Kayaking & Canoeing the Turkey River
Iowa paddling guide
- 127 mi
- River mapped
- 26
- Boat launches
- 10
- Campgrounds
- 4
- Counties
The Turkey River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 127 mi through Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or tubing, this guide maps every public boat launch and access point on the Turkey River, the campgrounds nearby, and the live gauge readings you need to plan a safe day paddling in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on the Turkey River
26 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Big Springs Fish HatcheryClayton Co.
- ▸Cardinal MarshWinneshiek Co.
- ▸Clermont ParkFayette Co.
- ▸Eldorado BridgeFayette Co.
- ▸Elkader Access LowerClayton Co.
- ▸Elkader Access UpperClayton Co.
- ▸Ferry Landing Canoe TakeoutClayton Co.
- ▸FFA Canoe AccessFayette Co.
- ▸Fort Atkinson AccessWinneshiek Co.
- ▸Frieden ParkClayton Co.
- ▸Garber AccessClayton Co.
- ▸Garber AccessClayton Co.
- ▸Gilbertson ParkFayette Co.
- ▸Jetty
- ▸Jetty
- ▸Kings BridgeHoward Co.
- ▸Millville AccessClayton Co.
- ▸Motor Mill AccessClayton Co.
- ▸Osterdock AccessClayton Co.
- ▸Turkey River AccessHoward Co.
- ▸Turkey River Canoe AccessFayette Co.
- ▸Turkey River ParkClayton Co.
- ▸Valley AccessFayette Co.
- ▸Vernon Springs ImpoundmentHoward Co.
- ▸Vernon Springs ParkHoward Co.
- ▸W42 BridgeFayette Co.
Camping near the Turkey River
- ⛺Big Spring Campground
- ⛺Big Spring Campsite
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Canoe Campsite
- ⛺Deer Run Resort
- ⛺Elkader City Park Campground
- ⛺Frieden Park Campsite
- ⛺Gilbertson Campground
- ⛺Skip A Way Resort
- ⛺Turkey River Campground
Live Turkey River conditions
River levels change fast. Before you launch, check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Turkey River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Paddle more of Iowa
The Turkey River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.