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Yellow River State Forest

The best camping in Yellow River State Forest, IA

100% (7)

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Stories from the community

Erik

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Finally A Farm

Gary was an exceptional host and very generous We arrived late and Gary was communicative over the app and set us a fire before we even stepped foot on the property. The property was beautiful even in late fall with lots of animals and trees. Highly recommend going!!

Cora

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Heart of the Driftless

My partner and I loved our stay at the Heart of the Driftless. The directions were clear and simple. We enjoyed the scenery and lots of amazing wildlife. Karen is such a gracious host, we were arriving a little late into the night and she had started a fire for us so the cabin wasn't cold! Thank you for an amazing weekend!

Alexia

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Healing Hills

Absolutely beautiful place and gorgeous surroundings. Zero complaints. Plan on going back next year to stay in the rustic cabins this time. Highly recommend.

Susanna

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to West Fork Sports Club

so fricken awesome. so fricken awesome. so fricken awesome.

Quarry in the spring. View from the scenic overlook up on the bluff.

Paul

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

The host did a great job of communicating clearly where to go to get to the site. The Quarry is a great place if you want to camp in the woods with no amenities and to rough it, which is what I was looking for. I really enjoyed my stay as it was exactly what I wanted.

Wilson

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

We loved camping at this location. The views from the outlook and from driving around the area are amazing. The camping was great and the host was attentive to all texts. We will definitely come back again.

Kelley

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

We loved camping in Erica’s quarry! The views were beautiful and there was a state park 10 minutes away for even more beautiful views of the Mississippi River. Even with a couple other groups on the property, it was quiet and secluded in our little corner. The end of the drive was marked with a camping symbol and the instructions provided were clear. Would absolutely come back.

Daphne

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾

Beautiful, secluded campsite with a babbling brook running through!! The region is gorgeous in the fall. The outhouse was clean and well kept. Tai + Stella’s visitor guide and map were very informative and easy to follow. Logan brought us firewood and allowed us to enjoy the area in peace. Highly recommend if you’re looking for an escape out in nature.

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!

Luca

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

I was arriving at night, and Erica was super responsive and gave me great directions on how to find my site. Awesome spot with the quarry cliffs and view over the Mississippi! Sites feel spread out enough.

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.

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!

Jawad

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

The campsite is beautiful and very well maintained. I got the last minute reservation at the Rocky road by the floor of the bluffs. Communication with Erica was a breeze. She explained everything from directions to view point trail.

David

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

Fantastic place to see! Very quiet and well laid out area. Directions were very easy and host was very accommodating. Stars were beautiful at night. Couldn’t ask for a better place! Highly recommended if you’re coming through the area!

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.

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. ;)

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.

LeAnne

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Heart of the Driftless

What an amazing weekend we had at Hilltop cabin! The cabin was clean and well stocked with everything we needed. The setting was beautiful and very private. It was the perfect base camp for exploring all that the driftless area has to offer! We will definitely be back!

Sarah

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Group trip

3 nights at Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

It was as described in the listing. The porta potty was very clean when we arrived. There was plenty of space between the sites for privacy. One thing that I was hoping for that didn't happen was to sit on the bench swing at the top of the Bluff with the Beautiful view, because it was broken. Erica did inform me that it was not yet fixed when we arrived. Also I think some should be aware that there is a steep gravel road that heads to the Quarry site. We did have to use 4 wheel drive to get there. Other than that it was great. I would recommend.

Bryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾

Off the beaten path, rustic & quiet (human-wise) but lots of wildlife sounds & horse/buggies echo peacefully through the valley. Pack to be self-sufficient & it’s a wonderful piece of land to get off the grid - especially setting up next to the cold, clear stream

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Yellow River State Forest

100%

(7)

Big Paint Campground

139 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellow River State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds

Healing Hills

99%

(373)

49mi from Yellow River State Forest · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging · Yuba, 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.

S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

93%

(63)

26mi from Yellow River State Forest · 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!

🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾

99%

(569)

44mi from Yellow River State Forest · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 individual campsites descriptions. * 100 acres of rewilded habitat * Spring water * Creekside camping * ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 BIPOC, LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 friendly. All are welcome!

Driftless Tiny House Retreat

39mi from Yellow River State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · La Farge, WI

The Tiny House is a mostly off-grid cabin tucked into the Driftless Hills of southwest Wisconsin. We are about 5 miles west of La Farge and 10 miles east of Viroqua. Nestled in the woods, the space offers peace, quiet, and a chance to reconnect with nature. The property is private, and our homes are within 75 yards of the tiny house. You’ll have your own yard and space, but it is not completely isolated. The tiny house sleeps 2–4 people comfortably, with room for an additional tent in the yard. The maximum occupancy for the site (tiny house and tent) is 6 people total. The tiny house is fully furnished with queen mattress, futon, plates, cups, etc~ just bring your own food and bedding (blankets and pillows)! Outside, enjoy a fire pit, a small grill, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding landscape. We have three friendly outdoor cats who may come by to say hello. They love people and food, so please be mindful of not feeding them and keeping a close eye on your meals if you choose to eat outside. The tiny house includes electricity, a full refrigerator, and a stovetop with oven. While there is no running water inside, fresh water is available just steps away for drinking and washing up. We also provide an outdoor, chemical-free porta potty. We are located across the street from Otter Creek, a popular trout fishing stream. Within a few miles, you’ll find additional fishing, hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing access, farmers markets, Amish shops, and a vibrant mix of local organic food, arts, and handmade goods. We’ll meet briefly at the start of your stay to go over the space, and afterward, you’ll have full freedom to enjoy the land and your own rhythm. I’m happy to say hello if we’re around or to answer any questions, but I also value my privacy. We kindly ask that there be no alcohol or drug abuse on the property. ALL folx are welcome here.

Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff MN

100%

(512)

50mi from Yellow River State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Dakota, MN

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.

Bluffscapes Camping

100%

(137)

37mi from Yellow River State Forest · 3 sites · Tents · Brownsville, MN

This 235 acre property, located in the Driftless Region, has been in our family for over 100 years. From the wooded bluffs there are beautiful views of the Mississippi River and surrounding valleys. We never tire of hiking in the woods, seeing many different kinds of wildlife, or seeing the beauty of nature in any season of the year. Learn more about this land: Wooded campsites on bluff top overlooking the Mississippi River. Hardwood forest offering hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching. Convenience store, public boat landing and Mississippi River Trail bicycle route within a mile of the property. You can either take a 20 minute hike to the campsite or if conditions are dry we can give you a ride in our Ranger for a small fee. The trail does get steep in a few areas and the hike can be strenuous for some campers. NO smoking or alcohol.

Shady Rest Acres

100%

(316)

36mi from Yellow River State Forest · 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.

West Fork Sports Club

99%

(105)

37mi from Yellow River State Forest · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Finally A Farm

100%

(41)

45mi from Yellow River State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Richland Center, WI

The original log cabin is still part of the farmstead that originated back in the 1880's. The site was a family farm until around the 1940s. Also, the land was the Eastern banks of a large logging mill lake/pond 150 yrs ago, so the shoreline slopes do not allow campers in/out of the pasture areas. A popup would be feasible with a full size 4 wheel drive utility vehicle in river bottom/shorelines. Tents /Low impact camping are best. In 2019 a transition to Animal Therapy, Fishing Therapy, and Pastured pigs from New Zealand which originally were almost extinct because of their friendly nosey nature at times gets them into trouble. They graze on open pasture most of the year and rest in the sun next to a trout stream. Learn more about this land: We are a working farm with mostly rescued farm animals. Many of the animals have special needs here and live their lives as free-range animals. The river in the back is home to wonderful Brown Trout and smallmouth bass. Also at times, there will be a couple dogs being trained and worked with too. You select your location for your primitive camping experience. If any special needs for a person arise, such as cane, charcoal grill, camp lantern We keep a small shed with supplies even items like tarps, cots, sleeping bags, even fishing rods. The owner is a highly achieved angler that has been filmed for the "Discover Wisconsin" Television TV show. and is available for guided fishing adventures and education in the area for all species. Also, certain times of the year are excellent for wild plants and mushroom foraging. Note this is the Driftless area of Wisc. where no glaciers came through. We have bluffs and streams around every curve of the road. The Wisc. Rivers very close too and has great fishing as well. The neighbor of this farm also rents and performs livery service for kayaks, canoes on the Pine River. Many times of the year, fresh meats are sold right at the farm as well as homemade fishing lures ready for fishing adventures. Note: Many times I am at the river fishing or in the pasture planting and reforesting this former GMO corn farm after years of heavy spraying. With Maples, Willows, apple, pear, plum, oak while trying to manage the evasive plants too. Please understand rainfall, safety of small rivers/waterfront changes. If river front takes on water, camping is all moved from water edges. We do not allow any camper over 15 feet and you must have vehicle that can get through wet mowed fields if it rains since we are along a river/wet lands, if it were to rain we move vehicles to higher dry ground if they a low to the ground . We have a gentle sloped hillside here so always dry areas to park. Other vehicles park at the top of the pasture, in farm front yard and we transport all gear to the river front. Small low to the ground cars are not wise here as there are 4 rain water trenches in the bottom 10 acres the keep rain water draining to ward the river.

Relax near the Mississippi

91%

(23)

8.4mi from Yellow River State Forest · 5 sites · RVs · Prairie Du Chien, WI

Cedar Springs

100%

(1)

32mi from Yellow River State Forest · 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.

Windy Ridge Retreat

100%

(4)

27mi from Yellow River State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Fennimore, WI

The rustic cabin sits on a beautiful ridge. You will have a great view of the sky. Birds and wildlife watching along with listening to them. The property is a second farm that has been in my family's history since the 1960's. We are a working crop, horses and beef cattle farm. We raise crops on this property. We have a main farm down the road that if you would like to visit, we can try setting that up so you can see the animals if you would like. Please note that the cabin has a porta potty outside. The cabin does not have electricity, but an extension cord can be brought and plugged into the outdoor electric outlet. The cord can be run into the cabin to use the fan, lamp and electric skillet or infrared heater in the colder months. There is a water hydrant outside for bathing or boiling. The water is non potable. We have direct access to the property for ATV/UTV's for the public road use on the back roads. You can travel from town to town and sight see. The property is between two towns and is close to places to see and things to do, driftless area history, wineries, caves, hiking, canoeing, fishing, sightseeing, river, streams and more.

The best camping in Yellow River State Forest, IA 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.

100%

7 ratings · 1 review

Recommends

· March 2017

Big Paint Campground

This place fills up quickly. Reserve Early or expect to take whatever you can get.