Now that camping is in full swing, we thought it would be helpful to have a few reminders:

Camping:

Make reservations—especially if you’re camping in a group. Several weekends are already full in June and July. BIG TIP: When you make reservations, please know that every site is a great site and you will not be reserving a specific site #. Because we specialize in groups—big and small, we actually create a unique map every week so we can ensure that sites that need to be together are together. You CAN request a specific site when you make your reservation and we will do our best to get you in it.

Check-in the office when you arrive—especially since you don’t know your site #. The offie is located in the barn at the entrance. Every camper and every tenter MUST check in when you arrive—yes, even if you’re camping in a group and they are already here.

Check-out when you leave—so you can settle up in the office and we can tell you how happy we are to camp with such amazing people like you!!

You can reserve sites online (both individual and group) or call the office 563-883-8562.

River Activities:

Travel times for river activities fluctuate depending on the weather and the current river levels. Generally speaking canoes & kayaks travel @ 2 mph, tubes @ 1mph; hence if we shuttle you 2 1/2 miles up stream with tubes, it’s going to take you about 2-3 hours to float down river. And the long 4-5 hour canoe trip means you’re starting out about 9 miles up river. If you stop at the fresh water springs or to collect fossils or eat a picnic lunch on the banks, it will, of course, take longer. Plan accordingly :)

Canoes & Kayaks

Short trip goes in at the state line: 2-3 hours
Long trip goes in at Granger, MN: 4-5 hours

Tubes —All tubes go in at the 9’ bridge

Medium trip: 2-3 hours
Short trip: 1 hour
This trip is an excellent option for adults in kayaks or canoes w/ small children in tubes. It gets you out on the beautiful river without the long time commitment.

Fishing:

Yes, you need a license to fish in the state of Iowa. Yes, you need a trout stamp if you’re fishing in a trout stream. Yes, fishing is great even right here at the campground landing.

Keep in mind if you’re fishing while canoeing down river on our long trip, we actually launch you in Minnesota; you’ll cross the state line at the Niagara cave springs about 2 miles out (or 1 hour after you put in). Get your license accordingly.

You can buy your fishing license online and download a digital copy to your phone as sufficient proof of your license. Get your license and more info on the Iowa DNR website.

We have so many warm sunny days of camping to look forward to this season. We can’t wait to see you.

Camp on,
HFCR Staff