Campgrounds and RV parks near Elma, IA

Elma sits in Howard County in northeast Iowa, near the edge of the Driftless Area and within reach of both Iowa and southern Minnesota state park systems. The town is a trailhead of the Wapsi-Great Western Line Recreational Trail, a paved multi-use path that runs north toward Riceville and connects onward to Minnesota's Shooting Star State Trail. RV travelers use Elma as a base for river camping, trout streams, and cave country. Closest options include River Ranch Camping in Nashua, which sits on the Little Cedar River and offers full hookups, water and electric sites, pull-throughs, and cabin rentals. R Campground is another small nearby option in Chickasaw County. Farther afield in Mower and Fillmore counties in Minnesota, Lake Louise State Park, Maple Springs Campground, and the Horse Camp at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park round out the choices. Expect flat farm country close to Elma, transitioning to wooded river valleys and limestone bluffs as travelers move east into the Driftless region.

Minnesota state parks use one central system. Lake Louise and Forestville Mystery Cave sites are reserved through the Minnesota DNR at mndnr.gov/reservations or by phone at 866-857-2757. Bookings open up to 120 days ahead of arrival, and same-day reservations are also available with no fee. A state park vehicle permit is required in addition to the campsite fee, and equestrians at Forestville also need a Minnesota Horse Pass. Howard County Conservation Board campgrounds in the Elma area are generally first-come, first-served. Chickasaw County's general sites are also first-come, first-served, though some county sites can be reserved by calling the conservation board office. Private parks such as River Ranch Camping book direct through the operator.