Yellow River State Forest

Harpers Ferry, IA

4.8(703 reviews)

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About this campground

Yellow River State Forest in northeast Iowa is home to stunning views, beautiful woodlands, and meandering trout streams. Nestled in Iowa’s driftless area in Allamakee County, Yellow River offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, equestrian riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and more. Yellow River State Forest was first established in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp and is home to Iowa’s only fire tower, built in 1963. Today, the forest is managed for numerous natural resource benefits and recreational opportunities.

What campers say

Yellow River State Forest Paint Creek Unit offers scenic, remote Driftless landscapes, well-maintained trails, and multiple campgrounds set along productive trout streams. Campsites are basic (no electric hookups) with picnic tables, sturdy fire rings and limited cell service; they're popular for fishing and can be busy on summer weekends. Helpful rangers and an active volunteer community support the area. Expect tradeoffs: some backcountry trails and intersections can be overgrown or sparsely marked, forest roads may require high clearance, and invasive knotweed is present along waterways. Wildlife, including raccoons, may frequent campsites, so secure food and gear.

Our summary of 703 traveler reviews.