• Home
  • Earn Hipcash
  • Start hosting

    • Camping near Decorah with swimming

    Spend a relaxing vacation camping and hiking in the scenic surroundings of Decorah.

    98% (414 reviews)
    1. United States
      —
    2. Iowa
      —
    3. Decorah
    98% (414 reviews)

    Popular camping styles for Decorah

    Community favorites near Decorah

    Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

    • Thankful for this picnic table to enjoy some oatmeal and coffee!
    • We set up the hammock on some trees in the camping area!
    • Thankful for this picnic table to enjoy some oatmeal and coffee!
    92%
    (18)

    Relax near the Mississippi

    5 sites · RVs4 acres · Prairie Du Chien, WI
    Relax
    Pets
    Potable water
    Campfires
    from 
    $14
     / night
    • Valley Angus Farm
    • Valley Angus Farm
    • Valley Angus Farm
    90%
    (26)

    Valley Angus Farm

    2 sites · RVs, Tents560 acres · Spring Valley, MN
    We offer the DESIRABLE DOZEN: 1. Staying on a beautiful working angus cattle farm 2. Staying in a cool rustic 1880 Barn Mow 3. Nearby Canoeing/kayaking 4. Fishing 5. Campfires along the creek 6. Hayrides over the Oak Savannah hills and pastures on the 400 acres 7. Biking on the asphalt regional bike trails that pass through the farm 8. Hunting 9. Grilling Angus Beef raising on our farm 10. There are 400 acres for you to enjoy. 11. Touring around on the JD Gator side by side (Like a golf Cart) 12. Hiking the trails Learn more about this land: We have an 1880 Barn Mow you can stay in. Pitch your tent along spring fed Spring Valley Creek. You are a 3 minute walk from the main family farmhouse with chickens, daniff dogs and a working angus cattle farm, we offer Wi-Fi off the porch. Hayrides, farm tours and cookouts with our home raised angus beef available. Limestone bluff tour. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum nearby. Mystery cave 12 minutes away. No pets on this family farm. Allowed on other properties.
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    from 
    $48
     / night
    • Mended Tree Drive
    • Mended Tree Drive
    • Mended Tree Drive
    100%
    (1)

    Mended Tree Drive

    1 site · RV1 acre · Spring Valley, MN
    50ft gravel drive with water and electric hookups available. Close walking distance to restaurants, trout stream, bait shop, park + playground, pickleball courts, and the bowling alley! Must be self-contained. We currently have no sewer hookup, toilet or shower available for use. There is a free public dump a couple blocks down. Firepit is available for use. Sometimes we have wood, but when we do not- there is DNR approved stuff available at the bait shop just a couple blocks down. The gas grill on the patio is available for guest use as well. Like firewood, I usually have some propane in the tank but not always! There is a Kwik Trip a few blocks down where you can exchange the tank that's here, or you're welcome to bring your own. My yard can be a bit lumpy in certain places, but has plenty of space for tent(s) if you need additional sleeping space. Parking is available in the drive or on the street. Additional parking space can sometimes be made available if you would prefer off street parking for your vehicle. Pets are welcome, but they must be dog friendly! A small and VERY friendly French Bulldog owns the place and will make himself known as he would love to say hi to you and/or your dog loving critter(s). Please make me aware if you have any concerns and I can try to accommodate. The house next door is abandoned and acts as a green screen in the summertime creating a decent amount of privacy! We can (and will) often be found out in the yard and/or the garden most evenings and on weekends, but can (and will) try to mind our own business if you prefer! The camper you see is mine. I have hopes of renovating it for guest use, but you can rest assured noone will be staying in it while you're here. Later in the year, our garden may provide food. If this is the case while you're here- you are always welcome to pick some as usually there is an abundance!
    Pets
    Campfires
    Trash
    from 
    $23.80
     / night
    • Driftless Retreat 🍃 🎶 📚
    • Driftless Retreat 🍃 🎶 📚
    • Driftless Retreat 🍃 🎶 📚
    100%
    (20)

