Deer Run Resort

- 501 S High St, Elkader, IA 52043

For Iowa locals seeking a camping experience that blends the tranquility of nature with the comforts and conveniences of a top-tier resort, look no further than Deer Run Resort in Elkader. Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Northeast Iowa, this campground is quickly earning a reputation as a destination that offers a "cut above the rest" in outdoor accommodations. It’s ideal for those who appreciate immaculate facilities, well-maintained grounds, and easy access to both natural attractions and charming small-town amenities.

Gone are the days when camping meant roughing it entirely. Deer Run Resort exemplifies what many modern campers, particularly those with RVs, are looking for: a "glamping" experience that prioritizes comfort and cleanliness. As one delighted visitor enthusiastically shared, "Cement parking pads for RV. Bathrooms are clean and super nice, wonderful showers! They have laundry facilities, also. Grounds are well kept and there is a cement sidewalk throughout the campground and around the large pond." This sentiment is echoed by another, who praised it as "Absolutely beautiful. Very well maintained lawn and flowers. Very clean and large shower house." Such feedback highlights the resort's commitment to providing a pristine and inviting environment for its guests.

What truly sets Deer Run Resort apart for Iowa locals is its thoughtful integration with the vibrant community of Elkader. It’s not just a place to park your RV; it’s a gateway to local adventures. A review perfectly encapsulates this appeal: "Close walk to the public pool and park that offers a 9 hole disc golf course along with other park and recreational activities. A short walk along the river to the historical down town area that has some amazing shops. Loved our stay!" This demonstrates how the resort offers both on-site relaxation and convenient access to a wealth of activities, from outdoor recreation to exploring historic downtown Elkader.

This article will delve into the exceptional offerings of Deer Run Resort, providing Iowa residents with a comprehensive guide to its location, premium services, standout features, and why it's poised to become your favorite go-to spot for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway in our beautiful state.

Deer Run Resort boasts an enviable location at 501 S High St, Elkader, IA 52043, USA. This address places it perfectly in the heart of historic Elkader, a charming town in Northeast Iowa that has even been recognized by The Nest magazine as one of "15 Little Known Midwest Towns Everyone Must Visit at Least Once." Its setting in the scenic rolling hills of Clayton County provides a beautiful natural backdrop, while still offering excellent accessibility to local attractions and regional transport routes.

For Iowa locals, the accessibility of Deer Run Resort is a significant advantage. Elkader is well-connected by state highways, making it a manageable drive from major cities like Dubuque (approximately 1 hour 8 minutes), Waterloo (around 1 hour 13 minutes), and Cedar Rapids (about 1 hour 24 minutes). Even for those coming from further afield, the journey is straightforward, and the directions are generally clear, though some sources advise not relying solely on GPS and providing specific turns from highways like 128 and 13.

A key highlight of the resort's location, as noted by visitors, is its incredible walkability to local amenities and attractions. Guests can enjoy a "close walk to the public pool and park" which offers activities like a 9-hole disc golf course and other recreational options. Even more appealing is the "short walk along the river to the historical down town area that has some amazing shops." This means campers can easily explore Elkader's unique boutiques, dining establishments, and historical sites without needing to drive their RV or car once they've set up camp.

Furthermore, the resort's position provides direct access to the natural beauty of the Turkey River, a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. This blend of small-town charm with immediate access to outdoor adventures and major roadways makes Deer Run Resort an exceptionally well-located and accessible destination for Iowa RV enthusiasts and campers.

Deer Run Resort prides itself on offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a premium and comfortable camping experience, particularly for RV enthusiasts. These services contribute to its "glamping" reputation and set it apart from many traditional campgrounds:

