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 $5 per night on a first-come first-serve basis.
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.
Camping
Hiking
Fishing
Canoe/Kayak
Water Trail Access #47
Education Programs