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Deer Ridge Campground

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Deer Ridge Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (563) 774-2067

Address 13762 D Ave, Wadena, IA 52169, USA

Website https://www.campdeerridge.com/

Hours

Deer Ridge Campground Location & Map

IowaFayette CountyWadenaD Avenue

Deer Ridge Campground About

Introduction / Overview

For Iowans yearning for a quintessential camping experience that blends comfort with nature, Deer Ridge Campground in Wadena, Iowa, stands out as a prime destination. Nestled at 13762 D Ave, Wadena, IA 52169, USA, this privately owned and meticulously maintained campground offers a serene escape in the picturesque landscape of Northeast Iowa. It’s not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a welcoming community where relaxation and outdoor adventure go hand-in-hand. As one delighted visitor aptly put it, "Awesome Campground! I spent a week here, loved it. Mike the owner takes great pride in the Campground. The grounds are meticulously maintained."

Deer Ridge Campground has earned a reputation for its commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience. Unlike some larger, more impersonal resorts, Deer Ridge focuses on a quiet, clean, and friendly atmosphere. The emphasis on "meticulously maintained" grounds and "lots of privacy" at each site ensures that campers can truly unwind and enjoy their surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature, a convenient base for exploring Northeast Iowa's many attractions, or a family-friendly spot with activities to keep everyone entertained, Deer Ridge Campground is designed to meet those needs. With its full hookup sites, a variety of amenities, and a commitment to guest satisfaction, it has become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.

Location and Accessibility

Deer Ridge Campground is strategically located at 13762 D Ave, Wadena, IA 52169, USA, placing it in the heart of Northeast Iowa’s scenic Fayette County. Wadena is a small, charming community known for its tranquil environment and access to beautiful natural landscapes, making it an ideal setting for a campground.

The accessibility of Deer Ridge Campground is a significant advantage for Iowans. While it offers a secluded feel, it remains remarkably convenient for reaching local attractions and essential services. As one reviewer mentioned, "Seems like you're less than a half hour away from anything that you want to do." This highlights its excellent balance of peaceful rural setting with practical proximity to amenities. Wadena itself is situated near several state highways, allowing for straightforward travel from various parts of Iowa. For instance, it's a relatively easy drive from larger cities in Eastern Iowa, making it a viable weekend or week-long getaway destination.

The local road network, including D Ave, provides direct access to the campground. The area around Wadena is part of the beautiful "Driftless Area" of Iowa, characterized by its rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and numerous streams. This geographical feature means that scenic drives are abundant, enhancing the overall travel experience to and from the campground. Furthermore, its location offers quick access to the Volga River State Recreation Area, Grannis Creek (a popular trout stream), and the River Bluffs Scenic Byway, all within a short drive. This prime positioning ensures that campers can effortlessly transition from the tranquility of their site to exciting outdoor adventures or quick trips for supplies in nearby towns like Fayette or Elkader.

Services Offered

Deer Ridge Campground prides itself on offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable camping experience for all its guests.

  • Full Hookup Sites: A major highlight, as noted in reviews, is that "All sites are full hook ups." This means each campsite is equipped with electric (typically 20, 30, and 50 amp options), water, and sewer connections, providing maximum convenience for RVs and trailers. This eliminates the need for frequent trips to dump stations or water fill-ups.

  • Clean Bathroom Facilities: The campground offers "bathrooms and showers just in case you don't want to use your camper for that." This indicates well-maintained communal restrooms and showers, which are essential for tent campers or those who prefer not to use their RV's facilities.

  • Laundry Facilities: For longer stays or after messy outdoor adventures, the availability of onsite laundry facilities is a significant convenience, allowing campers to refresh their clothing without leaving the campground.

  • Free Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi): Staying connected is easy with "Free Wireless Internet Available" throughout the campground. While speeds can sometimes vary in rural areas, this amenity is invaluable for checking weather, planning activities, or simply staying in touch.

  • Onsite Stocked Pond: An exciting feature for anglers, Deer Ridge Campground has an "Onsite Stocked Pond," providing a convenient and accessible fishing opportunity right within the park grounds.

