The best camping near Pikes Peak State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pikes Peak State Park adventure.

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Check out the fall colors at this woodland park on the banks of the Mississippi.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pikes Peak State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Top-rated campgrounds near Pikes Peak State Park

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Driftless Retreat 🍃 🎶 📚

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Ferryville, WI

Welcome to Driftless Retreat, a charming Amish-built, Scandinavian-influenced cabin nestled on 3 acres in the heart of the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. Tucked away high on a Mississippi River bluff, the property offers privacy and seclusion in a rural setting, but is within easy reach of quaint river towns and villages, major hubs and some of the best spots in the Driftless area. - 5 minutes from Ferryville / Mississippi River - 12 minutes from Lansing, Iowa - 25 minutes from the vibrant, eclectic destination town of Viroqua - 45 minutes from western Wisconsin's largest city, La Crosse - 2 hours from Madison, WI - 3 hours from Minneapolis, MN - 4 hours from Chicago, IL While the cabin is rustic and simple, it is equipped with a number of modern amenities and thoughtful extras to make your stay cozy and comfortable. The ideal spot for bibliophiles and music lovers alike, the cabin has a record player (byo vinyl), an Amazon Echo with SiriusXM, a large collection of reading materials, including 200+ books and 100+ magazines ranging on topics from nature, music, health and wellness, mindfulness, sustainable living and more. There is also a variety of games, puzzles and coloring books and two yoga mats + blocks. The cabin is equipped with a reliable 52 Mbps fiber optic internet connection, perfect for remote work or for those seeking a secluded retreat while staying connected. An Epson projector and pull-down screen make for an intimate home theater experience (byo laptop). Sleeping options include a pullout sofa (full-sized bed) with futon mattress to lay on top for comfort, as well as an Exped self-inflating air mattress if needed. There is NO RUNNING WATER, but the cabin does have an electric water cooler on site that offers both hot and cold water options (bring your own water to fill the 5-gallon container). Additionally, you'll find a small refrigerator with freezer, microwave, two electric heaters for warmth, a hot water kettle, and a Chemex for your coffee brewing needs. Dishes, cookware, blankets and pillows provided (byo sheet set). ***As of August 2024, the property now features a portable toilet ('porta potty') for your convenience, and the compostable toilet is no longer available. Feel free to explore the 3-acre property and discover nearby attractions like Rush Creek State Natural Area, Blackhawk Park, Mt. Hosmer, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wyalusing State Park, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Wildcat Mountain State Park, and more. This property is located in a rural setting, so you can expect to hear occasional noise from passing farm equipment and trucks. Across the street, a hobby farm adds to the countryside charm, and you may hear the morning greeting of a rooster and honking of geese. It's not uncommon to see deer on the lawn, as there is an orchard neighboring the south end of the property that they like to frequent, and you'll likely hear coyotes howling in the distance at night. Also note that while we do our best to keep nature outside the cabin, be aware that bugs and mice do sometimes happen. As a guest at Driftless Retreat, you're responsible for leaving the cabin in clean condition. Please wash all dishes, place all furniture in its original setting and remove all trash and recyclables from the property upon departure (take extra care to make sure there is absolutely no food left in the cabin). Driftless Retreat is best suited for solo travelers or pairs. Detailed Guide to Driftless Retreat: https://bit.ly/3XqzmEK Learn more about Driftless Wisconsin at driftlesswisconsin.com.

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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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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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Relax near the Mississippi

5 sites · RVs4 acres · Prairie Du Chien, WI

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Wooded Retreat Tiny House

1 site · Lodging35 acres · La Motte, IA

Imagine this: a wooded creekside. Bird song and wildflowers. Campfire and starlight. Our 8' x 16' tiny house offers the essentials for a back-to-nature getaway without the trouble. We provide a full bed, cookstove, outdoor eating area, firepit, and hammock. Bath facilities are on the rustic side including a shower bag and port-a-potty. Short hiking path into the woods and up to the meadow are marked. Creek stomping and fossil hunting are encouraged. Caves, state and county nature areas, canoeing and kayaking are all nearby.

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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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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.

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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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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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RidgeRiverView Acres

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Sherrill, IA

160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 47 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.

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New Hope Farm

1 site · Lodging35 acres · La Motte, IA

This farm is ancestral land of the Sauk and Fox peoples and has been our home since 2001. It offers diverse natural beauty including fresh springs and the Tetes des Morts Creek, quiet woods on sloping bluffs, various songbirds and other wildlife. We tend a few sheep and a flock of 20 laying hens, a small orchard and large vegetable gardens. Our black Labrador retriever wanders around here freely. The tiny house will be cleaned and sanitized per COVID protocols prior to your arrival. Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies are provided for guest use during your stay.

