Hutchinson Family Farms

For Iowa locals seeking a unique blend of authentic farm life and serene riverside camping, Hutchinson Family Farms in Decorah, IA, is a true "gem." Located at 2299 Scenic River Rd, this welcoming destination is much more than just a campground; it’s a working beef and quarter horse farm that invites guests to experience the tranquil beauty of Northeast Iowa. As numerous delighted campers attest, the hospitality here is exceptional. One family, after a less-than-ideal experience elsewhere, found Hutchinson Family Farms to be a last-minute savior, praising "Dixie and her team" for being "exceptional" and their facilities "so clean." This commitment to guest satisfaction and a warm, family-oriented atmosphere truly sets it apart.

Hutchinson Family Farms offers a variety of camping options, from spacious riverside campsites, including both electrical and primitive spots, to charming rustic cabins. This diversity ensures that whether you're bringing a full camper setup or prefer the simplicity of a tent, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay. The property's location directly on the banks of the Upper Iowa River provides a stunning backdrop and endless opportunities for water-based recreation. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river, with picturesque views just outside your tent or cabin door.

What truly makes Hutchinson Family Farms special is its dedication to offering a unique, family-centered outdoor experience. Beyond just providing a place to sleep, the farm actively engages guests with its working farm environment. They specialize in shuttle services for personal watercraft, making it incredibly convenient to enjoy the Upper Iowa River. Plus, the opportunity for free farm tours adds an educational and entertaining dimension to your stay, especially popular with families and children who love seeing the newborn colts grazing in the fields. This blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and genuine farm hospitality creates a truly memorable escape for Iowa residents.

The reviews consistently highlight the affordability, with tent camping being just "$15 a night per tent," which is "awesome compared to other camping places." This value, combined with the "beautiful spot" right next to the river, reinforces why so many guests, like the one returning for their "annual May annual trip" and already booking for "next Labor Day week," choose Hutchinson Family Farms as their preferred getaway. It’s a place where exceptional service meets a stunning natural setting, creating an experience that feels both authentic and incredibly welcoming.

Hutchinson Family Farms is conveniently located at 2299 Scenic River Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA. This address places it just 10 minutes from the charming city of Decorah and Luther College, nestled within the scenic "Driftless Area" of Northeast Iowa. The Driftless Area is a unique geological region characterized by its unglaciated landscape of rolling hills, forested bluffs, and spring-fed coldwater streams, making it a distinct and highly desirable outdoor destination in Iowa.

Accessibility to Hutchinson Family Farms is relatively straightforward, although it's important to note that "SOME GPS AND INTERNET DIRECTIONS ARE INCORRECT!!!!" as stated on their website. For the most accurate directions from Highway 52, especially when coming from Decorah, visitors are advised to turn WEST off Highway 52 onto Pole Line Road (by Luther College), stay on Pole Line Road for about 2.5 miles, then turn RIGHT onto Bluffton Road for another 2.5 miles, and finally turn RIGHT onto Scenic River Road for about 1 mile. The campground, cabins, and kayak rentals are located on the RIGHT side of Scenic River Road, before the Upper Iowa River. This guidance helps ensure a smooth arrival to this slightly off-the-beaten-path gem.

The farm's location directly on the banks of the Upper Iowa River is a significant draw. This beautiful river is renowned for its paddling opportunities (canoeing and kayaking) and excellent fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass. The surrounding area also offers abundant opportunities for hiking, biking on local trails like the Trout Run Trail, and wildlife watching, especially bald eagles. The blend of a peaceful, rural setting with easy access to Decorah's amenities (like supplies and local attractions) and the region's vast natural recreational offerings makes Hutchinson Family Farms an ideally situated base for exploring Northeast Iowa.

Hutchinson Family Farms offers a range of services designed for a comfortable and authentic farm and camping experience.

