Deer Ridge Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Iowans seeking a high-quality, amenity-rich outdoor experience in the state's picturesque western region, Deer Ridge Campground stands out as a premier destination. Located within the expansive Hillview Recreation Area—a treasured 580-acre park managed by the Plymouth County Conservation Board—Deer Ridge is consistently highlighted as the most popular and modern of the area’s three campgrounds. It perfectly blends the tranquility of a natural setting with the convenience of top-tier facilities, making it ideal for both seasoned RV travelers and families looking for a comfortable weekend retreat.

Deer Ridge offers more than just a place to park your camper; it provides a comprehensive base for exploring the diverse landscape of Plymouth County, which features a mixture of open grasslands, oak woodlands, and reconstructed prairie. The campground is well-known for its spacious, well-maintained, and level sites, a crucial detail for easy setup. It also provides a fantastic alternative to traditional lodging, with cozy cabins available for those who prefer a less rustic experience than tent camping. Visitors frequently note the excellent value, finding it to be significantly cheaper and more enjoyable than staying at a conventional hotel. While there is a modest fee to enter the overall recreation area, many local users opt for an affordable annual pass, viewing the cost as a worthwhile investment in year-round access to a beautiful park. Deer Ridge Campground truly serves as a gateway to the best of Plymouth County’s outdoor recreation.

Location and Accessibility

Deer Ridge Campground is conveniently situated in the rolling terrain of Northwest Iowa, near the town of Hinton and approximately 12 miles from Sioux City. It is a key part of the larger Hillview Recreation Area.

The most direct access to the Deer Ridge Campground is generally from Wren Road, which leads to the north side of the Hillview park grounds. The official location is listed with the Plymouth County Conservation Board, and the general coordinates are JMVF+JJ, Hinton, IA 51024, USA. For GPS purposes, the closest known address associated with the area is often cited as 25544 Wren Rd, Hinton, IA 51024.

The campground’s proximity to Hinton provides easy access to local amenities and services, while its placement within the large recreation area ensures a genuine escape into nature. Its location in Plymouth County also places it in the stunning Loess Hills region, known for its unique geological formations and excellent hiking opportunities. This accessibility makes it a prime choice for local Iowans in the Siouxland area seeking a quick and effortless escape, as well as for those traveling along Interstate 29 who desire a peaceful, modern overnight stop.

Services Offered

Deer Ridge Campground, known as the modern camping section of Hillview Recreation Area, offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the needs of modern RV and cabin campers.

• Full-Service RV Sites: The campground features 27 dedicated RV sites, all of which are considered "modern."
• Utility Hookups: Every site includes electric and water hookups, with 50 AMP service available at all sites.
• Drinking Water: Campers benefit from access to filtered and softened water.
• Modern Sanitation: A key feature is the modern shower house with flush toilets and hot water, located right within the campground.
• Cabin Rentals: Two cozy camping cabins are available for rent, providing a comfortable, hotel-like experience with beds, a microwave, refrigerator, and HVAC.
• Amenities for Convenience: Cabins are equipped with heat and air conditioning (A/C), a kitchenette, and essential furniture.
• Self-Contained Lodging: The cabins are furnished with a refrigerator, microwave, table, and chairs.
• Waste Disposal: While not explicitly listed as a site amenity, the Hillview Recreation Area is generally equipped with essential park infrastructure, and a dump station is common in modern county campgrounds.
• Site Features: Each campsite is typically provided with a picnic table and fire ring.
• Reservations: RV campsites are generally on a first-come, first-served basis, though the cabins require advance reservation, usually opening in January for the current season.

Features / Highlights

Deer Ridge Campground's location within Hillview Recreation Area grants campers access to a multitude of unique and exciting park features, ensuring a memorable Iowa outdoor adventure.

• The Center for Outdoor Learning: This facility is centrally located in the park and is used for educational programs and events, connecting visitors with Iowa’s natural environment.
• On-Site Elk Enclosure: A truly unique feature is the park’s elk enclosure, allowing visitors the rare opportunity to observe an elk herd right here in Plymouth County.
• Aquatic Recreation: A 3.3-acre fishing pond is available for shore fishing, paddling, and features a designated swimming beach open seasonally (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, including mountain bike trails through the hilly woodland.
• Family Fun: The campground area includes a dedicated playground for children.
• Winter Sports: In favorable winter conditions, the park operates a popular snow tubing hill with a lift, providing year-round recreation.
• Disc Golf Course: A nine-hole disc golf course offers a fun activity for enthusiasts.
• Cozy Cabins: The two available camping cabins offer a comfortable alternative for non-RVers, complete with climate control (heat and A/C) and basic kitchen amenities.
• Special Events: The park hosts the popular Halloween at Hillview event, for which campsites can be reserved in advance, showcasing the park's community spirit.

Contact Information

Deer Ridge Campground is managed by the Plymouth County Conservation Board (PCCB) as part of the Hillview Recreation Area. All essential inquiries, reservations for the cabins, and details on the annual park passes should be directed to the PCCB.

Address (Hillview Recreation Area Headquarters): 25601 C60, P.O. Box 1033 Hinton, IA, 51024

Deer Ridge Campground Location: 25544 Wren Rd (Approximate Access Point) Hinton, IA 51024

Phone: 712-947-4270 (Plymouth County Conservation Board Office)

Operating Season: May 1st - October 14th (Cabins and modern camping), with parts of the park open for hunting during the fall/winter season.

What is Worth Choosing

Deer Ridge Campground is the standout choice within the Hillview Recreation Area for several compelling reasons, making it one of the premier camping destinations in Northwest Iowa for local users. First and foremost, it offers the highest level of comfort and convenience in the area. The campground is distinctly modern, featuring 27 full-service RV sites with 50 AMP electric and water hookups, which is essential for larger and newer recreational vehicles. The presence of a modern shower house with flush toilets sets Deer Ridge apart from more primitive options, ensuring a clean and refreshed start to every day.

Beyond the excellent facilities, the wide range of recreational opportunities available right outside your camper door makes the experience exceptional. The unique opportunity to view the elk herd is a draw that few other Iowa campgrounds can offer. Furthermore, the accessibility to over five miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking, a fishing pond with a swimming beach, and a nine-hole disc golf course means entertainment is always at hand, regardless of age or interest. For those seeking an escape from tent life or the hassle of hauling an RV, the clean, comfortable, and affordable camping cabins provide a perfect alternative, often reviewed as a better and cheaper option than local hotels.

While a gate fee for park access exists, the overall consensus among long-term campers is that the cost is minimal, especially when opting for the convenient yearly pass, which unlocks access to all of Plymouth County’s conservation areas. Choosing Deer Ridge is choosing convenience, modern amenities, a family-friendly environment, and direct access to the rich natural beauty and recreational diversity of the Hillview Recreation Area. It’s the smart choice for an Iowa camping trip that feels both well-equipped and deeply connected to nature.