• Full Hookup RV Campsites: The resort features 81 well-appointed RV camping sites. Every single site offers full hookups, including easy access to water, sewer/waste lines, and a choice of 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service, accommodating even the largest RV rigs.
• Paved Sites and Concrete Patios: A significant highlight is the presence of "cement parking pads for RV" and "concrete patios" at each site. The campground also features "blacktop streets" and "cement sidewalks throughout the campground," ensuring clean, level, and easy-to-navigate surfaces for campers and their vehicles.
• State-of-the-Art Shower House: Reviews consistently praise the "clean and super nice, wonderful showers" and "very clean and large shower house." This facility is described as "state of the art," featuring soft water for showers, in-floor heat, and air conditioning for comfort year-round. This impressive shower house also doubles as a storm shelter.
• Laundry Facilities: Convenient on-site "laundry facilities" are available, making longer stays more practical and comfortable for guests.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each RV site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, essential for outdoor meals and enjoying campfires.
• Free Wi-Fi: The resort provides free Wi-Fi, often supporting streaming, allowing campers to stay connected if desired. Some sources mention paid Wi-Fi, so it's good to confirm the specifics upon arrival.
• RV Dump Station: For added convenience, a dump station is available on-site for waste disposal.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased directly at the resort by the wheelbarrow, ensuring campers have access to clean, local wood for their campfires and adhering to any rules about not bringing in outside wood.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Deer Run Resort is pet-friendly. Pets are allowed at RV sites (but not in the lodge, shower house, or cottage) and must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are required to pick up pet droppings and not leave pets unattended.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is open for camping from April 15th to October 15th. The Stone Cottage is available for rent year-round.
• Lodge Access: The immaculate Deer Run Lodge is available for campers to use as a meeting spot, for potlucks, or simply a place to relax and read.
• Guest Services: The resort prides itself on "guest services" and treating visitors "like family."

Deer Run Resort distinguishes itself with a range of features and highlights that enhance the camping experience, transforming a simple stay into a true resort-style getaway. These elements create an environment of comfort, convenience, and ample recreation for all ages:

• "Glamping" Experience with Paved Sites: A significant highlight is the elevated "glamping" experience. The resort features 81 "cement parking pads for RV" and "blacktop streets," ensuring smooth navigation and level parking for even the largest rigs. Each site includes a "concrete patio" and a "firepit," creating a comfortable and personalized outdoor living space.
• Luxurious and Clean Shower House: Consistently praised in reviews, the "state-of-the-art shower house" is a standout feature. It boasts "super nice, wonderful showers," "soft water," "in-floor heat," and "air conditioning," providing a truly comfortable and clean bathing experience. It also serves as a vital storm shelter.
• Beautifully Maintained Grounds: Visitors frequently note the "beautiful," "very well maintained lawn and flowers," and "well kept grounds." This attention to detail creates a visually appealing and pleasant environment for all campers. There are also "cement sidewalks throughout the campground."
• On-Site Five-Acre Lake: The resort features a "large lake for walking, and for fishing when it has been stocked." While swimming and general fishing are restricted to designated times (e.g., "Two designated days for fishing"), the lake offers a serene backdrop and opportunities for wildlife watching, including deer, bald eagles, turkey, and pheasants.
• Proximity to Local Attractions (Walkable): A major highlight for locals is the resort's walkability to Elkader's attractions. It's a "close walk to the public pool and park that offers a 9-hole disc golf course," and a "short walk along the river to the historical down town area that has some amazing shops." This allows for easy exploration of Elkader's dining, shopping, and recreational offerings.
• Family and Group Friendly: Deer Run Resort actively welcomes "couples, retired folks, families, groups of friends, motorcycle clubs," and more, fostering a community atmosphere where "everyone is welcome and part of the family." The lodge can be rented for special events, and there's a playground for children.
• On-Site and Nearby Activities: Beyond the immaculate sites, the resort itself offers activities like basketball, a playground, and events. Within a short distance, campers can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, tubing on the Turkey River, biking and hiking on trails like the Elkader Riverwalk and Pony Hollow Bike Trail, golf, museums, a movie theater, and winter sports like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing (seasonally).
• The Stone Cottage Rental: For those without an RV or seeking a different experience, the "beautiful stone cottage" is available for rent year-round. This fully furnished cottage sleeps up to six and offers a private, heated, and air-conditioned stay with a fireplace.
• On-Site Events: Deer Run Resort occasionally hosts its own events, such as holiday celebrations, barbecues, and even 3D archery shoots, fostering a sense of community among campers.

While specific, time-sensitive "promotions" like percentage-off discounts are best confirmed directly with Deer Run Resort, their business model as a premier RV resort implies that their "offers" are often tied to the value of their high-quality amenities and the various ways to experience the property. They emphasize a "glamping" experience, suggesting that their inherent offerings provide a high level of value for the price.

