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95% (193) • 1,075 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Elkader
Roy's Acres
1. Roy's Acres
98%
(33)
26mi from Elkader · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our 360-acre family farm—held by our family for nearly 80 years—has been transformed from a tree grove and a former highway borrow pit into a welcoming campground.
We’ve built two structures on the property, including a shop with a restroom and a cozy porch where my wife and I enjoy evenings watching deer and other wildlife. What began as a spot for family camping has grown into a campground we’re now opening to guests.
Campsites range from electric-hookup sites for convenience to primitive sites for those who want to unplug and enjoy quiet time in nature.
Beyond relaxing, guests can fish and paddle-boat on our pond or access the nearby Volga River for canoeing and kayaking. The Volga River State Recreation Area is just 10 miles away and offers additional fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback-riding opportunities.
Update: So far this spring we haven't seen any fish in our pond. We don't know what happened to them and if fishing on the pond will be possible this year.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
BoscoBelle
2. BoscoBelle
92%
(13)
39mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV
Beautiful 10 acre wooded/pasture, walking distance to Wisconsin State Riverway in the heart of the Driftless Region. Close to Mississippi and Kickapoo rivers as well. Deer, turkey, bald eagles, trout streams, world class smallmouth bass. Nearby attractions include Wyalusing State Park, Kickapoo Valley Preserve and Class A trout streams.
This is one special, private site, an open meadow for tent and small rv camping. Features fun frog and dog pond, running, potable water, toilet, shower and and fire pit. Canoe and kayak available if you want to hit the river. Hike the property or nearby Wyalusing State Park.
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Toilets
Campfires
Driftless Retreat 🍃 🎶 📚
3. Driftless Retreat 🍃 🎶 📚
100%
(20)
39mi from Elkader · 1 site
Welcome to Driftless Retreat, a charming Amish-built, Scandinavian-influenced cabin nestled on 3 acres in the heart of the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. Tucked away high on a Mississippi River bluff, the property offers privacy and seclusion in a rural setting, but is within easy reach of quaint river towns and villages, major hubs and some of the best spots in the Driftless area.
- 5 minutes from Ferryville / Mississippi River
- 12 minutes from Lansing, Iowa
- 25 minutes from the vibrant, eclectic destination town of Viroqua
- 45 minutes from western Wisconsin's largest city, La Crosse
- 2 hours from Madison, WI
- 3 hours from Minneapolis, MN
- 4 hours from Chicago, IL
While the cabin is rustic and simple, it is equipped with a number of modern amenities and thoughtful extras to make your stay cozy and comfortable. The ideal spot for bibliophiles and music lovers alike, the cabin has a record player (byo vinyl), a large collection of reading materials, including 200+ books and 100+ magazines ranging on topics from nature, music, health and wellness, mindfulness, sustainable living and more. There is also a variety of games, puzzles and coloring books.
The cabin is equipped with a reliable 52 Mbps fiber optic internet connection, perfect for remote work or for those seeking a secluded retreat while staying connected. An Epson projector and pull-down screen make for an intimate home theater experience (byo laptop). Sleeping options include a pullout sofa (full-sized bed) with futon mattress to lay on top for comfort, as well as an Exped self-inflating air mattress if needed.
There is NO RUNNING WATER, but the cabin does have an electric water cooler on site that offers both hot and cold water options (bring your own water to fill the 5-gallon container). Additionally, you'll find a small refrigerator with freezer, microwave, two electric heaters for warmth, a hot water kettle, and a Chemex for your coffee brewing needs. Dishes, cookware, blankets and pillows provided (byo sheet set).
Feel free to explore the 3-acre property and discover nearby attractions like Rush Creek State Natural Area, Blackhawk Park, Mt. Hosmer, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wyalusing State Park, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Wildcat Mountain State Park, and more.
This property is located in a rural setting, so you can expect to hear occasional noise from passing farm equipment and trucks. Across the street, a hobby farm adds to the countryside charm, and you may hear the morning greeting of a rooster and honking of geese. It's not uncommon to see deer on the lawn, as there is an orchard neighboring the south end of the property that they like to frequent, and you'll likely hear coyotes howling in the distance at night. Also note that while we do our best to keep nature outside the cabin, be aware that bugs and mice do sometimes happen.
