Photorealistic outdoor recreation scene at the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, Iowa. Multiple visitors enjoying a day on the river with kayaks, canoes, and tubes visible in the distance. Scenic limestone bluffs, dense green trees, wooded riverbanks, calm flowing water, bright summer weather, natural sunlight, authentic Midwest river recreation atmosphere. Realistic families, couples, and friends enjoying the outdoors. Travel photography style, high detail, genuine candid moments, no posed models, no text, no logos, no watermarks.

Creating Memorable Canoe & Kayak Adventures in Decorah, IA

The Upper Iowa River is one of Northeast Iowa’s most popular destinations for paddling and floating, drawing visitors from Decorah and surrounding communities throughout the season. Guests staying at our campground can enjoy convenient access to river recreation right from Bluffton Resort.

Bluffton Resort offers a variety of river rental services that make it easy to experience the area’s scenic bluffs, wooded shorelines, and relaxing stretches of water. Whether you are planning a solo adventure, a family outing, or a day on the river with friends, there are rental options available for a wide range of interests and activity levels.

Guests can choose from kayak rentals, canoe rentals, tandem kayaks, tube rentals, cooler tubes, and organized group river trips. Each option offers a different way to experience the river, from actively paddling through the scenery to simply floating downstream and enjoying the surroundings.

Shuttle service is also available to simplify transportation between launch and takeout locations, making one-way river trips more convenient.

The calm current and accessible stretches of the Upper Iowa River make it a great destination for both newcomers and returning visitors. Canoes provide additional space for passengers and gear, kayaks offer greater control on the water, and tubing remains a favorite choice during the warmer months.

No matter how you choose to spend your day, Bluffton Resort provides a convenient way to enjoy one of the most memorable outdoor recreation experiences near Decorah.

Relax, Explore & Unwind

If you’re looking for a campground near Decorah that combines bluff scenery, river access, canoe and kayak rentals, and an on-site bar and grill all in one destination, Bluffton Resort & Bar has been the answer for over 45 years — and it’s ready to be yours.

Canoe & Kayak Rental Services

Kayak rentals with visitors paddling the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, Iowa

Kayak Rentals

Kayak rentals are a popular choice for visitors who want to explore the Upper Iowa River near Decorah at their own pace. Single kayaks offer excellent maneuverability and control, making them a great option for solo paddlers looking to enjoy Northeast Iowa’s scenic river views and relaxing stretches of water.

Canoe rentals with guests exploring the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, Iowa

Canoe Rentals

Canoe rentals are ideal for families, couples, and small groups looking to enjoy the Upper Iowa River near Decorah. With extra room for passengers, gear, and refreshments, canoes provide a comfortable way to experience Northeast Iowa’s scenic waterways while spending quality time together outdoors.

Tube Rentals for a group floating on the Upper Iowa River

Tube Rentals

Tube rentals offer a relaxing way to float the Upper Iowa River near Decorah without the need for paddling. Popular during the warmer months, tubing allows guests to enjoy the scenery, gentle current, and peaceful atmosphere while spending time with friends and family on the water.

Shuttle service van for Upper Iowa River trips

Shuttle Service

Shuttle service helps make river trips more convenient by providing transportation between launch and takeout locations along the Upper Iowa River. Whether you’re planning a canoe, kayak, or tubing adventure near Decorah, shuttle service simplifies logistics so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Cooler tube rentals floating on the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, Iowa

Cooler Tube Rentals

Cooler tube rentals make it easy to bring drinks and snacks along while floating the Upper Iowa River near Decorah. Designed to stay with your group throughout the trip, cooler tubes add convenience and comfort to a relaxing day on the water with family and friends.

Tandem kayak rentals on the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, Iowa

Tandem Kayak Rentals

Tandem kayak rentals are a great choice for couples, friends, or parents paddling with a child on the Upper Iowa River near Decorah. Sharing the paddling effort allows guests to enjoy the scenery together while experiencing one of Northeast Iowa’s most enjoyable outdoor activities.

Group river trips with kayaks and canoes on the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, Iowa

Group River Trips

Group river trips provide a convenient way for families, reunions, church groups, company outings, and other large gatherings to enjoy the Upper Iowa River together. With rental options available for a variety of group sizes, visitors can experience a memorable day on the water near Decorah.

Relax, Explore & Unwind

If you’re looking for a campground near Decorah that combines bluff scenery, river access, canoe and kayak rentals, and an on-site bar and grill all in one destination, Bluffton Resort & Bar has been the answer for over 45 years — and it’s ready to be yours.

Guest Comments

Hear What Our Guests Have to Say

From unforgettable river adventures to relaxing campground stays, discover why campers, paddlers, anglers, and families return to Bluffton Resort & Bar year after year.

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Nancy Allen profile picture
Nancy Allen
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Stopped at the bar for lunch and a beverage! Great service! Good food! Would absolutely go back! Handicap accessible.
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Dwight Mccormick profile picture
Dwight Mccormick
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Great place for camping and canoeing. Has full hook up or primitive camping Offers good fishing
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John Beary profile picture
John Beary
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Private campground toward the end of the "best" section of the upper iowa river. There full hookup, electric only, and primitive camping sites. There is a restaurant and bar that doubles as a small general store, they rent paddle craft and tubes and also do shuttles. The layout of the potable water is a hassle for campers but the dump station is okay. Nice campground on a great paddle river.
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Tracey McGinn profile picture
Tracey McGinn
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Fantastic experience! Price is in line with similar places even with factoring in a small fee to shower. Majority of the staff is fantastic! I want to send a special shout out to Andree. Despite the fact that an issue with our reservation was our fault, he handled the whole situation pleasantly. He spent a lot of time finding a solution that would make us happy but before we moved anything, an opportunity to get exactly what we wanted arose. Despite the fact that one of our group was being pretty insufferable, he happily made the phone call that got us exactly what we wanted! On to the food. Everything we had was really good to excellent but the deep fried mushrooms and jalapeno poppers are incredibly delicious. We expected the normal food service company frozen apps. What we got was hand breaded heaven!!! Service was slow on Sunday but excellent every other day
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Tom Kordiak profile picture
Tom Kordiak
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Good food and service. Great campground
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Steve Leisen profile picture
Steve Leisen
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Great food at bar,good service although kind of busy on weekends,showers were clean and worked well