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The best camping near Yellow River State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Yellow River adventure.

100% (7 reviews)
100% (7 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of Yellow River State Forest.  

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Community favorites near Yellow River State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Yellow River State Forest

100%
(32)

Shiloh Farms Treehouse

1 site ¡ Lodging200 acres ¡ Mount Sterling, WI
We are located near the famous Gays Mills Apple Orchards. We have trout streams nearby, biking the back country roads, canoeing nearby, Mississippi River 7 miles from us, Historic sites to visit, like Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien, Pikes Peak and Effigy Mounds. We are in the Ocooch Mountains, so whether you are in the hills or valleys, you are always surrounded by the beauty that nature provides. We have a treehouse on our property that we rent out and offer the use of an updated outhouse that has been here for decades. We also provide an outdoor shower. The treehouse has a small Keurig, toaster and microwave. We have a 36 inch Blackstone griddle on our large deck for your cooking needs. Please wander over this way and enjoy what Southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area has to offer. You can bring your own towels, bedding, pillows, etc., but if you forget or don’t have room, I have some all ready for you to use when you come. Just let me know and I will bring it to you or let me know ahead of time and I will have it in the treehouse for you.
from 
$120
 / night
91%
(16)

Amy K.’s Land

5 sites ¡ RVs4 acres ¡ Prairie Du Chien, WI
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(391)

🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Cashton, WI
Once a working farm, now a haven for wildlife and peace. Primitive, laid-back camping experience. Surrounded by Amish farms. Check out our full property for our dispersed campsites and additional photos. * 100 acres of rewilded habitat * Potable spring water * Creekside camping * ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 BIPOC, LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 friendly. All are welcome!
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$36
 / night
100%
(335)

Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Dakota, MN
This is a very private location. In its former life this property was a limestone quarry. Evidence of it's history remain with high rock walls on both ends of the property. In the center of the property is about 5 acres that is flat and covered with wildflowers and small trees. There are several good options for camping in this area. Surrounding this area is another 15 acres of hills and trees great for hiking and enjoying the beautiful view of the Mississippi River below. There is a boat ramp just a mile down the hill for boating or fishing on the Mississippi and the city of La Crosse, WI and La Crescent, MN are each only about a five minute drive. Great River Bluffs State Park and countless other recreational opportunities are just minutes away.
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$29
 / night
96%
(24)

S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Viroqua, WI
Hey there Happy Campers! We welcome you to our small slice of Driftless heaven. This private campsite is located in prairie land, surrounded by agricultural and wooded property (it’s quiet). Within a few minutes drive you have access to some of the best trout streams a fishing license can buy. You're also in close proximity to amazing hiking and biking trails, agri-tourism (apple pickin' good times!), endless photography opportunities, wineries, birding, stargazing and visits to downtown Viroqua! After a long day of adventuring, come back to this quiet retreat, make some brandy old fashions and enjoy the ambiance of the stars and crackling camp fire! This site can accommodate 2 large tents with plenty of room for a camp kitchen, fire pit and seating area. There is newly constructed composting style outbuilding (please read instructions before using it) and a camp kitchen table along with solar powered lighting. Firewood and other supplies are conveniently available in downtown Viroqua. Be sure to check out the various retailers and restaurants while you're there! Hope you enjoy the camp and we just ask to please leave it better than you found it!
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(94)

Brye Cabin and Bad Axe Camping

3 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents140 acres ¡ Viroqua, WI
Our family purchased this land for adventure. We would love to share our adventure with you. Groomed UTV/hiking trails on our property. Hiking access into Duck Egg county park with over 10 miles of trails to explore on 900 acres. Drive and park directly at our cabin nestled in the driftless. It is totally private on 140 acres. Watch the wildlife from the porch while enjoying a campfire. The cabin offers 2 queen beds on the loft, a futon and fully stocked kitchen. Outdoor bathroom with plumbing. We offer 2 campsites directly on the Bad Axe River with hike in or utv assist access only. Park at designated parking area. The campsite has fire ring and table and chairs at the site, firewood available for 10/night. 5 gallons potable water provided. Hike in or purchase utv assist to get gear to the site $20 both ways We also have a 'glampsite' which already has a 10x12 wall tent on a 12x20 platform, with a queen bed and all bedding included. 10 gallons potable water provided. An outdoor kitchen contains everything you need to lessen your packing for a total relaxed and spoiled camping experience, all paper products and cookware in stocked kitchen. Charcoal and grill, 24" gas griddle, 2 burner coleman stove with propane included. Glamp directly on the river. There is a separate picnic area with fire ring, picnic table and swing set for the kids! Pets are welcome! We do ask for a $20 pet fee at the cabin and glampsite as there is extra cleaning involved, thank you! Watch the stars at night and catch trout in the river by day! Heavin in the Driftless.
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(5)

Cedar Springs

1 site ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Decorah, IA
The property has been in my family for over 40 years and was originally settled in the mid 1800's. It is about 10 acres and is primarily wooded with Cedar, Oak, Maple, Hickory and Birch. The topography is diverse, having steep heights, easy flats and everything in between; which makes hiking fun and interesting. The lower College Drive side features a historic limestone homestead and quarry, also a fossil rich creek-bed and rustic (4WD) road to the top. The upper property (Hwy. 52 access) offers a secluded forest as well as a spacious meadow. The woods are filled with birds and many other indigenous wild animals. We are only a half mile from towns edge and two miles from its center (also a five minute drive from Luther College). The Decorah area is well known for its scenic natural beauty and has extensive hiking trails, biking trails, cross-country ski routes, rivers, creeks and hunting areas. People come here year round for our outdoor recreation and beauty. Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Tubing, X-country skiing, and Trail Riding are very popular activities around here. Bring a side-by-side or ATV and have a blast both on the property and around the area. Decorah has several museums, a movie theater, 2 golf courses and bowling alley in addition to dozens of charming shops and several restaurants. You'll never get bored staying at Cedar Springs.
from 
$90
 / night

Root River Hideaway

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Houston, MN
Get away from it all and take in the fresh air and views at the Root River Hideaway. Camp on the river's edge with instant, 24-hour access to fishing, tubing, or paddling. Enjoy amazing sunsets while listening to a crackling fire - on-site wood provided for a nominal fee. Ultimate privacy with no other campers and not a house to be seen up and down the river. Our property lies on a quiet stretch of the Root River where you have private access for small craft, or you are 5 mins from a boat launch for flat bottom boats / kayaks & canoes (for longer trips from upriver or downriver). Inquire with owner for rules of the river, estimated trip times and more. Experience some of the best stargazing you'll ever see, while listening to the owls, coyotes or if you're up early (or late!) enough, maybe you'll see or hear the Sandhill cranes nesting nearby. Fish to your heart's content for all types of trout, bass, panfish and rough fish - maybe the occasional walleye or sauger! All right from the bank, from your boat or while floating down the river in your craft (or one we can rent you). Soak up the sun while exploring the trails, creek and ponds on the property, or cool off while floating down the Root River. The Root's sandy bottom is family friendly, with a generally shallow and straight path with a good current, making for an easy paddle downstream between landings. Away from it all yet the convenience of being only 2.5 miles from Houston with access to the local coffee shop Baristas, the Root River Market and the International Owl Center, plus there is the Root River bike trail system. The park with the bike trail access also has a nice natural playground, Nature Center, picnic area and amphitheater with occasional music events. In addition, a beautiful 18-hole golf course, Valley High, is set in the bluffs of Southeast Minnesota- just 5 minutes away.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(268)

Shady Rest Acres

3 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents23 acres ¡ Brownsville, MN
Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(2)

