The best ranch 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% (45)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

93%

(63)

50mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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!

2. Gearhead Gulch Campground

23mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV · Waukon, IA

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!

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% (45)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

93%

(63)

50mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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!

2. Gearhead Gulch Campground

23mi from Elkader · 1 site · Tent, RV · Waukon, IA

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!

Stories from the community

L

Lauren

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

The site is located in such a peaceful area and we were greeted by cows throughout the day! Travis had a nice picnic table, outdoor lights, and wall barrier to help with the wind! Great stay!

J

Jesse

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

Fairly private site. It is next to a not well traveled gravel road. No shade, so if you're planning on hanging out at the site during the day, bring a canopy. Very responsive owner.

Jody

September 2025

10 ft campervan

1 night at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

This was a nice property but with no privacy as it was next to a public road.

K

Kimberly

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

This site was exactly what I was hoping for! It's secluded and set in beautiful, rolling hills. If you're looking for a very peaceful camping spot this is the right one for you.

G

Gage

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

Great spot! The area was well maintained and a beautiful spot nestled into the countryside.

Paige

July 2025

Tent

1 night at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

We ended up not staying here but the place looks great!

R

Ryan

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

One word: Solitude! This site is quiet and scenic.

D

David

June 2025

Tent

1 night at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

What an awesome camp site! Very quiet, secluded. Plan n staying again on my way back!

g

greg

June 2025

Tent

1 night at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

Very cool site. I enjoyed the wildlife. I was shielded well from the wind with the location and design of the campsite. Nicely maintained and private. Would recommend to those who don't want the cookie cutter camp ground experience. Thanks!

M

Mary

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

I had a great experience tent camping here at Turtle head, hiking at Kickapoo Valley Reserve, visiting a winery, and enjoying an indulgently delicious tenderloin dinner at the driftless cafe in Viroqua. The camp site is off a quiet gravel road (minimal traffic, great for a run) nestled between two hills and easily navigable. The bathroom/shower set up are so convenient, just BYO soap and water. The string lights bring a cozy aesthetic to the campsite. My only downside was that the ground is very lumpy and slightly uneven so consider bringing extra padding or an air mattress if you’re tent camping.

B

Beth

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

Great spot near Viroqua. I was looking for a place to bike from that was near some gravel roads and this spot was easy for access to a route. It was on a quiet gravel road. It had the basic things I needed. Unfortunately there was a burn ban when I was there so I couldn't have a campfire, but I was glad I was informed of that before I went.

E

Erik

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

Nice a remote. Cool little place. Had a couple deer to keep me company. Slept like baby

o

outdoorbobby

January 2025

Tent

1 night at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

The camp was very nice. It’s close to the streams we wanted to fish and there isn’t a lot of traffic on the road it’s off of. I’d stay again for sure!

Leah

January 2025

Tent

With pets

5 nights at S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

The site itself is awesome! I definitely would recommend for SMALL trailers and vehicles with 4x4 for the dirt road if it's not nice out. The outhouse is awesome, I don't have to worry about falling over!