaway."
Hiking preparation: Yellow River State Forest trails provide excellent training ground for longer backpacking trips. "Great park with a few longer trails for backpacking. Have used these trails/this park to prepare for longer trips," explains Brooke M., who appreciates the "wonderful spots to camp" and "very clean and pretty" creeks.
Stargazing: The rural setting creates excellent night sky viewing conditions with minimal light pollution. At Worthington Sportsman's Club, a camper noted the secluded nature creates perfect conditions for evening astronomy: "So secluded without being in the middle of nowhere. People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there!"
What campers like
Limited crowds: Most backcountry sites receive minimal visitor traffic, especially on weekdays. "I've backpacked here multiple times and have only run into other people once or twice. Hidden gem," shares Brooke M. about the backcountry experience.
Diverse terrain: The region offers unexpected topography for Iowa. "Amazing place to explore for all ages. Who knew that Iowa has hills like this?!" exclaims Lynn G. after visiting Camp Glen Wendel.
Affordable camping: Sites are budget-friendly compared to developed campgrounds. "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," reports kevin T.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping is possible with proper equipment. "The entire place is opened to hunting and there is hikes you can do. There is snow in the winter," notes kevin T., highlighting year-round accessibility.
Trail conditions: Some routes have challenging sections requiring careful footing. "I've done this loop several times, and have never been disappointed. Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails. There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy," advises Kevin C.
Limited facilities: Most sites lack modern amenities. At Camp John Schultz, James M. describes "5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Some campsites offer more space for children to explore safely. "Well spaced out camp sites, very primitive. Great spot to view the stars. Awesome for kids," reports Macel C. about Camp Glen Wendel.
Educational opportunities: Bring field guides to identify local plants and wildlife with children. At Echo Valley State Park, one visitor enjoyed "a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)."
Safety considerations: Noise concerns can arise with younger campers unused to forest sounds. "Been coming to yellow river for years but have always wanted to go backpacking. Finally, convinced one of my friends to come with, we ended up getting scared around midnight from the noises. Took our hammocks down and ran all the way back," recounts Shyla G. about her adventure.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Marquette have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Echo Valley State Park, Kerry M. cautions: "It is most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping... large RVs would not do well."
Alternative options: Little Turkey Campground provides more RV-friendly amenities while still offering a natural setting. "Clean shower free wood staff is friendly," notes Douglas M. about this more developed alternative for vehicle-based camping.
Parking considerations: When backcountry camping, secure parking locations are available near trailheads. "Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore," suggests a regular visitor to the area.