• Comprehensive Full Hookup Sites: The standard offering of 81 full hookup sites with concrete pads, patios, picnic tables, and fire rings at a competitive rate for a resort of this caliber can be considered a standing offer of exceptional value. This level of amenity is not universally found at all campgrounds.
• Seasonal RV Site Rentals: Many campers treat their site at Deer Run Resort as a "vacation home away from home," with some even choosing to keep "seasonal spaces all year." While this entails a longer-term commitment, it often comes with a more favorable rate than daily or weekly stays, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent visitors or those seeking extended stays in the area. This also provides a "safe space to overwinter their valuable RVs."
• Cottage Rental for Diverse Stays: The availability of the Stone Cottage for year-round rental, separate from the RV sites, acts as a special offering for those who prefer a cabin experience or are visiting outside the camping season. This provides flexibility for different guest preferences.
• Inclusive Access to Facilities: The daily rates generally include access to the state-of-the-art shower house (with heat, AC, and laundry), the lodge, and the well-maintained grounds, ensuring that guests receive full value for their stay without hidden fees for essential amenities.
• On-Site Firewood Sales: Offering affordable firewood directly on-site (by the wheelbarrow) is a convenience that saves campers time and effort, and ensures compliance with any local rules about bringing in outside wood, adding to the overall value.

For the most current rates and any specific packages or seasonal discounts that might be available, particularly for longer stays or special events, it is always recommended for Iowa locals to contact Deer Run Resort directly via phone or visit their official website.

To plan your elevated camping experience or inquire further about the specific amenities and availability at Deer Run Resort in Elkader, Iowa, direct contact is highly recommended. The resort staff can provide the most current information on site availability, rates, and any specific policies or events during your desired stay.

• Address: 501 S High St, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
• Phone: (563) 245-3337
• Mobile Phone: +1 563-245-3337 (This is the same primary contact number, provided for clarity.)
• Official Website: While not explicitly provided in the prompt, it is strongly advised for prospective campers to search for "Deer Run Resort Elkader Iowa" online to find their official website (often deerrunresort.net). The website typically contains detailed information about site types, rates, policies, a calendar of events, and potentially an online booking system or contact form.

Given the popularity and high quality of Deer Run Resort, especially during peak seasons and local events, it is advisable to contact them well in advance to secure your preferred RV site or cottage rental.

For Iowa locals seeking an exceptional camping experience, Deer Run Resort in Elkader is a truly suitable and highly recommended destination. It seamlessly blends the tranquility of a natural setting with the premium amenities and conveniences of a modern resort, catering to a wide range of preferences and ensuring a memorable getaway.

One of the foremost reasons for its suitability is the commitment to quality and comfort. As highlighted by numerous positive reviews, the "cement parking pads for RV," "blacktop streets," and "concrete patios" elevate the camping experience, providing a clean, level, and stable environment for all types of recreational vehicles. The "super nice, wonderful showers" in the "state-of-the-art shower house" (complete with in-floor heat, AC, and laundry facilities) offer a level of comfort rarely found in campgrounds, making a stay here feel more like a vacation home than a rustic campsite. This attention to detail in amenities significantly enhances the overall experience for Iowans looking for a comfortable retreat.

Furthermore, Deer Run Resort’s location in historic Elkader is a significant advantage for local exploration. The ability to "walk along the river to the historical down town area that has some amazing shops" means campers can easily immerse themselves in the local culture, explore unique boutiques, enjoy local dining, and participate in community events without needing to drive. The close proximity to the public pool and park with disc golf and other recreational activities adds another layer of convenience, especially for families with children. This blend of on-site resort comforts and immediate access to a vibrant small town provides a balanced and enriching experience that appeals to many Iowa residents.

Beyond the physical amenities and location, the resort's welcoming atmosphere, where "everyone is welcome and part of the family," fosters a strong sense of community. This makes it an ideal spot for couples, families, and groups of friends to gather, relax, and create lasting memories. The abundant natural beauty of the surrounding Northeast Iowa landscape, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, further solidifies Deer Run Resort as a prime choice for locals eager to connect with Iowa's outdoors.

In essence, Deer Run Resort offers Iowa locals a pristine, comfortable, and conveniently located "glamping" destination. It’s a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the peace of a natural escape combined with the premium facilities and accessibility to a charming Iowa town, ensuring a truly enjoyable and hassle-free camping experience right here in our home state.

Deer Run Resort

501 S High St, Elkader, IA 52043, USA