Camping in Yellow River State Forest: The Ultimate Off-Grid Family Getaway in Iowa
- Jess Barrera
- Nov 1
- 4 min read
Disconnect to Reconnect
Tucked in the rolling hills of northeast Iowa, the Yellow River State Forest offers a rare kind of peace you can’t stream or scroll. There’s no electricity, no running water, and no phone service in the valley—just the sounds of the river and the laughter of kids exploring. It’s our favorite “off-grid” spot where days move slower, the campfire glows brighter, and family time feels effortless.
Mitch and the boys spend their mornings fishing for trout in the cool stream, while I soak in the sun with a book in my hand and my Sunshade Rocker by the water’s edge. The boys are usually knee-deep in the shallows, armed with nets and kids’ chest waders, chasing minnows and catching frogs and crawfish for hours. They always find new friends—the families who camp here are some of the kindest campers we’ve met.
Setting Up Camp Made Simple
We bring our travel trailer (check out my previous post on How to Get Started Camping with a Camper) to make off-grid life comfortable. Even without hookups, it’s easy to stay cozy and cook great meals thanks to our small kitchen setup and portable grill.
I spread out an outdoor rug under the awning and set up a play zone with toys that keep the boys busy between fishing trips. Kinetic Sand, Hot Wheels, and Duplo Legos travel well and we save these fun sets for playing with only during camping so they’re fun and exciting each time.
They also love their scooters for cruising the campground loops while we prep dinner.
River Days That Never End
The river is the heart of our stay. Shallow areas make it safe for kids to splash and explore while parents relax close by. The water stays refreshingly cool in summer—perfect for swimming and wading, though a bit chilly in spring and fall.
For long river days, I pack plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses for kids (and a pair of women’s polarized sunglasses for me). Between the sun, water, and excitement, comfort matters as much as fun.
Easy, Affordable Meals from the Camper
One of the best perks of bringing our camper is cooking wherever we park. (You might remember my Affordable Family Meals You Can Make on Vacation post—and this spot puts those ideas to work!)
We stick to quick, family-friendly recipes:
Pancakes and fruit breakfasts
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner versions of burritos or quesadillas
Foil packets with sausage, potatoes, and veggies
Pasta
Soup & sandwiches (or grilled cheese)
Campfire s’mores or dessert yogurt every night
Cooking ourselves, versus running into town to eat at restaurants, saves money and time—and everything tastes better made from scratch whether we cooked inside the camper or outdoors! A cast-iron skillet and collapsible camp table are all we need to serve up easy meals with big flavor.
Trail Adventures and Hidden Corners
Beyond the river, the forest is full of well-marked trails for every skill level. The terrain winds through pines and over streams, making every hike feel like a mini adventure. Good hiking boots for kids are worth packing, along with plenty of water and bug spray.
There’s even a separate campground and trails for horses if you want to bring your horse and ride through the woods.
Playtime Beyond the Campsite
When the kids tire of swimming and hiking on the trails, we break out the yard games. Our go-tos are cornhole (we love this lightweight, portable set), ladder toss, badminton, Toss & Catch Ball Game, and a simple nature scavenger hunt game that keeps them entertained before dinner.
There’s also a small playground in the state forest and plenty of sandy and muddy spots for messy creative play. The best part? Every activity happens steps from our camper—no screens, no rush, just memories in the making!
Supplies and Small-Town Stops
Even though it feels completely remote, you’re only about 30 minutes from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. We make a grocery or gas run there mid-trip and sometimes stop at Effigy Mounds National Monument or Fun Land, which has mini golf, arcade games, and several restaurants if we feel like splurging. It’s just enough civilization to restock and keep everyone happy.
Packing Smart for an Off-Grid Stay
Here’s our quick checklist to make the most of your stay at Yellow River State Forest:
Travel trailer or tent setup
Camp chairs for adults + kids
Yard games, scooters, and outdoor toys
Easy meal ingredients & cast-iron skillet
Campfire supplies & roasting sticks
First aid kit and extra layers
A Forest That Feels Like Freedom: Camping in Yellow River State Forest
Every trip to Yellow River State Forest resets us. The boys spend their days soaked in sunshine and river water, and we spend ours remembering how good it feels to slow down. Evenings by the fire bring laughter, quiet skies, and that deep contentment only nature seems to deliver.
If your family’s craving a place to unplug, reconnect, and play outside all day, camping in Yellow River State Forest might just become your favorite family tradition too.
Until the Next Adventure,
Jess
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