The best camping near Yellow River State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Yellow River State Forest adventure.

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Discover the natural splendor of Yellow River State Forest.

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Stay at a public campground in Yellow River State Forest

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Big Paint Campground

139 sites · RVs, Tents In Yellow River State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Yellow River State Forest

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🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾

8 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Cashton, WI

Once a working farm, now a haven for wildlife and peace. Primitive, laid-back camping experience. Surrounded by Amish farms. Check out our full property for our dispersed campsites and additional photos. * 100 acres of rewilded habitat * Potable spring water * Creekside camping * ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 BIPOC, LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 friendly. All are welcome!

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Shady Rest Acres

4 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · 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.

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Healing Hills

9 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Hillsboro, WI

We are nestled into a hillside in Wisconsin's Driftless and amish country. Surrounded by beautiful ridges, valleys and trout streams, campers can enjoy hiking trails throughout our land, nearby streams and rivers for fishing and paddling, amish markets, famous bike trails, Wildcat Mountain and the Kickapoo Reserve. Or sit back and relax in one of our private camp sites and fall asleep under endless stars while coyotes lull you off to sleep.

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West Fork Sports Club

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Viroqua, WI

Est. 1966, the West Fork Sports Club has been a special place for multiple generations of both local community members and people from across the country. Nestled in between two valleys with 3,500 feet of stream front property on the West Fork of the Kickapoo, we truly have one of the most unique campgrounds you'll ever visit. Having avoided glacial drift during the last ice age, the Driftless area boast beautiful valleys, bluffs and rolling hills that you won't find anywhere well in Wisconsin. We are an Environmental Conservation Club always accepting new members. A temporary membership is included in camping fees and goes toward environmental conservation work and maintaining grounds, free wifi, etc. Our 20 acre property boast 3,500 feet of stream-front class 1 trout fishing on the West Fork of the Kickapoo (a top 100 trout stream in the US). Our entire stretch of stream is fully improved and excellent to fish. We have a healthy native brown trout population. We work with a local school science program to raise and stock brook trout every year. We have resident Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Oriels, Willow Fly Catchers, Hummingbirds and many other avian species. Nestled between two valleys, we frequently have stunning sunsets. We are far enough way from light pollution to easily see the Milky Way Galaxy on a clear night. The star gazing is amazing and if you keep your eyes up at night, you're pretty much guaranteed to see a shooting star, if not multiple. The West Fork Sport Club is truly a special campground. We're a short 15 minute drive from Viroqua which has a lot of great local shops, the Driftless Café (Owned and operated by Wisconsin Foodie host Luke Zahm) and a fantastic farmer's market. We're 25 minutes from Wild Cat Mountain which has extensive hiking trails. There are also two great vineyards within 15 minutes. Even on a rainy day, you will have plenty of fun options. ***Electric sites are not reservable through HipCamp.

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(126)

Brye Cabin and Bad Axe Camping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents140 acres · Viroqua, WI

Our family purchased this land for adventure. We would love to share our adventure with you. Groomed UTV/hiking trails on our property. Hiking access into Duck Egg county park with over 10 miles of trails to explore on 900 acres. Drive and park directly at our cabin nestled in the driftless. It is totally private on 140 acres. Watch the wildlife from the porch while enjoying a campfire. The cabin offers 2 queen beds on the loft, a futon and fully stocked kitchen. Outdoor bathroom with plumbing. We offer 2 campsites directly on the Bad Axe River with hike in or utv assist access only. Park at designated parking area. The campsite has fire ring and table and chairs at the site, firewood available for 10/night. 5 gallons potable water provided. Hike in or purchase utv assist to get gear to the site $20 both ways We also have a 'glampsite' which already has a 10x12 wall tent on a 12x20 platform, with a queen bed and all bedding included. 10 gallons potable water provided. An outdoor kitchen contains everything you need to lessen your packing for a total relaxed and spoiled camping experience, all paper products and cookware in stocked kitchen. Charcoal and grill, 24" gas griddle, 2 burner coleman stove with propane included. Glamp directly on the river. There is a separate picnic area with fire ring, picnic table and swing set for the kids! Pets are welcome! We do ask for a $20 pet fee at the cabin and glampsite as there is extra cleaning involved, thank you! Watch the stars at night and catch trout in the river by day! Heavin in the Driftless.