    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.
    Pets
    Toilets
    Campfires
    from 
    $60
     / night
    • The Country Crib
    • The Country Crib
    • The Country Crib
    100%
    (1)

    The Country Crib

    1 site · Lodging200 acres · Elkader, IA
    The Cook Heritage Farm Estate, 1848 is located on 200 acres of prairie and timber in the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa. The land has been in the family for 173 years, passed on from generation to generation. The estate property borders the Turkey River and is nestled between rolling farmland and gentle bluffs leading to the mighty Mississippi. The Driftless Area of the upper American Midwest was never glaciated and is characterized by caves and cave systems, disappearing streams, blind valleys, underground streams, sinkholes, springs, and cold streams. The Beginning In 1848, Henry and Mary Cook traveled from Bavaria to America for a better life. Their journey on American soil began in New Orleans where they traveled up the Mississippi River to McGregor, Iowa. They bought their initial 40 acres through the land grant office in McGregor, hooked up a team of oxen and traveled 30 miles overland to settle in Clayton County. To stake a claim of ownership for this land they built a sod hut and lived there for two years to satisfy the land requirements. Although their beginning was meager, their courage was abundant enduring hardships for the potential the land promised. Their pioneer spirits demonstrated a deep commitment for stewardship for the land that eventually produced a rich legacy handed down for generations. Harsh winters and physical labor were offset by the beauty of the area. Henry and Mary and their descendants eventually found a harmony with one another. The Turkey River provided sustenance and its raging springtime surge demonstrated the tenuous balance between man and nature. A give and take that remains to this day. There are several options for accommodations on the acreage: each site will be added. The estate is also open to be full booked by one party - which can accommodate up to 40 over night guests including campers, RV's, house and guest lodge sites. The Country Home: This six-bedroom, two story home was built in 1917. Ninety percent of the design, woodwork, and stained glass are original. The home was plumbed and wired for electricity during the original build. A home generator was placed in the basement to supply battery energy. Radiators were the primary source of heat for every room. The lower level is still heated by radiant heat, and supplemented during fall and winter nights with a kitchen gas fireplace. This is not listed on Hipcamp. The Country Crib Guest Lodge was once the main “corn crib” on the property, used for years to dry and store corn harvested from the farms’ fields. The Crib was renovated into a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a living room, and a sleeping loft. The sleeping loft has 4 queen beds. Enjoy your favorite morning beverage on the east patio deck and watch the sun rise over the prairie flower fields. Star gazing off the second-floor deck is a must. The Crib IS LISTED on Hipcamp. (see pictures of the property and the red Country Crib Guest Lodge.) The Bin Bar adjacent to the Crib was also used for corn storage but abandoned years ago. In 2017, the bin was moved to the east side of the Crib and over the past few years has been fashioned into a gathering spot for late night storytelling and night caps. The Gazebo Fire Pit is built upon the site of the original log house ~ circa 1850. The log house had a water cistern, a conical shaped underground vessel, used to catch fresh rainwater. The water was pumped into the log house using a pitcher pump. The cistern remains and is located underneath the landscape on the west of the Gazebo. The Barn was the first structure built on the property. So, the story goes, “first take care of the livestock and horses to assure human survival”. The Barn is need of restoration. For your safety, the barn is off limits. Acreage Campsites: 6 RV campsites are available: 3 with sewer and electrical hook-ups and 3 electrical only. Surrounding area: Iowa cities including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each city boasts its own fun for day and night entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining pleasures. The Cook Heritage Farm Estate sits between Elgin and Elkader and you can easily follow the ‘river road’ to get between the two destinations.
    Potable water
    Toilets
    Campfires
    from 
    $247.50
     / night
    • 2 city lots in Fillmore MN.
    • 2 city lots in Fillmore MN.
    • 2 city lots in Fillmore MN.
    100%
    (1)

    2 city lots in Fillmore MN.

    1 site · RV1 acre · Fillmore Township, MN
    Learn more about this land:It’s a place to park and camp a mile away from fishing, swimming, kayaking, biking (bring own fishing equipment, kayaks, bikes) 16 min drive from historic Forestville. a good place to just get away sit around a fire and have good times with friends.
    Pets
    Campfires
    from 
    $25.50
     / night

    Public campgrounds near Decorah

    Beaver Creek Valley Campground
    100%
    (3)

    Beaver Creek Valley Campground

    51 sites · RVs, Tents In Beaver Creek Valley State Park
    Forestville Campground
    100%
    (2)

    Forestville Campground

    135 sites · RVs, Tents In Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
    Six Pine Campground
    100%
    (3)

    Six Pine Campground

    25 sites · RVs, Tents In Backbone State Park
    Lake Louise Campground
    100%
    (1)

    Lake Louise Campground

    39 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Louise State Park
    South Lake Campground

    South Lake Campground

    99 sites · RVs, Tents In Backbone State Park

    3 top campgrounds near Decorah with swimming

    • The site has plenty of shade and is next to the creek. We had no probably staying cool even with temps in the high 80s.
    • Made a very fancy campfire meal…hotdogs and Easy Mac!
    • The site has plenty of shade and is next to the creek. We had no probably staying cool even with temps in the high 80s.
    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.
    Pets
    Potable water
    Toilets
    Campfires
    Showers
    from 
    $40
     / night
    • Recently added solar string lights adds ambience and helps you navigate around camp without headlamps.
    • Wide aerial view of camp
    • Recently added solar string lights adds ambience and helps you navigate around camp without headlamps.
    91%
    (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!
    Pets
    Toilets
    Campfires
    Showers
    Cooking equipment
    from 
    $20
     / night
    • Goat kisses
    • Shady Rest Acres
    • Goat kisses
    100%
    (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.
    Potable water
    Toilets
    Campfires
    Showers
    Trash
    from 
    $140
     / night

    Nearby parks

    Explore the area’s public lands.

    Beaver Creek Valley State Park
    100%
    (3)
    Beaver Creek Valley State Park
    Caledonia, Minnesota
    Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
    100%
    (2)
    Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
    Wykoff, Minnesota
    Backbone State Park
    100%
    (3)
    Backbone State Park
    Dundee, Iowa
    Lake Louise State Park
    100%
    (1)
    Lake Louise State Park
    Le Roy, Minnesota
    Value Prop
    Value Prop
    Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
    Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

    Camping near Decorah with swimming guide

    Overview

    Looking to go camping near Decorah, Iowa and want to include swimming in your adventure? Look no further than Windy Goat Acres! With over 280 available options in the area that offer swimming, you'll have plenty of choices to find your perfect spot. Whether you're a fan of lakes, rivers, or ponds, there's a campsite for you. Some of the top campsites with swimming include Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾 (203 reviews), and Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews). With popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, if you're into paddling, wind sports, or off-roading (OHV), you'll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favorite activities. So grab your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Decorah, Iowa!

    Popular Decorah trips

    All
    Cabins
    Glamping
    RV parks & camping with full hookups
    Camping with horseback riding
    Dog-friendly camping
    Glamping with hot tubs
    Camping with fishing

    Top parks near Decorah

    Merrick State Park
    Buckhorn State Park
    Brunet Island State Park
    Lake Wissota State Park
    Duck Lake Public Reserved Land
    Baraga State Park
    Hoffmaster State Park
    Bewabic State Park

    Top cities near Decorah

    St Paul
    Minneapolis
    Blaine
    Marshalltown
    Chicago
    Milwaukee
    Omaha
    Plainfield

    Best camping near me

    Best tent camping near me
    Hipcamp campgrounds near me
    Best RV camping near me
    Hipcamps ready for RVs near me
    Best glamping near me
    Cabins, yurts, treehouses and more

    Safety at Hipcamp

    Inclusion Policy
    Inclusion Policy
    Inclusion Policy
    Learn More
    Hipcamp Hand
    Hosting Standards
    Hosting Standards
    Hosting Standards
    Learn More
    Hipcamper Standards
    Hipcamper Standards
    Hipcamper Standards
    Learn More

    Safety partners

    Recreate Responsibly
    Leave No Trace
    National Weather Service
    Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.