At Ewalu’s heart is a mission to be a place apart from the stress and worries of daily life where anyone can commune with God in the great outdoors. Our values—faith-based, community-building, hospitality and inclusivity, grace, stewardship, and leadership development—compel us to be a refuge, both for the person in need of hope and the natural world itself. We strive, as Jesus expects of us, to serve every variation of “the least of these” (cf. Matthew 25).
We are here to be your “place apart.” We are not just for campers—we are here for YOU!
Ewalu Trail Maps
PDF of Main Site trails (updated in 2024)
Visitors to camp: Please check in
We love it when folks come to visit camp, and you are welcome to do so, whether it’s to enjoy the trails, to go fishing in the river (be sure to get your Iowa trout stamp first–Nading’s in Strawberry Point sells them) or just to check out the new A-Frame Bridge.
Camp is private property, and we ask that you please check in at the office in Hickory Lodge during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to let us know you are on the camp property and are not already part of a camp or retreat group. We’ll give you a “Visitor” sticker so that staff are aware you have checked in. This is especially important in the summer season so we know who is at camp at all times for the safety of our campers.
If you are visiting camp on the weekend or beyond our office hours and not part of a camp or retreat group, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM, which will let our staff know you are at camp.
PLEASE NOTE: Firearms and illegal drugs are not allowed on camp property.
Hickory Heights Campground usage
Private Campground – Pre-registered Campers Only
Call office to register at 563-933-4700 – Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30
Tents: $20/night
Electrical Sites: $40/night
Planning a family or church campout? Check out the Ewalu campground! Includes access to electrical hook-ups, showers, bathrooms, hiking trails, iron fire grates, water spigots, a large playing field, and a playground for the kids.
The campground is open mid-May to early October. Guests must pre-register by calling or visiting the Camp Ewalu office in Hickory Lodge. From June through mid-August, individuals/groups registered at the campground are invited to enjoy the swimming pool on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. at no additional cost! There is also a well-stocked trout stream within walking distance.
Year-round lodging options
CLICK HERE to see all the lodging options at Ewalu! Lodges and cabins are available year-round for rental.