As a guest at Driftless Retreat, you're responsible for leaving the cabin in clean condition. Please wash all dishes, place all furniture in its original setting and remove all trash and recyclables from the property upon departure (take extra care to make sure there is absolutely no food left in the cabin).
Driftless Retreat is best suited for solo travelers or pairs.
Detailed Guide to Driftless Retreat: https://bit.ly/3XqzmEK
Learn more about Driftless Wisconsin at driftlesswisconsin.com.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pikes Peak State Park
4. Pikes Peak State Park
100%
(10)
State park 16mi from Elkader · 76 sites
Check out the fall colors at this woodland park on the banks of the Mississippi.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wyalusing State Park
5. Wyalusing State Park
83%
(4)
State park 17mi from Elkader · 99 sites
Discover Wyalusing State Park's scenic vistas and outdoor adventures.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0
6. Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0
96%
(14)
43mi from Elkader · 2 sites
Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0 is a clean and quiet camper that is located just a few feet from your private cave and waterfall! KAYAK and CANOE RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE after checking in. A gem that you cannot find anywhere else in Decorah! A secret hideaway for photos, hiking, sightseeing and connecting to nature. A secluded area for easy R&R while listening to water flow, chirping birds, watching deer and horses pass by. 1 queen bed sleeps 2, 1 twin bed sleeps 1, and 2 full bunk beds sleep 2 adults or 4 children. We charge a $25 pet fee. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and have fun! Uncle Jon and Rose
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Toilets
Showers
Heart of the Driftless
7. Heart of the Driftless
100%
(20)
48mi from Elkader · 1 site
Forty acres of woods, meadows, and fields, in the Heart of the Driftless Area, offers space to unplug, slow down, renew and rejuvenate. On a dark night, stargazing is glorious, and some summer evenings one can barely tell where the fireflies end and the stars begin.
Also available here is a sound therapy studio with gongs, crystal and metal bowls, wave drum, hoop drum, chimes, and more. Group sound sessions are available most Monday evenings, or it may be possible to schedule a personal sound session during your stay. For more photos and information see our website: lifeelemental.org
Our location is about 13 miles from the town of Viroqua, which has a wonderful Saturday morning farmer's market May-October, the renowned Driftless Cafe, and the Viroqua Food Co-op, among other things. The Organic Valley Food Co-op was established in this area in 1988, and the area in known for an abundance of fresh organic 'farm to table' food. The famous 'Driftless Books' is also found in Viroqua, along with live music on Court Street every other Saturday. Music in the Parks also offers live music in the area on Wednesdays throughout the summer.
We are 22 miles from the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and a bit further North, from Ontario WI, one may embark by canoe or kayak, through some of the most stunning landscape to be found in Wisconsin.
This area is called The Driftless because it lacks glacial drift, which refers to the deposits of silt, gravel and rock that glaciers would have left behind had they passed through this part of Southwestern Wisconsin. The area is unique in that the land here was never flattened by the ice that came through most of the Midwest during the last glacial period/ice age. When glaciers were in surrounding areas, the melt-water sometimes made its way into the Driftless Area and contributed to the formation of the valleys and bluffs which characterize the landscape, which is known for steep hills, forested ridges, deeply carved river valleys, and karst geology with caves and spring-fed cold water trout streams. Ecologically, the Driftless Area's flora and fauna are more closely related to those of the Great Lakes region and New England than those of the broader Midwest and central Plains regions.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock
8. S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock
93%
(74)
50mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV
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!
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Toilets
Campfires
The Prairie Lodge
9. The Prairie Lodge
100%
(3)
7.1mi from Elkader · 1 site
Welcome to The Prairie Lodge — A Rustic Retreat on Historic Land
Nestled in the heart of the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa, The Prairie Lodge sits on 200 acres of native prairie and timber as part of the Cook Heritage Farm Estate. This cherished family property has been passed down through generations for over 173 years. The property borders the scenic Turkey River and is surrounded by rolling farmland and gentle bluffs that lead toward the mighty Mississippi River. Rich in natural beauty, the Driftless Area is geologically unique—never touched by glaciers—and is known for its caves, underground streams, blind valleys, sinkholes, and cold spring-fed creeks.
