The best campgrounds near Elkader, Iowa with climbing

Elkader packs a punch for climbers. With over 130 camping options tailored to climbing, you get quick access to bluffs and boulders without the crowds. Expect average rates around $35 a night, but you’ll find pitches for as little as $24. Top picks like Cedar Springs (18 reviews), Relax near the Mississippi (12 reviews), and Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0 (6 reviews) put you close to the crags and give you solid climbs just steps from your tent. Sites here aren’t just about the rock—showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spots make it easy to settle in after a long day. When you’re not scaling limestone faces, keep an eye out for bald eagles or hit the hiking trails cutting through the woods. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a full basecamp for anyone who wants to climb, explore, and actually use the outdoors.

94% (40)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elkader

Elkader packs a punch for climbers. With over 130 camping options tailored to climbing, you get quick access to bluffs and boulders without the crowds. Expect average rates around $35 a night, but you’ll find pitches for as little as $24. Top picks like Cedar Springs (18 reviews), Relax near the Mississippi (12 reviews), and Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0 (6 reviews) put you close to the crags and give you solid climbs just steps from your tent. Sites here aren’t just about the rock—showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spots make it easy to settle in after a long day. When you’re not scaling limestone faces, keep an eye out for bald eagles or hit the hiking trails cutting through the woods. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a full basecamp for anyone who wants to climb, explore, and actually use the outdoors.

94% (40)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elkader

1. Relax near the Mississippi

91%

(23)

19mi from Elkader · 5 sites · RVs

2. Cedar Springs

93%

(21)

39mi from Elkader · 2 sites · Lodging

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.

3. Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

95%

(10)

43mi from Elkader · 1 site · Lodging

Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0 is a clean & quiet camper that is located just a few feet from your private cave & waterfall! KAYAK & CANOE RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE by Uncle Jon. A gem that you cannot find anywhere else in Decorah! A secret hideaway for photos, hiking, sightseeing & connecting to nature. A secluded area for easy R&R while listening to water flow, chirping birds & watching deer & horses pass by. 1 queen bed sleeps 2, 1 twin bed sleeps 1, and 2 full bunk beds sleep 2-4. We charge a $25 non-refundable pet fee. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings & have fun! Uncle Jon & Rose

4. Backbone State Park

80%

(5)

124 sites · Dundee, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Lil' Bit of Country RV Park

15mi from Elkader · 11 sites

Lil' Bit of Country RV Park stands out as a hidden gem in Northeast Iowa, nestled at the western edge of Strawberry Point along Highway 3, where the serene flatlands meet the majestic cliffs of the Mississippi River. This charming campground features 16 spacious full hookup campsites that are big rig friendly, offering both 30 and 50 amp options. Many sites are conveniently pull-through accessible, making your arrival and departure a breeze. Guests will appreciate the park's amenities, which include limited Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies (with pets on a leash), and sewer hookups at every site. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire circles, perfect for enjoying evenings under the stars. Essential facilities such as restrooms with hot showers and laundry services are also available to enhance your stay. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers a wealth of activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The local community features two banks, a grocery store, a hardware store, a pharmacy, and several dining options, including Casey's pizza and a historical hotel known for its ghostly tales. Just a scenic 40-mile drive away, the Mississippi River provides additional recreational opportunities, including a casino in Marquette, IA. Nearby attractions include Jakway Forest County Park, Backbone State Park

Public campgrounds near Elkader

South Lake Campground

19mi from Elkader · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

100%

(3)

Six Pine Campground

19mi from Elkader · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

L

Lauren

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

My boyfriend and I loved this spot. A quiet camper with a waterfall and horses close. Very relaxing if that’s what you’re looking for. John is extremely accommodating and quick to respond to needs. Definitely coming back!

Heather

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

What a beautiful hidden gem in the rolling hills of Iowa! We enjoyed the waterfall, the beautiful property, the well stocked RV and the customer service. Thanks for having us!

There is a great paved pad to park on. It accommodated my van very well!

J

Jeff

July 2025

27 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Relax near the Mississippi

Good place to stop for a couple days. The price was excellent with Electric and water. Camp host was friendly and accommodating.

Matrice

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Cedar Springs

My fiancé and I loved staying here! The views were gorgeous, the greenhouse was beautiful and warm, especially for the colder night we stayed here in. Directions were easy to follow, the outhouse was clean and so was the whole grounds. The owners were extraordinarily kind, and people help make the place. This was a perfect first Glamping experience and we can’t wait to come back!

P

Paul

April 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cedar Springs

Definitely the most unique property I've stayed at on Hipcamp! Stopped just for the night and I loved the little greenhouse experience and now I am spoiled because I had a whole rock quarry to myself! On top of all that they were very accommodating and got the spot ready for me last minute, I look forward to seeing this property in the future and would come back to this area to explore just to see this place again.

Claire

March 2025

32 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Relax near the Mississippi

This is such a nice little spot to park an RV in the area. The landlord, Amy was incredibly helpful and kind. She was quick to respond to all my questions and helped us out when we had some specific questions about how to work the water on site. Would for sure stay here again! Thank you again for all your help!