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Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dakota, WI

This is a very private location. In its former life this property was a limestone quarry. Evidence of it's history remain with high rock walls on both ends of the property. In the center of the property is about 5 acres that is flat and covered with wildflowers and small trees. There are several good options for camping in this area. Surrounding this area is another 15 acres of hills and trees. We have a scenic overlook open to all guests where you can relax and sit on a wooden swing while enjoying the beautiful view of the Mississippi River below. There is a boat ramp just a mile down the hill for boating or fishing on the Mississippi and the city of La Crosse, WI and La Crescent, MN are each only about a five minute drive. Great River Bluffs State Park and countless other recreational opportunities are just minutes away.

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S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · 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!

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Creekside field campsite

1 site · RV, Tent125 acres · Soldiers Grove, WI

Learn more about this land: The campsite is in a fenced pasture that is no longer used for animals, and is alongside a small unnamed creek that feeds into Trout Creek and then the Kickapoo River. Property has walking trails in the grassy pasture areas in the valley (partially mowed), unmowed paths up and down the hillsides and on the ridges, a high bluff overlook, and is between the towns of Soldiers Grove and Readstown, 2 miles from the Kickapoo River. There are public restrooms with showers a 5 minute drive from site, along with an RV dump station There is a mowed path and a cleared area on level grassy ground. Cars have room to turn around and go back out the entry path, larger vehicles are welcome to pull through past our house on arrival to avoid turning. (Pulling through on arrival will have your curb-side of a camper facing the creek during your stay).

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Cedar Springs

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · 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.

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Relax near the Mississippi

5 sites · RVs4 acres · Prairie Du Chien, WI

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The Mother-In-Law’s Pad

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Richland Center, WI

This is a cabin based, short-term rental property with a single, well-shaded, RV/Motorhome pad. Located in a rural area this is a great quiet camping spot best for a motorhome or camper under 40’. The location is quiet with expansive views of a crop farming valley with electric and water hookups and free access to a Finnish steam sauna and laundry.

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Sleepy Valley Springs

1 site · Tent4 acres · Boscobel, WI

4 acres nestled bordered on all sides by thousands of acres of public lands. Hike the hills and bluffs for scenic views of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. Descend to enjoy the sandy Wisconsin River. Walk over to Knapp Creek and fish for Catfish, etc. One mile to the Wisconsin River for Catfish, Northern, Rock Bass, Flat Heads, Sturgeon, etc. We are in SW Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. Apple orchards, Vineyards, Cheese factories, National Brewery Museum, Mississippi River, all within 10-40 minutes. 4 great parks within 30 miles. Wildlife abound including deer, turkey, fox, coyote, beaver, muskrat, river otter, raccoons, squirrels, eagles, swans, yep fish of all varieties, etc. Fill your canteen from our natural spring to enjoy along the way. Pause to reflect beside the babbling brook. We do have chickens and 3 Guinea Fowl. They are fenced on the opposite side of the creek. Please be aware: the rooster crows around 0500. They are 300’ away on the opposite side of the main house. Audible but hopefully not annoying. That said we are happy to have fresh eggs available for your enjoyment. Add them in the “extras” at checkout or mention when you arrive. We have one nice medium dog who won’t likely visit.

The best camping near Yellow River State Forest guide

Overview

About

Fine forest recreation is the name of the game at Yellow River State Forest. Whether you’re paddling the Yellow River, or swishing down the cross country ski trails, there’s no doubt you’re gonna have a good time! Big and Little Paint Creeks offer stellar trout fishing and water fun or explore the 25 miles of trails by foot, bicycle, or on top of your trusty steed. Lush forest, scenic overlooks, and outcropping are prime in any season for killer photos and invigorating adventure. Try the Backpack trail for an overnight in the wild, Outdoor Magazine named it one of Iowa’s best! Camping galore and plenty to explore, time spent at Yellow River is one game you’ll want to play!

When to go

The best time to visit Yellow River State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for higher temperatures and busier trails. Winter transforms the forest into a snowy wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing, though some areas may be less accessible.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season, as conditions can change rapidly.
Be aware of any park alerts or closures before your visit by checking the official state website.
Yellow River State Forest is a haven for wildlife; always maintain a safe distance from animals.
Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary.
Pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the forest's natural beauty.