The best pets off leash campgrounds near Elkader, Iowa

Looking to go camping near Elkader, Iowa? Hipcamp has over 350 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into glamping, RV camping, or tent camping, we've got you covered. With an average price per night of $48 and options as low as $10, there's something for every budget. Check out our top campsites with rave reviews: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're into whitewater paddling, paddling, or surfing, you're in luck - these are popular activities in the area. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (59)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Elkader, Iowa? Hipcamp has over 350 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into glamping, RV camping, or tent camping, we've got you covered. With an average price per night of $48 and options as low as $10, there's something for every budget. Check out our top campsites with rave reviews: Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're into whitewater paddling, paddling, or surfing, you're in luck - these are popular activities in the area. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (59)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Legacy Landing

100%

(2)

0.3mi from Elkader · 2 sites · Lodging · Elkader, IA

Formerly the Mederville Wildlife Club, this land is situated on the north side of the hill and is accessible by a very rough “B” road. The property features two stocked fishing ponds, a vineyard, and trails for hiking, photography, mushroom hunting, and birdwatching. There’s a fire pit for campfires — and more stars than can be counted. It’s secure and very private.

2. Cedar Springs

93%

(21)

39mi from Elkader · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.

3. Roy's Acres

100%

(25)

26mi from Elkader · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Randalia, IA

Our expansive 360-acre farm, in the family for nearly 80 years, has undergone significant transformation. What was once a grove of trees and a borrow pit for highway construction has evolved into a welcoming campground. Amidst this landscape, we've erected two buildings, one of which is a shop equipped with a restroom and a charming porch. Nestled on this porch, my wife and I delight in evenings spent observing the deer and other wildlife, fostering a serene atmosphere for relaxation. Originally conceived as a space for family enjoyment and camping, we've now decided to extend this hospitality to others, embarking on further campground development. Our campground offers a variety of spots, some equipped with electricity for convenience, while others offer a more primitive experience, allowing guests to disconnect and embrace the tranquility of nature. While relaxation is our specialty, we have other outdoor activities to enjoy. With a pond for fishing and paddle boating, as well as close access to the Volga River for canoeing and kayaking, there’s plenty to explore. The Volga River State Recreation Area is only 10 miles away and offers more fishing, boating and hiking opportunities.

4. RidgeRiverView Acres

100%

(8)

29mi from Elkader · 4 sites · Lodging · Sherrill, IA

160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 50 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.

5. BoscoBelle

89%

(9)

39mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV · Boscobel, WI

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. This is one special, private site, an open meadow for tent and small rv camping. Features fun frog 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.

6. Cedar Springs

100%

(1)

39mi from Elkader · 2 sites · Lodging · Decorah, IA

THE PROPERTY: Cedar Springs includes wooded forest terrain, pasture, an old limestone quarry, and high bluffs with beautiful views. This historic property has multiple elevations and geological features which make it a truly special & unique location. The quarry below the lodgings forms a natural amphitheater with amazing acoustics and has an extra large bonfire pit and two additional fire pits. The quarry space is available for all guests to enjoy except when privately reserved. There are hiking trails, an 1800’s limestone home and scenic bridge which make for great exploring and photo opportunities. Also, if you love art you will enjoy discovering the series of 19 elevated stained glass sculpture panels installed throughout the property.

Stories from the community

Sadie

November 2025

With pets

3 nights at Legacy Landing

Such a lovely space in a gorgeous place with great hosts! Betty and Ed were super welcoming, friendly, and accommodating to our needs as guests. Their land is stunning and it was so nice to step right outside the cabin to go on nature walks. The nearby towns are fun to explore too. The photos of their cabin don’t do it justice, it’s very cute and thoughtfully designed! Would happily stay here again.

Chris

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BoscoBelle

Great location, super friendly host, and firewood included in the price. We had a great time. It's close enough to town to be convenient, but rural enough to enjoy nature. The surrounding hills and trees are beautiful. The only challenge was finding a flat spot for tents. A couple areas aren't too bad, but most of the clearing is on a bit of a slope.

G

Gabby

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Legacy Landing

This was a trip for my spouse and I to celebrate our anniversary, and it was the absolute best experience to have one-on-one time away from kiddos and to be in nature. Betty was a wonderful communicator, very thorough in her instructions and directions, and gave us the lay of the land upon arrival. We were kicking ourselves that we didn’t reserve more than two nights. From hiking to fishing to cooking outside, firepit, cards and movies inside, it was a lovely experience. The cabin itself was perfect. Brand new and very functional. We truly had everything we needed and more. Do yourself a favor and check this place out!

J

Jeremy

October 2025

Weekend Trip to BoscoBelle

The view at Boscobelle is great and David was very welcoming. It is set in a valley so the sun gets to you in the late morning. I have seen other reviews saying it is not level. It does have an incline but there multiple places where it is very easy to set up a tent and be perfectly comfortable. It is close enough to town that anything you may have forgotten or want access to is a five minute drive away. It was a great way to usher in fall.

m

manuel

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Roy's Acres

Our trip to Roy's acres was the precursor to an amazing camping anniversary road trip and Roy's acres didn't disappoint. It was the perfect way to comfortably get our first camp night bug out of our system. It was clean, had electricity in the site we chose and strung lights that made for amazing ambiance. While there was no shower (which they are currently remedying) the restrooms were extremely clean and had flush toilets. The camp his host Steve was not only friendly and inviting but supplied us with free wood. I would definitely recommend it for a quick stay or long one if your wanting a comfortable clean hip camp.

