Natural Gait Campground

- 1878 Old Mission Dr, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146

For Iowa locals who yearn for a truly serene and intimate camping experience, away from sprawling RV parks but still offering essential comforts, Natural Gait Campground in Harpers Ferry is a hidden gem. Nestled along the tranquil Yellow River, this smaller, secluded campground is a perfect escape for those who appreciate nature's quiet beauty, direct river access, and the simplicity of a "primitive style camping while still having access to electric." It’s an ideal spot for couples, families, and solo adventurers looking to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors.

Iowa offers a diverse range of camping options, from bustling state parks to remote backcountry sites. Natural Gait Campground strikes a unique balance, providing a peaceful environment without completely sacrificing convenience. As one highly satisfied camper expressed, it's a "Smaller secluded riverfront campground with spacious electric sites. Perfect get away spot for more primitive style camping while still having access to electric. Yellow river access and public land next to the campground. Owners were very kind. We plan to camp there again in the future. Highly recommended." This review perfectly encapsulates the appeal for many Iowans seeking a blend of tranquility and practical amenities.

The allure of a quiet, riverside retreat is strong, and Natural Gait Campground delivers on this promise. Its location provides ample opportunities for fishing, paddling, and simply enjoying the sounds of nature. The positive sentiment towards the owners, who were described as "very kind," suggests a welcoming and personal touch that enhances the overall experience. Even a simple, quirky review like "I got free milk" speaks volumes about the hospitality and unexpected pleasantries that can make a stay memorable.

This article will delve into what makes Natural Gait Campground an excellent choice for Iowa locals, exploring its unique riverfront location, the specific services it offers, its standout features and highlights, and why it's a highly recommended spot for your next peaceful getaway in the beautiful Harpers Ferry area.

Natural Gait Campground is perfectly situated at 1878 Old Mission Dr, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA. This address places it directly along the picturesque Yellow River, in the heart of Iowa's Driftless Area in Allamakee County. This region is renowned for its unique geological formations, rugged bluffs, spring-fed streams, and dense forests, offering a stunning natural backdrop for camping and outdoor activities.

For Iowa locals, accessing Natural Gait Campground is straightforward, yet it offers a sense of getting away from it all. Harpers Ferry is located in northeast Iowa, along the Mississippi River, and is easily reachable via state highways. Once in Harpers Ferry, the campground is about "one mile downriver from our rental cabins," nestled in a secluded spot. While the address itself is 1878 Old Mission Drive, the specific directions to the campground involve going "downriver from the mailbox displaying our address. Go past the next house on the left, then turn right into the next driveway, which is the campground." This indicates a tucked-away location that contributes to its secluded atmosphere.

A significant advantage of this location is its direct "Yellow river access and public land next to the campground." This provides immediate opportunities for water-based recreation such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking right from your campsite. The Yellow River is known for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout, making it a popular spot for anglers.

Furthermore, the campground's property borders or is in close proximity to Yellow River State Forest, which encompasses over 8,900 acres and offers miles of additional hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as more trout streams. This means campers at Natural Gait have access to a vast network of natural exploration beyond the campground itself, enhancing its appeal for adventurous Iowans who appreciate easy access to extensive outdoor pursuits.

Natural Gait Campground focuses on providing a comfortable yet natural camping experience, offering essential services that cater to both RV and tent campers seeking a more secluded environment. The services reflect a commitment to simplicity and connection with nature while providing key amenities:

• Electric Campsites: The campground features 9 electric sites, offering the convenience of power for RVs and other camping needs. These sites are described as "spacious," providing ample room for campers.
• Primitive Camping Space: In addition to electric sites, Natural Gait also offers dedicated "primitive camping space alongside the Yellow River" for those who prefer a more traditional, unhooked camping experience.
• Yellow River Access: A key service is direct access to the Yellow River from the campground, allowing campers to easily engage in activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
• Firewood Availability: Firewood is conveniently "available for $5/bundle upon request," ensuring campers have access to local wood for their campfires and adhering to any regulations against bringing outside wood.
• Ice Available: Ice is also available for purchase at $3/bag upon request, a useful amenity for keeping food and beverages cool.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed at the campground, allowing campers to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is open for camping from April through November, aligning with Iowa's prime camping seasons.
• Check-in/Check-out Times: Check-in is after 2 PM, and check-out is by 11 AM, though "Exceptions to these times can sometimes be made," indicating flexibility if arranged with the owners.
• Payment Options: The campground accepts payment by cash, check, or credit card, with a credit card required to hold reservations.
• Friendly and Accommodating Owners: While not a direct "service," reviews consistently highlight the "very kind" owners, suggesting a high level of customer service and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Proximity to Public Land: The campground is located next to "public land," offering additional areas for exploration and enjoyment beyond the immediate campground boundaries.

These services underscore Natural Gait Campground's commitment to providing a balanced camping experience, combining essential comforts with an emphasis on natural immersion.

