BIG SPRING CAMPGROUND
Description
Located 10 miles NW of Elkader, right along the Turkey River, this primitive campground offers 7 sites each with a fire pit and picnic table. You are sure to be lulled to sleep with the sounds of the river flowing by your tent or camper. Primitive camping is $15 per night on a first-come first-serve basis. You can now reserve your favorite campsite online for the 2023/2024 camping season. ONLINE REGISTRATION
PROJECTS:
The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Recreation Access Cost share (WRAC) program awarded Clayton County Conservation to reconstruct existing access at Big Springs, regrade to align with fluctuating water levels, place a concrete slab and rip rap to protect the shoreline located at Access #47. This also created access for fishing along the bank at river level.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE HERE?
PICNIC AREA
Picnic table with no shelter available to anyone.
RESTROOM
Pit toilet available.
Big spring trout hatchery
Within walking distance of the campground you will find the Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Big Spring Trout Hatchery where upwards of 150,000 rainbow and brook trout are raised each year and stocked into our local streams and rivers. While at the hatchery you can also see the unique Big Spring, the largest cold water spring in Iowa.
The Turkey River at Big Spring is open for public fishing. You are sure to catch fish near the angler access trail along the river. A trout pond at the entrance and a kids fishing pond for young anglers 15 and under (kids must be accompanied by a licensed adult) are also available to the public 7 days a week all year round.