  • Shelter House: A communal shelter house is available, offering a covered space for gatherings, picnics, or seeking refuge during inclement weather. This is particularly useful for groups or families.

  • Playground Equipment: For families traveling with children, extensive playground equipment ensures that younger campers have dedicated and safe areas to play and burn off energy.

  • Sports Amenities: Recreational options like tetherball and a basketball court are provided, offering active entertainment for campers of all ages.

  • Local Information and Guidance: The owner, Mike, is highlighted as a "great source for local information, places to visit, where to fish sites to see." This personalized guidance enriches the visitor's experience by helping them discover the best of Northeast Iowa.

Features / Highlights

Deer Ridge Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong appeal among campers in Iowa.

  • Meticulously Maintained Grounds: A recurring theme in reviews is the exceptional upkeep of the campground. Comments like "The grounds are meticulously maintained" and "very clean and well kept and maintained" underscore the owner's pride and dedication to providing a pristine and inviting environment for all guests. This attention to detail significantly enhances the overall camping experience.

  • Large, Private, and Shaded Sites: Campers appreciate that "Sites are large and lots of privacy." Many sites are also "wooded offering lots of shade," which is a considerable benefit during warmer months, providing comfort and a more intimate connection with nature. The combination of space and natural screening makes for a truly relaxing stay.

  • Full Hookup Convenience: The availability of "full hook ups" at all sites (electric, water, sewer) is a major draw for RVers, offering maximum convenience and minimizing the need for manual tasks, allowing more time for relaxation and recreation.

  • Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Deer Ridge Campground consistently earns praise for being "quiet." This tranquil environment is ideal for those seeking to escape noise and bustle, providing a true sense of calm and a chance to unwind amidst nature.

  • Onsite Recreational Activities: The campground offers a range of onsite activities, including an "Onsite Stocked Pond" for fishing, "extensive playground equipment" for children, and sports facilities like tetherball and a basketball court. These amenities provide entertainment options without having to leave the campground.

  • Personalized Local Guidance from Owner Mike: As highlighted by a reviewer, "Mike the owner takes great pride in the Campground" and is a "great source for local information, places to visit, where to fish sites to see." This personalized, friendly touch from the owner enhances the visitor experience, making it feel more welcoming and tailored.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: With amenities like a playground, sports courts, and a safe, well-maintained setting, Deer Ridge Campground is explicitly designed to be a "family friendly" destination, ensuring fun and comfort for campers of all ages.

  • Proximity to Northeast Iowa Attractions: The campground's location allows for easy exploration of nearby natural attractions such as the Volga River State Recreation Area, Brush Creek Canyon State Preserve, and Grannis Creek (a popular trout stream). This ensures that campers have plenty of options for hiking, fishing, and enjoying Iowa's natural beauty.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, short-term promotional "deals" are not widely advertised, Deer Ridge Campground offers value through its consistently reasonable rates and the quality of its amenities and services. The philosophy seems to be focused on providing excellent value year-round, rather than relying on flash sales.

Based on available information and common practices for well-regarded private campgrounds, potential "offers" or value propositions typically include:

  • Reasonable and Consistent Rates: Reviews suggest that "Rates are more than reasonably." While specific daily, weekly, or monthly rates are best confirmed directly with the campground, the commitment to affordable pricing is a continuous benefit for campers. This means you can expect transparent and fair pricing without needing to hunt for coupons or wait for sales.

  • Longer Stay Discounts: Many campgrounds offer reduced nightly rates for extended stays (e.g., weekly or monthly bookings). While not explicitly stated, it is common for full hookup campgrounds to provide a better value per night for those staying for a week or more. It is highly recommended to inquire about any such discounts if you plan a prolonged visit.

  • Value-Added Amenities: The inclusion of free Wi-Fi, full hookups at all sites, clean bathhouses, and various recreational facilities (like the stocked pond and playground) inherently adds significant value to the camping fee. These are services that other campgrounds might charge extra for, or not offer at all.

  • Personalized Service: As noted, owner Mike is a "great source for local information." This personalized guidance and attention to guest satisfaction, while not a monetary promotion, greatly enhances the overall value of your stay. Knowing you have knowledgeable and helpful hosts can transform a good trip into a great one.

For the most current rates and to inquire about any specific long-term stay options or group rates, the best approach is to contact Deer Ridge Campground directly using the provided contact information.

Contact Information

To get in touch with Deer Ridge Campground for reservations, inquiries about amenities, or local information, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Deer Ridge Campground 13762 D Ave Wadena, IA 52169, USA

Phone Numbers: Main Phone: (563) 774-2067 Mobile Phone: +1 563-774-2067

Email: According to their website, an email contact is deerridge@iowatelecom.net.

Website: For additional information and potentially online resources, you can visit their website: deerridgecampground.net or campdeerridge.com.

It is always recommended to contact the campground directly, especially if you have specific needs for your site, or if you plan to visit during peak seasons. As noted in reviews, the owner, Mike, is a great source of local information, so a direct call can provide valuable insights for planning your trip to Northeast Iowa.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Deer Ridge Campground in Wadena, Iowa, is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across the state, particularly those residing in Northeast Iowa or looking for a well-rounded and reliable camping experience. Its blend of comfort, natural beauty, and attentive management makes it a premier choice for Iowans seeking a memorable outdoor getaway.

For local families, the campground's comprehensive amenities are a huge draw. With "full hook ups" at every site, "clean bathrooms and showers," and "laundry facilities," Deer Ridge takes the stress out of camping, allowing families to focus on fun and relaxation. The "extensive playground equipment," basketball court, and tetherball ensure that children have plenty of activities, while the "Onsite Stocked Pond" offers a convenient and safe fishing spot for all ages. This family-friendly environment means parents can truly relax, knowing their kids are entertained and safe within the "meticulously maintained" grounds.

Beyond the amenities, the "quiet" and "secluded" nature of the campground, with "large sites and lots of privacy," caters to those who genuinely want to unwind and reconnect with nature. It’s an ideal escape from the daily grind, offering a peaceful atmosphere that fosters relaxation and tranquility. The presence of "wooded" areas providing "lots of shade" further enhances the comfort, particularly during warmer Iowa summers.

Furthermore, its location in Wadena provides excellent accessibility to the wider natural and historical attractions of Northeast Iowa. As a local, you’re "less than a half hour away from anything that you want to do," whether it's exploring the nearby Volga River State Recreation Area for hiking and more fishing, visiting Brush Creek Canyon State Preserve, or simply enjoying the scenic drives through the Driftless Area. Having a knowledgeable owner like Mike, who is a "great source for local information," adds an invaluable personal touch, helping Iowans discover hidden gems and make the most of their regional adventures.

In essence, Deer Ridge Campground offers a consistent, high-quality, and deeply satisfying camping experience that is perfectly aligned with what Iowans seek in their outdoor pursuits: convenience, comfort, natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a destination that enhances the local experience of Iowa’s stunning outdoor heritage.

Customer Reviews

4.0
20 reviews
H
Hance Throckmorton
Jul 29, 2024

Good place to camp! They have bathrooms and showers just in case you don't want to use your camper for that. Seems like you're less than a half hour away from anything that you want to do. At least it was like that for us. 😀

T
Tim Flagg
Aug 28, 2021

Awesome Campground! I spent a week here, loved it. Mike the owner takes great pride in the Campground. The grounds are meticulously maintained. All sites are full hook ups. Sites are large and lots of privacy. Mike is a great source for local information, places to visit, where to fish sites to see. Rates are more than reasonably. Much of the Campground is wooded offering lots of shade and it's quiet! I've thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

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gabrielle mundt
Apr 28, 2019

The man that owns this campground is amazing and so nice. My car over heated and I didn't have service to call for help and he welcomed me into his home and let me use his phone and stay out of the rain and snow as I waited for help. So very thankful for his kindness!

R
Ryan Cummings
Aug 05, 2019

Tiny sites. Couldnt even really set up yard games. Nowhere to park. Seemed like the majority of campers are seasonals with nice decks and their own lp tanks. There is a little pond where the kids caught a bunch of fish at least.

M
Mark Powers
Aug 09, 2021

Clean, organized, friendly campers, limited space so call ahead!