K

Kasra

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

Steve and Ellen were absolutely amazing during the entirety of our stay. Their help and welcoming personality gave us the best weekend getaway. Steve was generous and allowed us to use his paddle boat on the beautiful pond and wood for the campfire. Keep a good eye out at night for a clear sky of stars. Had a great time on this acre, fishing, camping, cooking, and all. Highly recommend!

m

mark

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to RidgeRiverView Acres

Great site with a ton of trails and water activities available. Went fishing and caught some bass. Breathtaking views l.

C

Cassie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

Loved tent camping at Steve’s place! Great accommodations and super easy to find. Plenty of firewood to use as well. Will be going back!

T

Tony

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

Loved camping at this location, host is awesome and helpful. Can’t wait for the showers to be built!!

Doug

September 2025

31 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

We loved camping at roys acres. It was so peaceful and quiet all weekend. The wife and dogs really enjoyed relaxing around the fire. And the stars were amazing out there.

Jessica

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BoscoBelle

Great private site. My dogs enjoyed playing in the pond. Nice, clean toilet on site. Plenty of room for the dogs to sniff around and explore and close enough to places like Wyalusing for a day trip to hike. Very close to river put in for those wanting to enjoy the Wisconsin River.

g

garrett

August 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Roy's Acres

Mr steve was friendly, place was quiet and well Kept. Would definitely stay again if in the area.

Jacob

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

We enjoyed tent camping on Steve’s property. Very quiet and peaceful. Steve was very polite and welcoming, great person to do business with. Bathroom was clean. Great place to relax with friends.

J

Jenna

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to BoscoBelle

I had a wonderful time at Boscobelle! David was a wonderful host; I experienced a pretty big thunderstorm and he checked on me the next morning to made sure I was alright and brought me dry firewood as well. I loved being able to have my dog off leash and I also enjoyed the camp shower. Thanks so much again, David!

Jessey

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

This was a beautiful place to camp and the owners are extremely welcoming and friendly!

L

Laurie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

Steve did a nice job with this campsite! A very relaxing spot next to the pond with a real bathroom close by. It’s just a short drive to a quaint little town if you want to get out a bit. We had a great stay and would highly recommend Ron’s Acres!

B

Britnie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to RidgeRiverView Acres

We loved Jims Cozy Cabin. Jim was super laid back. This was a perfect place for me, my husband and our two pups. We stayed only two nights but could have stayed longer. Our pups loved exploring the farm and I loved floating in the pond with our neighbor. Whom stayed in the beautiful canvas tent on the other side of the pond. It was very secluded with all the amenities you'll need. He offered to help with our fire and he blew up floats for us. He even offered us fresh veggies from his garden. The cabin was very clean and cute. A/C worked great and was much needed. Cabin was only an hour away from Galena IL and 30 min from Dubuque IW both towns have great shopping, bars and restaurants. But if you're just looking to get away from the city and see the stars this place is where you need to be. We loved sitting on the dock at night looking at the stars. You can tell Jim spent a lot of hard work on his property to make it beautiful with all the flowers and hanging lights everywhere even around the lake. When we left we couldn't thank Jim enough. We will be back.

Caity

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to BoscoBelle

David was incredibly accommodating. We were supposed to camp on the sandbars of the Wisconsin River but water levels made us cancel those plans. About 24 hours before our trip, David and BoscoBelle came to the rescue. Our crew had such a wonderful time. We loved the cows across the street and got a good laugh out of their bellows in the AM. Unfortunately we didn't get to exploring the property trails much. It was amazing being surrounded by fireflies in the evening and different bird species during the day. The nearby Wyalusing SP was beautiful! We had a friend from Dublin visiting and he has never seen the Mississippi or been camping and he said it was an amazing life event. We thought that the amenities provided were more than a bonus! The outhouse was a great addition, but the KwikTrip gas station is a short drive if you're less inclined for that sort of thing. The camp shower was great and was really enjoyed by all. The potable water hose was a HUGE help to everyone. We didn't actually drink from it but we used it for dishes and rinsing feet off/cooling down all weekend. The tadpoles in the pond were fun to watch and the frogs were pretty to hear. That said they REALLY wanted to be heard on night two 😂. The host was very friendly and quick to respond to questions. Service was spotty for some of us onsite (it's in the valley, this wasn't surprising.) I would love to come back again soon.

C

CHLOE

June 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Roy's Acres

Lovely quiet wooded area with a scenic pond. Had access to electric but did not need it. Bathroom was clean. Would stay again if traveling this way. Thanks, Steve, for the tip about Saturday morning fresh-made donut holes at Fox's Greenhouse and Bakery just a mile down the road!