• Spacious Campsites:
  • Electrical Campsites: Available for RVs and campers, providing convenient power hookups. Sites are noted as large and level.
  • Primitive Campsites: Offered for tent camping, providing a more traditional, off-grid experience. These are also spacious.
• Cabin Rentals:
  • Large Log Cabin: Sleeps 6-8 people, features a large patio, dining room table, living room, refrigerator, microwave, and fire ring with grate. (Note: Cabins do not have running water inside but are conveniently located near modern shower/restroom facilities.)
  • Small Log Cabin: Sleeps 3 (trundle and bunkbeds), has an oversized deck built into the trees for privacy, refrigerator, microwave, and fire ring with grate.
• Modern Restroom Facilities: A clean, new office building houses modern bathrooms and showers ($2 fee for showers, as noted in a review).
• Outhouse: Available as an alternative to the modern restrooms.
• Picnic Area: A quaint picnic area with fire pits and picnic tables is available for guests.
• Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase (no outside firewood allowed).
• Watercraft Rentals & Shuttle Service: On-site canoe and kayak rentals. They specialize in shuttling your personal watercraft, making river trips incredibly convenient. A fee of $5 per boat/tube for landing use and personal shuttles starting at $30 (per carload to drop-off point with kayaks) applies.
• Free Farm Tours: Guests can enjoy complimentary tours of the working beef and quarter horse farm, a popular family activity.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at the campground, with general rules about leashing and cleaning up after them.

Hutchinson Family Farms boasts several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Iowa locals and visitors alike.

• Riverside Location on Upper Iowa River: Its prime spot on the Upper Iowa River provides beautiful scenery and direct access for water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The river is known for its "best small bass fishing."
• Working Farm Experience: The unique aspect of being on a working beef and quarter horse farm offers a distinctive rural experience. "Free farm tours" and the chance to see "newborn colts" grazing nearby are big draws, especially for families.
• Exceptional Hospitality: Consistently praised by customers, the hosts (like Dixie and her team) provide "exceptional service" and are "full of hospitality," ensuring guests feel welcome and cared for.
• Affordable Camping Rates: Primitive tent camping at $15/unit and electrical sites at $30/unit make it a budget-friendly option compared to many other campgrounds.
• Variety of Accommodations: The choice between spacious electrical/primitive campsites and charming rustic cabins caters to different preferences and group sizes, making it versatile for various types of trips.
• Clean Facilities: The modern shower and restroom facilities are noted for their cleanliness, a crucial aspect of any comfortable camping experience.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground welcomes pets, allowing entire families (including furry members) to enjoy the getaway.
• Convenient Shuttle Service: The on-site canoe/kayak rental and specialized shuttle service eliminate the logistical challenges of river trips, allowing guests to maximize their time on the water.
• Proximity to Decorah: Being only 10 minutes from Decorah and Luther College offers easy access to town amenities for supplies, dining, and exploring local attractions while maintaining a peaceful farm setting.
• Hunters Welcome: The farm explicitly caters to hunters, especially in the fall and spring, allowing dogs.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Hutchinson Family Farms, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2299 Scenic River Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA

Phone: (563) 382-3054

Mobile Phone: +1 563-382-3054

Website:

www.hutchff.com

For updates and specials, visitors are encouraged to check their Facebook page. It is always recommended to call or visit their official website for the most current information on campsite availability, cabin booking, pricing, and any specific policies, especially regarding reservations and cancellations (e.g., cabin deposits, minimum night stays). While self-registration envelopes are available for after-hours check-in at campsites, it’s best to confirm availability beforehand, particularly during peak seasons like Labor Day weekend.

Hutchinson Family Farms is an ideal destination for Iowa locals, offering a unique blend of authentic rural charm and natural recreation right in their backyard. For those seeking an escape that combines peaceful riverside camping with engaging farm experiences, it's unparalleled. The exceptional hospitality, as highlighted by multiple reviews, ensures a welcoming and comfortable stay, making it a reliable choice for family traditions, as evidenced by guests returning year after year. The direct access to the Upper Iowa River for kayaking, canoeing, and excellent fishing, coupled with the convenient shuttle service, means locals can effortlessly enjoy the region's renowned water activities. Furthermore, the affordability of camping, along with the added value of free farm tours and a pet-friendly environment, makes it accessible and appealing to a wide range of Iowans. It’s a place where lasting memories are made, whether you're casting a line, exploring the farm, or simply relaxing by the campfire with loved ones. Hutchinson Family Farms truly embodies the welcoming spirit and natural beauty of Iowa, making it a perfect local getaway.

Hutchinson Family Farms

2299 Scenic River Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA