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Welcome to Pine Bluff 4-H Camp! 

A beautiful spot on the Upper Iowa River to host your camp, wedding, reunion, or any other kind of gathering, Pine Bluff 4-H Camp is 115 acres of pine-covered bluffs, beautiful trails, and the wild Upper Iowa River located in northeastern Iowa’s Winneshiek County.

The camp is owned and operated by the Winneshiek County 4-H Foundation in cooperation with Iowa State University Extension.  It is a camp for youth, an outdoor laboratory for schools, a retreat site for families and other groups, and a valuable forest and wildlife habitat.  It is available by arrangement for any youth or adult group to use.

For more information on reserving the camp, check out the Rentals page and call the ISU Extension Office in Winneshiek County 563-382-2949 for reservation and payment confirmation. The Extension Office is open Monday-Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Or Email your questions.

 

Mission Statement

Pine Bluff 4H Camp promotes life skill development by providing outdoor learning experiences for people of all ages, which in turn strengthens their sense of belonging, independence, generosity and mastery.
 

 

Activities

Activities Available
Nature Trail Hiking
Nature Study
Canoeing
Tubing
Fishing
Outdoor Cooking
Softball
Volleyball
Campfire Circles

About

A Little History:

In July of 1952, R.B. and Flora Bergeson offered their 38 acre summer home located 8 miles east of Decorah along the Upper Iowa River to the Winneshiek County 4-H clubs. Their offer of $2,500 included their summer home and all its contents, furnishings and tools. Mr. Bergeson and his sister were interested in an organization which would take care of and preserve the virgin white pine stand on the bluff side of the river. Their offer was quickly accepted by Winneshiek County 4-H.

The Winneshiek County 4-H Club Foundation was incorporated on August 6, 1952 with the Iowa Secretary of State. In late 1952, a financial drive was organized which raised the $2,500 to secure title and property. During 1953 considerable work was done to convert buildings and grounds for camp use. All the work was completed by volunteers.

In 1954 the first camp sessions were scheduled. Thanks to a county wide ‘corn drive’ that was organized in 1957 an additional $4,000 was raised for improvements including sewer, water, and future developments.

Over the years more land was donated by ‘neighbors’ and eventually cabins were built and a 160-foot swinging bridge was added. In the mid-70’s the Pavilion, kitchen and fireplace were constructed as common areas for campers. In 2008, flooding destroyed the swinging bridge. It was replaced with today’s improved (and higher) bridge.

Each year 4-H programs from northeast Iowa enjoy the camp for 2-3 weeks each June. The camp is also open to the public (by reservation only) and has been a great place for family reunions, weddings, graduations, college track team trainings, archeology workshop trainings, and more!

The Winneshiek County 4-H Club Foundation is a non-profit organization and still operates the camp facility.

Contact

Pine Bluff 4-H Camp
2672 River Road
Decorah, IA 52101
Landline in the camp kitchen 563-382-5570
(Please note there is little-to-no cell phone reception at the camp)
 

Check out Facilities for more about the camp.

Rentals  gives rates for the different options and amenities.

The Events Calendar will show scheduled events and dates available for rentals.

For reservations and questions, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach of Winneshiek County at 563-382-2949. Open Monday-Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm.

Other questions may be emailed.

 

 

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