Welcome to Under the Stars @ Chimney Rock Campground!
Under New Ownership!
Chimney Rock campground is once again open to the public. Our property lies along the “Chimney Rocks” portion of the scenic Upper Iowa River in the driftless region of northeast Iowa. The Upper Iowa River has been recognized by National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine as one of the top 100 adventures in the United States. Located on a private farm, Under the Stars @ Chimney Rock offers a relaxing, rustic country atmosphere. This year we will be open from April 1 through October 31. We may also be open on a limited basis, and by advance reservation only, to fisherman, hunters and other nature lovers (hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing), this fall and winter.
We are located just 15 miles from Decorah IA, 1½ hours from Rochester MN, LaCrosse WI, Marquette IA and Lanesboro MN, and just 2½ hours south of the Twin Cities and MSP airport. We’re also only 16 miles from Harmony MN which boasts a large Amish population and the Niagara Cave.
We also offer Canoe and Kayak Rentals, Transportation of your canoes or kayaks if room available, Cabins, Electric site Camping, Primitive Camping, Flush Toilets and showers in the bath house, Porta-potties located in primitive areas, Dump Station for RVs, Fishing Ice, firewood available. Private livery fee for private kayaks or canoes
Meet The Owners:
The Ritners moved to Iowa in 2008 from Los Angeles, California. They fell in love with Chimney Rock Campground the first time they canoed here. Rod, Kathleen and Cody can be found milling around the campground along with their 2 dogs Cricket and Fat Walter. It’s going to be a great summer. We hope to see you at camp.
Just returned home from a wonderful weekend at Chimney Rock Campground! The river was beautiful and the staff was friendly. Even after a mix up with then campsites it was... read more taken care of quickly with no problems. The bathrooms and showers were clean as well. We plan on returning. Thank you for the memories!
Jennifer Bailey June 1, 2021
We have been at Chimney Rock Campground for a week. The owners allowed us to change a reservation by adding 2 days to the beginning of our stay and taking... read more off the last two- keeping the number of nights the same. We stayed at the upper grounds. Very peaceful many birds and deer daily. We were able to book a shuttle with our own kayaks. The river was low but navigable. We enjoy being in a quiet location, and that is exactly what we had. The shower house was clean and very accessible from our site. We are planning on returning in the fall to see the fall leaves. Our stay was fantastic. We enjoyed day trips to Cresco, Harmony, and Decorah. Thank you for your hospitality!!!
Dawn Ausenhus August 4, 2021
We stopped in here late on the afternoon of July 3, 2021. She was just about to close the check-in cabin, where they stocked essentials and some new t-shirts with... read more a beautiful commemorative design. Our campsite on the river was so special, it wasn’t really busy at all - there were two other groups camping that evening. We had a great fire, made kebabs, and admired the stars. Wildlife and foliage was abundant! We will come back for sure.
Jazmine Keith October 2, 2021
If your looking for that small town charm and midwest hospitality this is not the place for you. The new California lady owner is mean! As a native to the... read more area this place is no longer a "must see" spot. I recommend Hutchinson Campground, Bluffton campground ,Kendallville or Decorah Pulpit Rock area for camping.
Annie R June 7, 2022
We have a large group of friends (50-70 depending on the year) that has been coming to this camp ground for over 20 years and we can say this year... read more was our last. We have never been treated with such disrespect and rudeness, not to mention the amount of extra costs for everything since the new management took over last year. It started with how disorganized the whole process to rent a kayak or canoe was, along with the additional $20 per boat to transport to the drop site if you happened to bring your own. You are also required to pay an additional $15 per extra tent per night on your camp site. But the worst part was how we were treated and how our minor child was treated when they received a noise complaint. I understand that there is a set quiet time and we were being a little louder than we should have 30 minutes past. Instead of coming down and politely asking us to please be quiet and remind us of the quiet time ( you know camping you don’t typically keep track of time) she first called our minor child over who was coming out of the restroom and started screaming at her for no reason, and then proceeded to come to our campsite, called us all pieces of S&#! and then threatened to call the police and have us removed from the camp ground.... We have a large group of friends (50-70 depending on the year) that has been coming to this camp ground for over 20 years and we can say this year was our last. We have never been treated with such disrespect and rudeness, not to mention the amount of extra costs for everything since the new management took over last year. It started with how disorganized the whole process to rent a kayak or canoe was, along with the additional $20 per boat to transport to the drop site if you happened to bring your own. You are also required to pay an additional $15 per extra tent per night on your camp site. But the worst part was how we were treated and how our minor child was treated when they received a noise complaint. I understand that there is a set quiet time and we were being a little louder than we should have 30 minutes past. Instead of coming down and politely asking us to please be quiet and remind us of the quiet time ( you know camping you don’t typically keep track of time) she first called our minor child over who was coming out of the restroom and started screaming at her for no reason, and then proceeded to come to our campsite, called us all pieces of S&#! and then threatened to call the police and have us removed from the camp ground. Again I understand that a noise curfew was broken by 30 minutes but there would have been a much better way to handle the situation. If your looking for a camp site with a view chimney rock definitely has it. But if you are looking for an affordable experience with great service I’d look else where. More
299meghane June 1, 2022
Today I went on my very first kayaking adventure. I had an amazing time. My friends and I were pulling in our own kayaks and almost finished. A lady who... read more I found out was the owner came up to us and was very rude. She asked what we were doing and we told her. She said it was private property. As we left we looked for the signs and didn't see one. Before we left she demanded $20. I said it was an honest mistake and didn't realize. She said she didn't care and that she would need the money. She then questioned whether or not the kayaks we had were ours. We said they were ours. We paid her of course. I just think she went about it terribly. I use to stay there as a kid and don't plan on again. Mistakes happen and I believe she made a mistake of how she treated possible campers. If that's how you treat people when they are being nice.. I could about imagine if we stayed there how we would be treated. Kindness goes alot further. Thanks for letting me know how rude you are. More
We want everyone to have fun and enjoy their stay with us at Under the Stars at Chimney Rock campground. The following policies and guest information are being provided to you to help ensure your stay with us is carefree and safe.
