The Secluded Glampground In Iowa That Will Take You A Million Miles Away From It All
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Rachel Morey Flynn
Author
The Yellow River State Forest in the northeastern corner of Iowa is just north of Effigy Mounds National Monument and is located in the bluff area of the Upper Mississippi River. The Paint Creek and Yellow River areas have steep walled canyons. Many camping facilities are not accessible by vehicle, and are available on a first-come first-served basis. For those not so excited about primitive hike-in-only campsites, there is another (more luxurious) option in Yellow State River Forest.
You'll find it at 729 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry. There are eight camping areas, total. All are primitive without electricity. Rugged terrain means this type of hiking is for experienced backpackers looking for a remote adventure.
Yellow River Forest is one of the larges public hunting areas in the state. It's a good idea to be aware of the hunting season before planning a trip. Wear blaze orange to make yourself visible to hunters. Hunting is allowed throughout the forest, except in camping areas.
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A large porch, outdoor grill, wood burning stove, fire pit, full bath, and window air conditioner make this cabin a comfortable and cozy option. If you'd rather camp, The Natural Gait offers electrical and primitive sites. You'll find this amazing Mississippi River site at 1878 Old Mission Drive, Harpers Ferry.
Depending on how into "glamping" you are, there are cabins with microwaves, refrigerators, cookware, towels, and linens. You'll have to go to "The Office" for wireless Internet service, though. The largest cabin sleeps 14, so plan to bring friends. This nature getaway offers beautiful views of the night sky, bird watching, fishing, and time lounging in a hammock. At night, you can enjoy a cozy cabin and a real bed.
Named the best Backpack Trail hike in Iowa by Outside Magazine, the 25 miles of marked and maintained trails in the Paint Creek section of the Yellow River State Forest are available year-round at no charge.
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The Paint Creek Unit of Yellow River State Forest is 5237 acres. Snowmobiling and horseback riding are allowed.
During the 1940's much of the open land was planted with trees. From the Paint Creek Unit, the Forestry Division operates Iowa's only sawmill. It provides lumber to other state parks, wildlife areas, DNR areas, and is sold to other state agencies.
The Yellow River is the longest cold water trout stream in the state. Iowa DNR says it has the highest gradient of any stream in the state, so canoeing and kayaking here is thrilling. Challenging rapids, clear water, giant boulders, limestone cliffs, and a mature hardwood forest combine to provide a one-of-a-kind Iowa recreational experience.
This water trail is one of the most remote in the state. Adventurers will probably get to see some of the abundant wildlife in the area. Bald eagles, wild turkey, deer, beaver, and river otter are commonly spotted by hikers and boaters.
Brown trout, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout all have healthy populations, here. Fisherman regularly pull trout larger than 20 inches from this part of the Yellow River. Walleye, sauger, and smallmouth bass are plentiful in the lower Yellow River downstream from highway X36 or Ion Road.
Mature trees surround the site. There are five sites with room for groups. One site has a three-sided storm shelter.
It's the first campsite as you drive in from the west. Many visitors spend their first night camping, here. It's close to park headquarters and hiking trails. This campground is equipped with 48 sites and 2 pit toilets. Big Paint Creek offers great trout fishing. Camp pads are grassy and level. There's a fire ring at each site, as well. Bring a trailer, RV, or tent.
You can reach The Natural Gait to make reservations by calling 563-535-7314 or email them at NtrlGait@acegroup.cc. For winter stays, this place is a must. So next time your super outdoorsy friends try to talk you into sleeping on the bare ground for “fun” suggest a trip to Yellow River State Forest and score a sweet fully-equipped cabin at The Natural Gait site.
Have you stayed at The Natural Gait cabins? Are there any other remote and beautiful campgrounds where “glamping” is an option in Iowa?
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