The best camping in Pikes Peak State Park, IA

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Top-rated campgrounds

S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

93%
(63)
36mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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!
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from 
$20
 / night

Shady Rest Acres

100%
(316)
48mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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.
Potable water
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from 
$40
 / night

Bluffscapes Camping

100%
(137)
49mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Driftless Tiny House Retreat

48mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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.
Potable water
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from 
$90
 / night

West Fork Sports Club

99%
(105)
46mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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.
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from 
$32
 / night

Finally A Farm

100%
(41)
48mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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.
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from 
$28
 / night

Windy Ridge Retreat

100%
(4)
24mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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.
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from 
$89
 / night

Cedar Springs

93%
(21)
40mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 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.
Pets
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from 
$88
 / night

Other options near Pikes Peak State Park

The best camping in Pikes Peak State Park, IA guide

Overview

About

Looking out over the Mississippi River, Pikes Peak is a great place for hiking and camping, particularly in autumn, when the leaves turn from green to brilliant hues of orange and gold. The most popular activity in the park is taking a stroll up the boardwalk to Bridal Veil Falls via Bear Mound, a bear-shaped effigy built by Indigenous people in ancient times. Pikes Peak is also a great spot for overnight camping, with a 70-site campground offering a mix of electric and non-electric sites, plus showers, restrooms, and a dump station.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsite reservations can be made up to three months in advance and up to two days before arrival.
  2. You can reserve your site through the Iowa State Parks website or by calling the reservation call center. Online reservations incur a slightly lower fee than phone reservations.
  3. Pikes Peak offers a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable sites. If you’re hoping to get to a same-day reservation, it’s wise to arrive early.
  4. If you can’t secure a spot at Pikes Peak, look into booking a private campground or Hipcamp in the area, or in the nearby Yellow River State Forest.

When to go

The park is open throughout the year, and while winters get cold, some people still opt to camp here. Summertime is busy with the school vacation crowd, while the month of October draws throngs of visitors who come to the park and its surrounding areas to check out the fall colors. There’s also an arts-and-crafts festival in the nearby town of McGregor that takes place over the first two full weekends in October.

Know before you go

  • The closest towns for picking up groceries and other supplies are McGregor and Marquette, each just a few minutes' drive from the park.
  • Visitors can buy snacks, souvenirs, and ice at the Park Store, open Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend until the third Sunday of October.
  • Accessible park features include a wheelchair-accessible stone picnic shelter, as well as viewpoints and showers.
  • While winter camping is available, the dump station, showers, and water spigots shut down before the first freeze. The vault toilet at the southern end of the campground remains open year-round.
100%
11 ratings · 2 reviews