Cancellation Policy
There are no refunds or rescheduled Cabins.
There are no refunds due to weather.
In the event of a family emergency we are willing to reschedule you to another date of equal or lesser value. The reschedule is good for the camping season you have booked and may not be carried over to other years.
There are no refunds on canoes/kayaks or tubings . Please be on time for your shuttle. If you miss your scheduled time we will attempt to fit you in later that day but there are no guarantees. If for some reason we cancel your canoe/kayak/tubing date due to unforeseen circumstances we will refund your money.
Check In: 2:00 PM • Check Out: 11:00 AM • Quiet Time: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM Must be 21 years of age to reserve a campsite, cabin, or any rental items.
CAMPGROUND SPEED LIMIT: 5 MPH AT ALL TIMES Please observe entrance, exit, one-way, and speed limit signs at all times.
Smoking (including the use of electronic smoking devices) is prohibited in ALL buildings and within 25 feet of all public entrances. Please use trash cans for cigarette butts to keep our campground clean.
Please do not use fire pits as garbage pits. Dispose of garbage in designated receptacles. Please do not relocate fire rings. If concerned about the fire ring location, please visit the front office.
Pets are always welcome, but must be kept on a leash, cleaned up after, and closely monitored at all times. There is also a $5 pet fee. No pets (with the exception of service animals) allowed in the office, bathhouse, or other buildings on property. Campers with animals that continuously bark or are left unattended will be evicted without refund and fined $50. You are responsible for anything your pet(s) break.
We cannot clean restrooms after each use. Please clean up after yourself, the guests following you will appreciate it.
Waste water tanks must be discharged into the dump station only and never discharged onto the grounds.
Absolutely no grease, oil, or gas may be dumped on property.
Campground guests are responsible for the conduct, behavior, and monitoring of their children, pets, and visitors.
Guests are financially responsible for any damage to campground property, intentional or accidental; so please respect the grounds.
Firearms, lethal weapons, and drugs are prohibited on property. No fireworks allowed within the campground at any time!
Please refrain from walking through other people’s sites.
Common courtesy will prevail between all guests in the park. Profane, abusive, or threatening language or actions directed at campground personnel or other guests is prohibited and will result in immediate eviction without refund.
Most importantly, be safe and let’s all have fun!!!
Site Policies:
Daily and weekly rates based on 4 people
ONE CAMPING UNIT PER SITE (a camping unit is (1) RV, Tent, Pop-up, Truck Camper or Van). If a camping unit is on a site and you want to add a tent, it’s $20.00 per night in addition to site rate.
3 night minimums for holidays or events may apply.
Campers with ORVs require pull thru or large back in sites.
Check in time is 2:00 PM. Check out time is 11:00 AM.
Early arrival between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM – $10 additional fee – only if available.
Late Departure between 11:00 PM and 5:00 PM – $10 additional fee – only if available.
Early and late check-in/check-out is based on site availability.
Visitor Policies:
All visitors must stop in the store to register and display appropriate registration tags.
Visitor passes are $10.00 per vehicle per day. This fee allows us to continually improve the campground, and ensure we know who is in the campground at all times.
Visiting Hours are 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The park gates close at 10 pm and reopen at 8 am.
Visitor vehicles must be parked in designated areas.
All visitors must abide by campground rules
Disclosure
*All guests and vendors are responsible for abiding by campground rules and policies. Any person who fails to adhere to the campground rules and policies may be evicted from the grounds at the sole discretion of campground management without refund. Guests use the campground facilities and amenities at their own risk. The campground is not responsible for loss or damage due to fire, accident, theft, weather, or catastrophic events. This includes injuries resulting in bodily harm. Management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone. Management reserves the right to make changes to the rules and policies at any time, without prior notice.
Just returned home from a wonderful weekend at Chimney Rock Campground! The river was beautiful and the staff was friendly. Even after a mix up with then campsites it was... read more 
Jennifer Bailey
Dawn Ausenhus
Jazmine Keith
If your looking for that small town charm and midwest hospitality this is not the place for you. The new California lady owner is mean! As a native to the... read more 
