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.

100% (7 reviews)
100% (7 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of Yellow River State Forest.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Yellow River State Forest

100%
(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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$40
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(441)

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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$30
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(76)

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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$32
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(297)

Shady Rest Acres

4 sites · Lodging23 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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$140
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(9)

Root River Hideaway

3 sites · Tents5 acres · Houston, MN
Get away from it all and take in the fresh air and views at the Root River Hideaway. Camp on the river's edge with instant, 24-hour access to fishing, tubing, or paddling. Enjoy amazing sunsets while listening to a crackling fire - on-site wood provided for a nominal fee. Ultimate privacy with no other campers and not a house to be seen up and down the river. Our property lies on a quiet stretch of the Root River where you have private access for small craft, or you are 5 minutes from a boat launch for flat bottom boats / kayaks and canoes (for longer trips from upriver or downriver). Inquire with owner for rules of the river, estimated trip times and more. Experience some amazing stargazing, while listening to the owls, coyotes or if you're up early (or late!) enough, maybe you'll see or hear the Sandhill cranes nesting nearby. Fish to your heart's content for all types of trout, bass, panfish and rough fish - maybe the occasional walleye or sauger! All right from the bank, from your boat or while floating down the river in your craft (or one we can rent you). Soak up the sun while exploring the trails, creek and pond on the property, or cool off while floating down the Root River. The Root's sandy bottom is family friendly, with a generally shallow and straight path with a good current, making for an easy paddle downstream between landings. Away from it all yet the convenience of being only 2.5 miles from Houston with access to the local coffee shop Baristas, the Root River Market and the International Owl Center, plus the Root River bike trail system. The park with trail access also has a nice natural playground, Nature Center, picnic area and amphitheater with occasional music events. In addition, a beautiful 18-hole golf course, Valley High, is set in the bluffs of Southeast Minnesota- just 5 minutes away.
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$36
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(30)

Finally A Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · 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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$27
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(41)

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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$20
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(3)

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.
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$150
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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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$24.03
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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.
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