The best cave campgrounds near Harpers Ferry, Iowa

If you're looking for a unique camping experience near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, and have a preference for caves, look no further than Hipcamp. With over 25 options specifically tailored to your preference, you're sure to find the perfect spot to explore. And with an average price per night of $38 and options as low as $30, you can enjoy your adventure without breaking the bank. Be sure to check out top campsites like Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews), Circle M Farm Stay Camp n Glamp (65 reviews), and Breakaway Stables (58 reviews) for a memorable stay. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like potable water, trash disposal, and cooking equipment, as well as exciting activities such as horseback riding, wildlife watching, and boating. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable cave camping adventure!

97% (245)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for a unique camping experience near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, and have a preference for caves, look no further than Hipcamp. With over 25 options specifically tailored to your preference, you're sure to find the perfect spot to explore. And with an average price per night of $38 and options as low as $30, you can enjoy your adventure without breaking the bank. Be sure to check out top campsites like Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews), Circle M Farm Stay Camp n Glamp (65 reviews), and Breakaway Stables (58 reviews) for a memorable stay. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like potable water, trash disposal, and cooking equipment, as well as exciting activities such as horseback riding, wildlife watching, and boating. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable cave camping adventure!

97% (245)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shady Rest Acres

100%

(316)

34mi from Harpers Ferry · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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.

2. Hideaway Camper by the Cave 2.0

95%

(10)

36mi from Harpers Ferry · 1 site · Lodging · Decorah, IA

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

3. Lil' Bit of Country RV Park

41mi from Harpers Ferry · 11 sites · Strawberry Point, IA

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

4. Wyalusing State Park

83%

(4)

99 sites · Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin

Discover Wyalusing State Park's scenic vistas and outdoor adventures.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

5. Wildcat Mountain State Park

100%

(3)

72 sites · Ontario, Wisconsin

Discover Wildcat Mountain State Park's scenic trails and river adventures.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

6. Backbone State Park

80%

(5)

124 sites · Dundee, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Harpers Ferry

83%

(4)

Wyalusing Campground

15mi from Harpers Ferry · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wyalusing State Park

100%

(3)

Wildcat Mountain Campground

45mi from Harpers Ferry · 72 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wildcat Mountain State Park

South Lake Campground

46mi from Harpers Ferry · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

100%

(3)

Six Pine Campground

46mi from Harpers Ferry · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

Stories from the community

K

Kyle

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patty and Michelle are awesome hosts. Very available and acommodating if you need anything but totally out of your hair otherwise. Heart's Content was a lovely spot where you could hear the soft trickle of water flowing from pond to pond as you slept. Very close to a lot of cool spots including a great bluff hike in Reno, MN, and great boating/island hopping opportunities at Goose Island in LaCrosse, WI. The farm animals were all very chill and friendly and were very respectful of our space at the campsite, like not wandering in and being all up on us while we prepped meals or anything like that. They'd sometimes graze on the underbrush that rings the site. The goats loved being fed food scraps like carrot/potato skins, banana peels, etc. There was a very clean and well maintained outhouse on the premises and a water spigot nearby with very clean water. Great price on a generous amount of firewood that is stored in a dry shelter. Buy it in person, not through the app. ;)

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!

E

Ethan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Shady Rest Acres was amazing. I had high expectations and they were exceeded. The donkeys and goats were really friendly when they approached you to check things out and the cows were great to watch. The hosts were super friendly and answered any questions right away with helpful information. Secluded area which was very peaceful and where I could check out the milky way at night. 12/10 would book again

Andrew

August 2025

3 nights at Shady Rest Acres

Perfect place to decompress, with a touch of the farm life. The hosts were kind and available, letting us know how to approach the animals on our own time.

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!

J

Jeffrey

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

We asked if they could supply us with some beverages using hipcamp messaging since we bike packed to the location and they gladly helped us out. The camp site was great, well maintained and easy to find!

A

Abbey Renee

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Wonderful site adjacent to a farm featuring goats, donkeys, and ducks. Friendly hosts who were welcoming, providing am overview of the amenities. For a quiet getaway in a great location be sure to book with Michelle & Patty.

P

Pamela

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

Camped at Life is good site right by the farm animals which were super friendly. Fairly private and serene with beautiful stars at night and sunrises. There were a lot of flies but that’s to be expected around animals. Hosts were super friendly.

C

Carrie

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Another lovely stay at Patty and Michelle's cabin. It is a great way to enjoy all of the beautiful nature of the area with fewer mosquitos! We stargazed, spent quality time with the cats, goats, and made friends with the turkeys. Looking forward to coming back later this fall.

An important member of the welcoming committee! Just don't touch the belly 😊

B

Britt

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patty and Michelle were lovely hosts. Gave us lots of ideas upon arrival for local attractions and when there was a possibility of severe weather, briefed us clearly on procedures. Thankfully, we didn't need them! The campsite is very well maintained and defined; plenty of wood chopped and ready to be used (for a very reasonable fee); delightful cast of critter characters around the farm; in the stillness of the night you can hear the water running into the pond below. Our group of 5 had three tents set up and there was plenty of room. The cooking grate on the fire was clutch!

S

Sarah

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

This place is stunning beyond words. It’s absolutely gorgeous. As soon as we arrived, we regretted only booking for two nights and made up our minds right then and there that we’re coming back more prepared next time and booking the place for at least 5 nights. Patty and Michelle are very kind. They went out of their way to make sure we’re comfortable and have everything we need, and helped us order pizza. The farm, the animals and the scenery are simply outstanding. This place is perfect for both families and couples. It’s all incredibly beautiful and a real nice retreat from the city.

M

Matt

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Tremendous experience- lovely place to stay - hosts were great!

R

Rae

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Shady Rest Acres

Amazing hosts with an even better property. It was so cozy and peaceful, giving that “in the woods” feel without being too remote. Couldn’t recommend more!

C

Carrie

June 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Shady Rest Acres

A wonderful place to unwind and connect with nature. I enjoyed looking through the reading material and listening to some of the vinyl records. My kids had a nice time petting all the sweet animals. The studio had plenty of space for the 4 of us. Keep in mind that many of the businesses in the small surrounding communities are not open midweek if that is of interest. Would stay here again!

Sarah

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shady Rest Acres

Patrick and I really enjoyed our time at Shady Rest Acres, a beautiful and well cared for nook of field and forest. The hosts were very friendly and we were happy we followed up on the advice they gave us regarding hiking and food in the local area. Their animals were also very friendly and caused us to laugh many times with their antics but did not disturb us. At night the stars were visible when clear, and owls called back and forth. The sunrise over the Mississippi or behind the bluffs is gorgeous if you are up to witness it. A unique experience we had on their land was canoeing into the old beer cellar, which is actually a cave. We would highly recommend this Hipcamp! Thank you Patty and Michelle!

C

Chris

June 2025

Tent

3 nights at Shady Rest Acres

We had a wonderful stay and would love to return. Their land is gorgeous and extremely well maintained. Patty and Michelle were lovely and helpful hosts. Also, my girlfriend says that they have the cleanest Porto she has ever seen. 😂