The Prairie Lodge, once the main “corn crib” used for drying and storing harvested corn, has been thoughtfully renovated into a comfortable and charming retreat. Inside, you’ll find a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a cozy living room, and an open loft with four queen beds. The loft comfortably sleeps eight and can accommodate up to ten guests with a blow-up mattress if needed.
Step onto the east-facing patio deck with your morning beverage and watch the sunrise over fields of blooming prairie flowers. Wildlife is abundant—deer, rabbits, songbirds, pheasants, and even eagles are frequent visitors. As night falls, the second-floor deck becomes the perfect spot for stargazing and listening to the calls of coyotes echoing across the land.
Next door to the Lodge, you’ll find the Bin Bar—a once-abandoned grain bin transformed in 2017 into a unique gathering space ideal for late-night storytelling and nightcaps under the stars.
For those traveling with a larger group, RV campsites with full water, sewer, and electrical hookups are available near the Lodge. If additional accommodations are needed beyond the Prairie Lodge, please contact your Hipcamp host for details and availability.
Activities nearby: Iowa towns including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each town boasts its own fun for day and evening entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining spots.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Volga River State Recreation Area
10. Volga River State Recreation Area
State park 19mi from Elkader · 82 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Volga River State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Backbone State Park
11. Backbone State Park
80%
(5)
State park 18mi from Elkader · 124 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Yellow River State Forest
12. Yellow River State Forest
100%
(7)
State forest 24mi from Elkader · 139 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Yellow River State Forest.
Pets
Toilets
Blackhawk Park
13. Blackhawk Park
100%
(1)
Park 43mi from Elkader · 175 sites
Discover Blackhawk Park's scenic charm and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Relax near the Mississippi
14. Relax near the Mississippi
89%
(28)
19mi from Elkader · 4 sites
Relax
Pets
Full hookups
The Driftless Willow
15. The Driftless Willow
100%
(7)
21mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV
Secluded PRIVATE riverside camp! Located deep in the Driftless area of Allamakee County Iowa on the Yellow River! Trout fishing, kayaking, swimming, tubing, and camping along the river bank. Rock banks that you can try your luck spotting fossils. Bald Eagle nest with resident pair on the property that you may find sitting in a tree watching over your camp.
Need additional camp spots, tubes or kayaks, fishing gear? Contact the host for special accommodations!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Gearhead Gulch Campground
16. Gearhead Gulch Campground
23mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV
Off-Road Park & Camping – 6 Acres of Trails & Obstacles in Rural Iowa!
Looking for a place to wheel and camp for the weekend? We’re renting out 6 acres of off-road terrain with two private campsites designed for off-roaders!
🏕 Campsites:
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, parking for one Jeep, Truck, or SUV, and access to a shared porta potty
$25 per site per night (weekends only)
Firewood bundles available for $5 each
Located on a quiet dead-end road, just 5 minutes from Waukon, IA, where you’ll find restaurants, fuel, and entertainment
🚜 Off-Road Park:
A variety of mud trails, flex tests, ramps, log trails, and more!
$30 per day for access
On-site shop rental available in case of breakdowns
Recovery services offered—go ahead and test your rig’s limits!
🔧 Additional Info:
Sign a release of liability before entry
Wrench anywhere in the park or rent the shop if needed
📍 Location: Rural Iowa (near Waukon)
📅 Weekends only
Message for reservations or more details!
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Oak Creek Estate
17. Oak Creek Estate
32mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV
Campsites and a cabin are located alongside Crane Creek in a heavily wooded setting. The creek is suitable for fishing, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. For children, there's a shallow swimming area with a sandy bottom and approximately 16 inches of water.
There is no electricity or water available at the primitive campsites. Modern restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are available on the property. There are approximately 4 miles of wooded trails for hiking or running, and firewood is available for your use.
For off-site dining, two restaurants are located just 4 miles away, and grocery stores are available within 12 miles. We offer three primitive campsites, as well as two campsites with 30-amp electric and water hookups (no sewer service).
If privacy is what you're looking for, you'll find it here. We're committed to making your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fern Hollow Cabin
18. Fern Hollow Cabin
38mi from Elkader · 1 site
Welcome to Fern Hollow Cabin, a historic log cabin in the lush woods of Northeast Iowa. Come alone, or come with friends or family. Come sit still, or come play all day.
The log house is filled with good energy from all the 167 years that people have lived here. It feels good to be connected to our past. It feels good to visit a place where the surfaces are brown, textured, and storied.
And it feels good to remember that even without a phone ringing or email calling, you still know how to enjoy the passing of time.
Call it your sanctuary, playground, arts space, or hermitage for a silent retreat. It's all of these, and whatever else you’d like it to be!
This is my great-great-great grandparents' cabin, built in 1853. We restored it in 1989, and lived in it for 15 years. It's really beautiful! We warmly invite you to come and stay for a day or more. Come wrap yourself in the songs of the woods.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Windy Ridge Retreat
19. Windy Ridge Retreat
100%
(5)
38mi from Elkader · 1 site
The rustic cabin sits on a beautiful ridge. You will have a great view of the sky. Birds and wildlife watching along with listening to them.
The property is a second farm that has been in my family's history since the 1960's. We are a working crop, horses and beef cattle farm. We raise crops on this property. We have a main farm down the road that if you would like to visit, we can try setting that up so you can see the animals if you would like.
Please note that the cabin has a porta potty outside. The cabin does not have electricity, but an extension cord can be brought and plugged into the outdoor electric outlet. The cord can be run into the cabin to use the fan, lamp and electric skillet or infrared heater in the colder months. There is a water hydrant outside for bathing or boiling. The water is non potable.
We have direct access to the property for ATV/UTV's for the public road use on the back roads. You can travel from town to town and sight see.
The property is between two towns and is close to places to see and things to do, driftless area history, wineries, caves, hiking, canoeing, fishing, sightseeing, river, streams and more.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Gooseberry Grove
20. Gooseberry Grove
38mi from Elkader · 1 site
Welcome to Gooseberry Grove, a peaceful countryside retreat where guests can slow down, explore, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature.
Nestled on our family property, this private grass RV site offers a quiet place to relax white surrounded by open skies, greenery, and country charm. Guests are welcome to explore the average, enjoy a round of disc golf on our 12-hole course, wander along the small creek, relax by the koi pond, and experience the little moments that make country living special.
During your stay, you may meet our friendly cats, visit our chickens, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life on the farm. Where you're traveling through, looking for an outdoor getaway, or simply want a place to unplug, Gooseberry Grove offers a cozy escape filled with nature, adventure, and quiet mornings.
Come for the stay, stay for the memories.
Pets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jamie
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
Beautiful location! Shauna was very helpful. Nice peaceful location.
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Abbey
1 week ago
Tent
What an incredible gem with an amazing host! Shauna was unbelievably helpful keeping us updated on the weather (as it was stormy thoughout our stay) and was very quick to respond if we had any questions! She had a blazing fire going when we arrived at camp, a beautiful display of flowers on the picnic table, and respected our dogs space by keeping her two very nice pups up at the house! We had a fantastic time tent camping and falling asleep to the sounds of the river. The river is filled with jumping trout and there were tons of birds (including eagles) flying overhead. We enjoyed paddling around in our kayaks and swimming with our dogs.
The site was remarkably not buggy at all…. just some house flies but not really any mosquitos which we couldn’t believe! Very secluded and gorgeous spot, our time was cut short due to thunderstorms but we cannot wait to come back! Thanks again Shauna for being a great host and sharing your amazing property!!
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O
Owen
2 weeks ago
Group trip
It was a great house, beautiful scenery and with good amenities.
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Trey
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
This hipcamp site is absolutely stunning beautiful. Unfortunately, my phone died so couldn't get any pictures, but pictures really don't do this place justice anyway, as it's a must see hidden gem in the beautiful mountain-like region of North East Iowa.
Every beautiful picture you WILL see that other people have taken of this site is all that and then some.
Shauna is an amazing host, she's very attentive hospital, and accommodating.
My son and I had an amazing time out there, tubing, fishing and swimming amongst the bluffs and rocks of the yellow river, eagles flying over head, as trout swam below.
If you're looking for a place to camp, fish, and swim this place is a 100%. we will definitely be coming back to this spot in the future.
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J
Jaime
July 2026
Weekend Trip to Heart of the Driftless
Karen’s place is cozy and well-appointed. The setting is beautiful and quiet, totally immersed in nature.
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E
Ella
July 2026
24 ft travel trailer
With pets
Such an amazing stay, the view was absolutely beautiful. The wildlife at the river was fun to explore and the tubing was extremely relaxing. The hosts were absolutely amazing. Would definitely recommend.
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J
Jennifer
July 2026
Weekend Trip to Heart of the Driftless
We absolutely loved the little oasis here in the driftless! It was a perfect quiet getaway from the city. We enjoyed the wildlife - butterflies, bees, deer, birds and the fireflies were so plentiful and beautiful. The cabin was equipped with everything you need for the weekend. Clean and perfectly set up! We'd love to come back to see it in the fall!
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D
Destiny
July 2026
Tent
A wonderful campground near the river. Far enough away from the RV campers where you can not hear them running. Showers and Rec room were clean and a great place to hang out when it's hot.
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D
Danielle
July 2026
Tent
I cannot recall a more perfect and serene camping experience. The host’s attentiveness was on point. The location is magical. Stars, fireflies, private - right on Yellow River. We were able to tube for hours right from the location to a drop point 2 miles away with gorgeous scenery every where you looked. Could not recommend more. We will definitely be back.
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E
Ethan
July 2026
Tent
Amazing secluded peaceful river camping. Will be back
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V
Victoria
July 2026
3 nights at Heart of the Driftless
We really enjoyed our weekend at the cabin. We had everything we needed. Karen was communicative and inquired if we would be able to arrive at night. The environment was quiet and very private. I would 100% recommend this place, and 100% we would come back!
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M
Mark
June 2026
Tent
Convenient and quite close to Viroqua! Not much shade but occasionally would get a visit from the neighbors cows which was adorable
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Tanner
June 2026
Tent
We had such a great time staying here. You can tell a lot of care has gone into the property, and it made for the perfect weekend getaway with our son and two dogs. The campsite was peaceful, right on the water, and exactly what we were looking for.
Thank you for being such a great host and for sharing your property with us. We made some great memories here and would absolutely come back. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet place to relax.
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M
Matthew
June 2026
Tent
Group trip
Great quiet place. Super quiet relaxing environment. Easy back in spots, water and power hookups at each site make it great for when the hoses are packed away.
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M
Matt
June 2026
2 nights at Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0
We had a wonderful time! The camper was cozy and the waterfall was gorgeous. It was wonderful to wake up to the sounds of the waterfall. Uncle Jon and Rose were both so helpful and kind-even when we left our kayaks at the wrong spot! I strongly recommend you check out this place unique place.
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Joe
June 2026
10 ft truck camper
Perfect lil spot to crash and enjoy a camp meal when exploring and hitting the creeks of the driftless!
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Sue
June 2026
21 ft campervan
With pets
Such a pleasant stay. Will definitely stay again.
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Dan
June 2026
Tent
beautiful, well kept, quiet campground right on the river.
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Mikaela
June 2026
Tent
With pets
We booked last minute for a Father’s Day weekend away from town, and had a great time camping at BoscoBelle. It was our dogs’ second and third nights camping ever, and between exploring the valley, taking a dip in the frog pond, sitting by the fire, and hearing the birds in the morning and night, they were super relaxed, which made the trip great for us too. David stopped by to chat about our trip and dropped off some kindling after our arrival, and left us to enjoy the area after that. A true gem in the driftless region, this was a really beautiful and well taken care of spot.
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Joel
June 2026
Weekend Trip to The Prairie Lodge
Me and two friends stayed here for a weekend of fishing. It was easy to find and communication was great. We didn't spend a lot of time at the lodge but really enjoyed the privacy, remoteness, and quiet. The place was set up really nice with everything we needed. I would highly recommended staying here and may be back myself in the future.
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