Codys Ranch

2 sites ¡ Lodging215 acres ¡ Lynxville, WI
Looking for a taste of Wisconsin's rolling green hills, bright blue skies, and fresh, crisp countryside air? We have the perfect getaway for you. Cody's Cowboy Retreat Vacation Rental located on a ridgetop in the beautiful Driftless Region of southwest Wisconsin is now available to rent. Come enjoy the rustic, lower level of this lodge with a property manager on site. This is a working ranch. Horses, donkey, and cattle viewable from fence. There are also 3 dogs and hen house. Any and all activities are done at your own risk. Cowboy Retreat is 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,000+ square feet. 1 king bed, 1 queen bed. Common area has a trundle bed (twin day bed that has another twin underneath and when pulled out and lifted up the two make into king size). In addition there is a roll away twin, air mattress, and couch. . Amenities include full equipped kitchen, 5 person hot tub, washer, dryer, games, Smart TVs for your personal streaming accounts, Wifi. Property manager onsite. The lodge is a 3-unit building. It consists of Cowboy Retreat, Wrangler Outlaw Suite, and Bunk House. The Wrangler Outlaw Suite may be available if additional lodging is needed. Items included with your stay on the ranch include viewing of animals from fence line, private 5k (3.1 mile) hiking route including Indian mounds & rock out croppings, deer shed hunting, morel mushroom hunting, and fire pit. Ranch activities available for fee include horse back riding lesson and branding over open fire. Once you book your lodging, we can send you further details. Start your day with a blissful hike through the private 215 acres located right outside your door. Or even snowshoe through the oak, birch, and willow tree filled land as you take a break from reality. Our Buffalo Bill Pass hiking trail is marked with markers throughout to guide your adventure. Finish your day by soaking and relaxing in the 5 person hot tub. Then watch the sky light up with flaming red, orange, and pink rays for a gorgeous sunset. Cody’s Cowboy Retreat is also great for finding deer sheds and morel mushrooms. Many wildlife have been found on property from deer, turkey, geese, and ducks. Enjoy your meals outdoor on the patio while enjoying the sunset on the southwest patio. When the night falls, watch the star come out to play and enjoy the fire pit. The driftless area has a lot to offer. Some attractions include Wyalusing State Park, Pikes Peak State Park, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Mississippi river, Kickapoo River activities, apple orchards, natural areas, local wineries, and Villa Louis. There are many annual events that are great to attend including Rendezvous, Spring Fest & Folk Fest, Eastman 4th of July Celebration, Apple Festival, Crawford & Vernon County Fair, Wild West Days, Villa Louis Carriage Classic, Kickapoo Stump Dodger, Driftless Area Art Festival, and wine tasting event in Prairie Du Chien. Please feel free to bring your utv/atv and ride the 650 miles of road trails in Crawford County. Plenty of room for your trailer to be parked and unloading. Enjoy the day and return to peaceful lodging. Property is located on ATV/UTV route. Crawford County has 650 miles of road routes throughout the county. On a trip through the county, you will enjoy the unique landscape of forests, rivers, hills, and valleys. Crawford County is a highly desirable county for bow and gun hunting. Property is available for various hunting seasons including deer, duck, geese, and turkey for a fee. The private hiking trail may not be available during hunting season. Bring your boat and launch at public boat landing. Lynxville is 3.7 miles from property. Crawford County is located in southwest Wisconsin in the heart of the unique Driftless Region. This small area that includes portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois was bypassed by glaciers in the last Ice Age. As a result, the area avoided the flattening effect of glaciers on the land. Glacial runoff created many river valleys, steep hills, and limestone bluffs throughout the region. The county is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River, the Wisconsin River to the south, and the Kickapoo River divides the county north to south. Whether you bring your family, have a girls weekend, or come with friends you are bound to enjoy some cowboy life. Codys Ranch makes every effort to provide you a safe and enjoyable experience at the ranch. However, riding horses, being around cattle, horses, dogs and other farm animals, hiking, being around ponds, being in the barn, barnyard and other out-buildings, being around machinery, equipment, and other objects, and participating in activities on the ranch by their very nature include risks of serious injury. Each guest will need to sign a liability release. No smoking or no e-cigarettes.
from 
$150
 / night
100%
(2)

Sleepy Valley Springs

1 site ¡ Tent4 acres ¡ Boscobel, WI
4 acres nestled bordered on all sides by thousands of acres of public lands. Hike the hills and bluffs for scenic views of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. Descend to enjoy the sandy Wisconsin River. Fill your canteen from our natural spring to enjoy along the way. Pause to reflect beside the babbling brook. We are in SW Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. Apple orchards, Vineyards, Cheese factories, National Brewery Museum, Mississippi River, all within 10-40 minutes. 4 great parks within 30 miles. Wildlife abound including deer, turkey, fox, coyote, beaver, muskrat, river otter, raccoons, squirrels, eagles, swans, yep fish of all varieties, etc. We do have chickens that may visit the campsite. Please be aware: the rooster crows around 0500. The coop is across the creek, and approximately 300’ away on the opposite side of the main house. Audible but hopefully not annoying. That said we are happy to have fresh eggs available for your enjoyment. Add them in the “extras” at checkout or mention when you arrive. Also 3 Guinea fowl who may visit. They are the Intensive Insect Control as well as excellent watch birds. We have two nice medium dogs who are learning to share their space.
from 
$27
 / night

Beautiful sun sets and very quite

2 sites ¡ Tents60 acres ¡ Garnavillo, IA
Learn more about this land:Lots of fishing and hikeing for miles very peaceful nicely taking care of land one spot with running water outside no showers will be a fire pit and firewood proved lots of fishing and boating opportunities Mississippi River is olny 15 min from the site lots of pond fishing for the kids as well state land is 5 min from site so unless hiking in the area I know the area very well and will he will to help with any questions
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Yellow River State Forest guide

Overview

About

Fine forest recreation is the name of the game at Yellow River State Forest. Whether you’re paddling the Yellow River, or swishing down the cross country ski trails, there’s no doubt you’re gonna have a good time! Big and Little Paint Creeks offer stellar trout fishing and water fun or explore the 25 miles of trails by foot, bicycle, or on top of your trusty steed. Lush forest, scenic overlooks, and outcropping are prime in any season for killer photos and invigorating adventure. Try the Backpack trail for an overnight in the wild, Outdoor Magazine named it one of Iowa’s best! Camping galore and plenty to explore, time spent at Yellow River is one game you’ll want to play!

When to go

The best time to visit Yellow River State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for higher temperatures and busier trails. Winter transforms the forest into a snowy wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing, though some areas may be less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season, as conditions can change rapidly.
  • Be aware of any park alerts or closures before your visit by checking the official state website.
  • Yellow River State Forest is a haven for wildlife; always maintain a safe distance from animals.
  • Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary.
  • Pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the forest's natural beauty.

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