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Codys Ranch

2 sites · Lodging215 acres · Lynxville, WI

Looking for a taste of Wisconsin's rolling green hills, bright blue skies, and fresh, crisp countryside air? We have the perfect getaway for you. Cody's Cowboy Retreat Vacation Rental located on a ridgetop in the beautiful Driftless Region of southwest Wisconsin is now available to rent. Come enjoy the rustic, lower level of this lodge with a property manager on site. This is a working ranch. Horses, donkey, and cattle viewable from fence. There are also 3 dogs and hen house. Any and all activities are done at your own risk. Cowboy Retreat is 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,000+ square feet. 1 king bed, 1 queen bed. Common area has a trundle bed (twin day bed that has another twin underneath and when pulled out and lifted up the two make into king size). In addition there is a roll away twin, air mattress, and couch. . Amenities include full equipped kitchen, 5 person hot tub, washer, dryer, games, Smart TVs for your personal streaming accounts, Wifi. Property manager onsite. The lodge is a 3-unit building. It consists of Cowboy Retreat, Wrangler Outlaw Suite, and Bunk House. The Wrangler Outlaw Suite may be available if additional lodging is needed. Items included with your stay on the ranch include viewing of animals from fence line, private 5k (3.1 mile) hiking route including Indian mounds & rock out croppings, deer shed hunting, morel mushroom hunting, and fire pit. Ranch activities available for fee include horse back riding lesson and branding over open fire. Once you book your lodging, we can send you further details. Start your day with a blissful hike through the private 215 acres located right outside your door. Or even snowshoe through the oak, birch, and willow tree filled land as you take a break from reality. Our Buffalo Bill Pass hiking trail is marked with markers throughout to guide your adventure. Finish your day by soaking and relaxing in the 5 person hot tub. Then watch the sky light up with flaming red, orange, and pink rays for a gorgeous sunset. Cody’s Cowboy Retreat is also great for finding deer sheds and morel mushrooms. Many wildlife have been found on property from deer, turkey, geese, and ducks. Enjoy your meals outdoor on the patio while enjoying the sunset on the southwest patio. When the night falls, watch the star come out to play and enjoy the fire pit. The driftless area has a lot to offer. Some attractions include Wyalusing State Park, Pikes Peak State Park, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Mississippi river, Kickapoo River activities, apple orchards, natural areas, local wineries, and Villa Louis. There are many annual events that are great to attend including Rendezvous, Spring Fest & Folk Fest, Eastman 4th of July Celebration, Apple Festival, Crawford & Vernon County Fair, Wild West Days, Villa Louis Carriage Classic, Kickapoo Stump Dodger, Driftless Area Art Festival, and wine tasting event in Prairie Du Chien. Please feel free to bring your utv/atv and ride the 650 miles of road trails in Crawford County. Plenty of room for your trailer to be parked and unloading. Enjoy the day and return to peaceful lodging. Property is located on ATV/UTV route. Crawford County has 650 miles of road routes throughout the county. On a trip through the county, you will enjoy the unique landscape of forests, rivers, hills, and valleys. Crawford County is a highly desirable county for bow and gun hunting. Property is available for various hunting seasons including deer, duck, geese, and turkey for a fee. The private hiking trail may not be available during hunting season. Bring your boat and launch at public boat landing. Lynxville is 3.7 miles from property. Crawford County is located in southwest Wisconsin in the heart of the unique Driftless Region. This small area that includes portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois was bypassed by glaciers in the last Ice Age. As a result, the area avoided the flattening effect of glaciers on the land. Glacial runoff created many river valleys, steep hills, and limestone bluffs throughout the region. The county is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River, the Wisconsin River to the south, and the Kickapoo River divides the county north to south. Whether you bring your family, have a girls weekend, or come with friends you are bound to enjoy some cowboy life. Codys Ranch makes every effort to provide you a safe and enjoyable experience at the ranch. However, riding horses, being around cattle, horses, dogs and other farm animals, hiking, being around ponds, being in the barn, barnyard and other out-buildings, being around machinery, equipment, and other objects, and participating in activities on the ranch by their very nature include risks of serious injury. Each guest will need to sign a liability release. No smoking or no e-cigarettes.

The best camping near Pikes Peak State Park 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

Campsite reservations can be made up to three months in advance and up to two days before arrival.
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.
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.
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.