Natural Gait Campground offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Iowa locals seeking a specific kind of outdoor retreat. These elements contribute to its unique appeal and memorable camping experience:

• Secluded Riverfront Location: A primary highlight is its "smaller secluded riverfront" setting directly on the Yellow River. This provides a peaceful and private atmosphere, ideal for relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of larger, more crowded campgrounds.
• Spacious Electric Sites: Even with its secluded nature, the campground offers "spacious electric sites," which is a significant draw for RV and trailer campers who desire power without sacrificing the primitive feel. This allows for the convenience of modern appliances while being immersed in nature.
• Direct Yellow River Access: Campers have immediate and easy access to the Yellow River for various water activities. This is a major highlight for those interested in:
  • Trout Fishing: The Yellow River is known for its smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout, making it an excellent spot for anglers.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The river provides opportunities for paddling directly from the campground. Campers can "bring your own canoes or kayaks, or rent them locally from Bigfoot Canoe Rental," offering flexibility for water exploration.
• On-Property Hiking Trails: The Natural Gait property itself boasts "hiking trails," allowing campers to explore the scenic surroundings directly from their campsite. These trails offer opportunities to "see an abundance of wildlife and prairie plants," encouraging nature photography and birding (including "eagle watching and stargazing" with binoculars).
• Combination of Primitive and Electric Camping: The availability of both basic primitive spots and electric sites caters to a broader range of camping preferences, making it versatile for different types of campers within the same tranquil setting.
• Adjacent to Yellow River State Forest: Its proximity to the vast Yellow River State Forest (nearly 9,000 acres) provides campers with access to an even larger network of public lands for extensive hiking, hunting, and exploring the Driftless Area's unique topography.
• Focus on Nature and Wildlife: The entire property, with its river frontage and natural setting, is a haven for wildlife. The mention of specific wildlife like trout, and the general encouragement for birding and wildlife observation, highlights the natural immersion aspect.
• Friendly and Accommodating Owners: While qualitative, the consistently positive mentions of the "very kind" owners reflect a personalized and welcoming experience, which is a significant highlight for many campers seeking a pleasant interaction and good hospitality.

Natural Gait Campground, as a privately-owned, smaller, and more secluded establishment, typically focuses on offering value through its unique setting and amenities rather than traditional, rotating commercial promotions. Its "special offers" are often tied to its appealing rate structure and the inclusive access to its natural features.

• Affordable Nightly Rates for Quality Seclusion: The primary "promotion" is the competitive nightly rate for a campsite that offers both electric hookups and a secluded, riverfront location. While specific rates were not provided in detail for the campground in the initial prompt, a search indicates the campsite rate is $25/night. This price point for a spacious, electric riverfront site in a beautiful, natural setting is often considered a great value by campers seeking this type of experience.
• Inclusive Access to Private Hiking & River: The camping fee includes direct access to the Yellow River for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as access to the private hiking trails on the property. This means campers don't incur additional fees for these on-site activities, maximizing the value of their stay.
• Convenience of On-Site Purchases: The availability of firewood for $5/bundle and ice for $3/bag on request, while not discounts, are services that add convenience and value by saving campers time and effort in sourcing these essentials elsewhere.
• Flexible Check-in/Check-out: The willingness of owners to sometimes make "exceptions" to check-in/check-out times if inquired about, demonstrates a customer-friendly approach that can be a valuable "offer" for those with specific travel schedules.

As with any private campground, it's always recommended for Iowa locals to directly contact Natural Gait Campground via phone or visit their official website (www.thenaturalgait.com) for the most current pricing, any seasonal promotions they might be running, or details on extended stay rates. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information for planning your trip.

To secure your peaceful getaway at Natural Gait Campground or to inquire further about their sites, amenities, and the beautiful Harpers Ferry area, you can directly contact the friendly owners of The Natural Gait.

• Address: 1878 Old Mission Dr, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
• Phone: (563) 419-0837
• Mobile Phone: +1 563-419-0837 (This is the same primary contact number, provided for clarity and ease of dialing from a mobile device.)
• Email: info@thenaturalgait.com
• Official Website: For comprehensive details on their campground, cabins (Ion Inn, Mule-Tel), rates, photo galleries, and more, visit their official website: www.thenaturalgait.com.

When contacting them, it is advisable to confirm current site availability, especially for electric sites, and to discuss any specific needs you may have for your stay. Given its reputation for seclusion and kindness, direct communication will likely be a pleasant and informative experience.

For Iowa locals seeking a genuinely peaceful, intimate, and nature-immersed camping experience, Natural Gait Campground in Harpers Ferry stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice. It offers a unique blend of solitude, essential amenities, and direct access to stunning natural resources that perfectly aligns with the desires of many Iowans who cherish the state's outdoor beauty.

One of the primary reasons for its suitability is its "smaller secluded riverfront" setting. This allows for a level of tranquility and privacy often hard to find in larger, more bustling campgrounds. For Iowans looking to escape the daily grind and truly disconnect, the quiet ambiance and direct proximity to the Yellow River offer an immediate sense of calm and rejuvenation. The availability of "spacious electric sites" further enhances its appeal, providing the comfort of power without sacrificing the feeling of being truly immersed in a primitive natural setting.

Furthermore, Natural Gait Campground serves as an excellent base for a wide array of outdoor activities that appeal directly to local interests. Its direct access to the Yellow River is a significant highlight for anglers, offering opportunities for trout fishing in a well-regarded stream. Paddlers can easily launch canoes and kayaks, exploring the river's serene stretches. Beyond the river, the "hiking trails on our property" provide immediate access to explore the unique Driftless Area landscape, abundant with wildlife and native plants, making it a dream for birdwatchers and nature photographers.

The highly praised "very kind" owners contribute significantly to the welcoming and friendly atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant and accommodating stay. This personal touch, combined with practical amenities like on-site firewood and ice, makes the camping experience hassle-free. The campground's location, nestled near the vast Yellow River State Forest, further extends the possibilities for outdoor exploration, offering countless miles of additional trails and public land for hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing, enriching any visit for active Iowans.

In essence, Natural Gait Campground is perfectly suited for Iowa locals who prioritize quietude, natural beauty, direct river access, and a blend of primitive charm with convenient electric hookups. It's a highly recommended spot for those seeking a genuine escape into Iowa's breathtaking natural landscapes, promising a truly relaxing and memorable camping adventure in Harpers Ferry.

Natural Gait Campground

1878 Old Mission Dr, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA