Chimney Rock Campground Policies
Chimney Rock Campground: What We Expect, What You Can Count On
We get that we are stewards of this place that means so much to so many. While most of our guests come year after year and love this place – we don’t take this for granted. However, we feel it is important to set expectations ahead of time to make sure Chimney Rock is the right fit for you!
PLANS CHANGE | From time-to-time unforeseen circumstances arise, and sometimes we need to change plans around here. We aim to make sure if things change for our guests, you will receive an equal or upgraded experience as a result. We appreciate your patience with us!
WE’RE A CAMPGROUND RESORT | This is a campground, so there are other folks on site. If you ever have challenges with other guests, call us in – we’re happy to help. We are not remote, but we are in the beauty of the Upper Iowa River valley. So on rare occasions there will be noise from neighbors or a highway. Our campsites aren’t as close as other campgrounds but they aren’t as far apart as some national forest campground sites. However, we feel the amenities of being a campground and being close to some super cool stuff outweigh being in the absolute middle of nowhere. We also do have quiet hours from 10pm to 8am so groups of all types can enjoy the peace and relaxation of the woods at night.
NOT A HOTEL — IT’S CAMPING WITH A TWIST
We’re a campground, not a hotel, so we kindly ask guests to pitch in a bit before checking out. Each bed comes with clean sheets if you choose to use them. While we don’t have the time to wash every dish between guests, we do provide dish soap and ask that you clean up before you go. These small efforts help our team keep everything spotless, clean enough that even Cody’s mom approves. (And yes, she actually stays here!)GLAMPING, BUT STILL CAMPING
Our glamping units offer extra comfort, but make no mistake — this is still camping! That means you might encounter bugs, critters (they’ll keep to themselves), and all the natural elements you’d expect outdoors. To keep our cabins and tents close to the river and affordable, they do not have bathrooms or running water inside. However, there’s a central water station located between the men’s and women’s restrooms at the bathhouse, and we’ve provided a refillable water jug in our cabins for your convenience.SHARED BATHHOUSE EXPERIENCE
If having a completely private bathroom is a must, Chimney Rock might not be the best fit. Our glamping campground features a shared bathhouse with private stalls, which we clean twice a day. However, with lots of guests coming off the river, the restrooms can get messy quickly.We do our best to keep everything clean and comfortable, but our staff can’t be everywhere at once. If you notice an issue, please message us on Blink and we’ll send someone to take care of it right away. Your help makes a big difference!
- PLEASE PUT THINGS BACK
We kindly ask that guests return all items to their original spot and in the same condition they were found. Parents — please help your kids clean up balls, yard games, and beach toys. And kids — do your part too! Help your grown-ups tidy up your cabin or glamping unit before heading out. Every little bit helps keep this place awesome for the next adventurers. ENJOY THE BREEZE
We offer air conditioning and heating in our units. For the best comfort, we recommend keeping windows closed during the day, then turning off the AC and opening windows at night to let in the cool evening air — it usually works perfectly! Most of our glamping units include fans or power outlets if you want to bring your own, but not all do. Please check what each unit provides before booking.FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACE
We strive to be a family-friendly resort with plenty of amenities for all ages—including adults, because you deserve to relax too! While we don’t have a playground yet, it’s a top priority, and we’re working hard to create an amazing one soon. We appreciate your patience as we continue building our campground into something special.Parents, please keep a close eye on your young children and avoid letting them roam the resort unsupervised. Also, to accommodate families, some of our glamping cabins feature bunk beds, which may not be ideal for all adults.
- FIREWORKS
We allow fireworks only once a year during a special designated night when the Ritner family lights them alongside our guests. You’re welcome to bring your own fireworks and join in the celebration, but please do not set off fireworks at any other time. WE’RE HERE TO HELP | Our small team is working hard to make sure this place is top notch – but if you ever run into an issue let us know right away so we can make it right! If we don’t know about it we can’t help. And if you have any ideas on how to improve, let us know and we will add it to the list!
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…And last but not least, you are contractually obligated on telling the owners where and how you caught your fish! 😉
Reservation Policies
RATE INCREASES
Rates are raised annually to address cost of living increases and inflation. This ensures we are able to maintain the same high quality experience you expect from a stay at Chimney Rock. 2025 rate increase will be 6%.
REQUIRED CREDIT CARD ON FILE
In lieu of a security deposit or a hold on your credit card for a damage deposit, Chimney Rock requires all guests to have a credit card on file for the event damage is incurred during your stay. Your credit card information is kept confidential and secure and stored in the resort’s secure, online card processing company – Stripe.
DAMAGE PROTECTION
In the event property is damaged or missing, payments to your card are processed only after post-checkout. A fee will be assessed based on the extent of the damage or missing items. This damage protection also includes a $40/hour charge for a unit left in an unusually unclean state (again, documentation will be provided to the guest if this occurs). Guests will be notified via email of damage documented, providing the documentation for your records.
MISSING PAYMENTS
The securely stored credit card will also be charged if payments are missed according to the payment schedule agreed to.
ALTERNATE ACCOMMODATIONS
Situations arise from time to time, and we reserve the right to provide alternate accommodations for any reason that are of equal or greater value to your reservation – if this ever occurs we will provide notification in writing for your records.
If you’d like to request moving to a different unit after check in for personal reasons/preference, we do have a $25 extra cleaning fee for glamping units.
MINIMUM RENTAL AGE
Minimum age to rent a glamping unit is 21 years and the person who books the resort must stay for the entire rental period. Sub-letting or parents renting for their children under age is NOT allowed. Minimum Age required to rent a campsite is 18 years and the person who makes the reservation must stay for the entire rental period.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
- We have a $40 surcharge for 1 night glamping or campsite stays
- Each additional guest charge beyond capacity of unit – $10/night (all seasons)
- There is a $50.00 per check fee for all returned checks
- There is a $40/hour charge for units left in an unusually unclean state
Cancellation Policies
RESEERVATIONS; CANCELLATION POLICY AND REFUNDS
Because we know some people, especially some of our long-time campers and big groups, like to confirm their site in advance, we allow reservations to be made up to one year in advance. Others, who are more flexible like to wait until they’re ready to go. In order to accommodate everyone, and Reservaations are confirmed when payment is made. We rely on advance reservations and any site reserved is not available to our other guests. However, we will refund 50% of your payment if you cancel more than 30 days before your scheduled arriival. The renter agrees that he/she will not claim any charge backs or credits from his/her credit card company for any fees charged to his/her credit card, including but not limited to deposit, rental, or additional damage fees.
We recognize extenuating circumstances occur – if you must cancel up to one week before your stay due to a family emergency you may request that your payment be applied to a future visit. Any such request will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Check in and Check Out Procedures
TIMES
Summer check-in is a firm 3pm and check-out is 9am for cabins and 3pm and 11am for campgrounds unless arranged prior with owners. The remainder of the year it is flexible with coordination with ownership.
Campground Map (KNOW WHERE TO GO UPON ARRIVAL)
CHECK-IN PROCEDURES
Know where your campsite is before you get on the road – see Chimney Rock’s map on where to go when you get here. Check in is a firm 3pm at the earliest, although you’re welcome to come to the property early to use our outdoor amenities. Helpful information about the resort as well as the unit key can be found at your unit (which will be unlocked), so head straight there to relax when you arrive any time 3pm or later.
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES
Upon departure guests are required to leave the resort in the same general condition as it was when they arrived. There is a $40/hour charge for glamping units or campsites left in an *unusually* unclean state – if needed, this charge will be issued within one week of check out and documentation to the unclean state left will be provided.
GLAMPING UNIT CHECK-OUT TO DO’s
- Please return all kitchen items to your cabin if you used them in a different unit
- Place all sheets and towels used in blue laundry bag provided.
- TRASH & RECYCLING
Before you check out, please remove all trash and recycling from your unit. All garbage must be bagged and taken to the dump trailer near the shower house. Please do not leave bags next to trash cans — raccoons are very persistent around here! Your help keeps the campground clean and wildlife at bay. - Extinguish all fires and cleans trash out of fire ring
- Please leave the key in your unit where you found it.
CAMPSITE CHECK OUT TO Do’s
- Remove all trash and recycling from your campsite, There is a designated area for all trash by the shower house..
- Extinguish all fires and clean trash out of fire ring
Pet Policy
Please note that we have three very well-behaved dogs living on the campground who are not kept on leashes—but they are never allowed to run free unattended.
Aggressive pets are not welcome.
There is a $50 fee for not cleaning up after your dog (this includes significant pet hair remaining on furniture post-checkout or any indoor pee or poop stains). ANY damage, including significant hair on furniture or bedding, will be subject to additional charges. Each dog-friendly unit is furnished with cleaning supplies to clean up after them. Sheets to cover the couches and futons are available upon request. If any damages are incurred from dogs’ behavior, owners will be required to pay for them with the credit card on file at the office.
We also ask dog owners to observe the following:
- No barking
- All guest dogs must be on a leash at all times and clean up after them
- Remember your pooper scooper
- Dogs are not to be left in the cabins alone unless they are confined in an indoor dog kennel
- Dogs are not to be tied to trees or to the cabin
- No more than TWO dogs allowed per cabin, unless permission is granted at time of reservation
- Dogs are not allowed in the rec room. If your dog is on the beach it must be on a leash.
- If your dog is off leash there is a $20 fee. If found off leash again you will be asked to remove your dog from the campground.
- Sorry, we do not allow cats
Service Pet Policy
Note: We fully support guests who legitimately need service animals. Please be aware that fraudulent misrepresentation of a pet as a service animal is a federal crime under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If it is discovered that a guest has misrepresented a pet as a service animal, we reserve the right to seek financial restitution, report fraudulent claims to government authorities, and to cancel the reservation and remove the guests without notice and without any refund for unused nights.
If you are bringing a service animal to the resort, you are required to provide the following information:
- Is your service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has your service animal been trained to perform?
- Your service animal must be housebroken, non-aggressive, not destructive, and not display repeated, unprovoked barking.
- Your service animal must not be left unattended at any time.
- Outside of the guest quarters, your service animal must be on a leash at all times, or under control of verbal or sight commands that they follow at all times.
- Your service animal should have a collar, harness, or microchip with identifying owner information attached should it become lost.
- Your service animal must be immunized against rabies and wear a current vaccination tag.
- Please walk your service animal outside for bathroom needs and clean up defecations immediately. Indoor piddle pads are not allowed.
- Please keep your service animal off the furniture and counters unless it is specifically needed for your disability.
- You are responsible at all times for your service animal’s behavior. While we reasonably expect that your specialty service animal is well-trained, should any damage occur, you are responsible for the cost of any cleaning, repairs or replacements. (See additional damage/cleaning fee above).
- You will be required to remove your service animal and/or leave for excessive noise, aggressive or damaging behavior or obvious lack of sanitation.
Other Policies
We cater to families and strive to provide an upscale family vacation rental experience. Renters agree to abide by our resort rules that are provided to you upon arrival.
Quiet Hours: Resort quiet hour is from 10:00pm to 8:00am. This means no loud noises after 10pm. All music must be completely turned off.
Minimum Night Stays: For the campground season (May to September) we require a 2-night minimum stay. For stays less than these amounts the duration must be approved by ownership and incur an extra fee (nominal).
Maximum Occupancy: The number of persons occupying your shall not exceed the number stated on your reservation. If additional persons are added after your reservation is secured you MUST inform us upon arrival and charges will be added as necessary. Guests may be subject to cancellation/penalties if numbers exceed confirmed occupants listed. This is a violation of the rental agreement.
Use of Grounds: All guests use the grounds and amenities at your own risk. This includes the beach and swimming area, which is unguarded. Our gardens have been designed to be enjoyed by all. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep their children out of the gardens and landscaped areas. PLEASE RESPECT NATURE! We would greatly appreciate it if persons do not disturb plants, rocks, trees or other natural gifts. Please do not nail anything to trees or hang any ropes, swings or hammocks from tree limbs. Please do not walk or step in flower beds.
Candles: The use of any type of flame is prohibited in all buildings and throughout the site; The new “flameless candles” which are battery operated are permitted for use.
Children Supervision: There have been times we have had guests at the complex whose children were not properly supervised. Children under the age of 18 are your complete responsibility. Please know where your children are at all times and make certain that they clearly understand resort rules and policies.
HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY
Please note that our cabins are not currently equipped for handicap accessibility, as they each have steps leading up to the entrance. While our restrooms are on one level, there are no ramps for building access at this time. We’re continually working to improve our facilities and appreciate your understanding.
Parking: Parking is available at the designated areas of the complex (gravel areas).
Speed Limit: The speed limit on the Campground complex is 5 mph and is strictly enforced for the safety of your guests.
Resort Indoor Furniture: Cabin and glamping unit furniture as well as the furniture in the rec room are not permitted to be taken out of the units.
Visitor Policy: Visitors are welcome between 8am and 6pm. Every guest of Chimney rock must check in and get a guest pass. Guest pass is $5. You may have one visitor, but they must register upon arrival at the office or call the staff to get a guest pass from the shower house. If visitors do not follow the guidelines of the resort they may be asked to leave.
Alcohol: Alcohol consumption on the property is allowed with moderation only. We are a family oriented, peaceful resort, catering to those that want an enjoyable vacation experience.
Smoking: There is no smoking allowed in any cabins or glamping units of ANY kind. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the property, and we kindly ask that all cigarette butts are disposed of in the trash.
Fish Cleaning: There is no fishing cleaning allowed within any of the cabins.
Trailers: Trailers are also welcome to the property and may be parked in designated parking areas.
Phones: We are located in the woods and your cell phone may not work at our resort (although we do get good ATT and Verizon service here).
Fireworks: The only fireworks we allow at the resort are on the designated night with the Ritner Family. All others are prohibited. Please pick up the trash.
WIFI: We do have high-speed wifi available in the main area of the rec building. That being said, the resort is about relaxing and enjoying the woods – so some IP addresses and websites may not be available.
Campfires and Firewood: All firewood must be purchased on-site to ensure firewood is not contaminated with pests or diseases. We enforce all local burn bans. Please do not cut down any trees or limbs – we are trying to preserve the national forest. All our cabins and campsites have fire rings and there is firewood for sale (self-serve) at our store at the Shower house/ rec building. Each week-long cabin rental receives a complimentary bundle of firewood upon check-in.
This property is privately owned. The renter accepts renting privileges with the understanding the he/she does hereby release Chimney Rock Campground, its officers and employees of all liability for loss or damage to property and injury against claims resulting from loss or damage to property or injury to the person of any member of the family or guest of the registered renters arising out of the use of resort facilities.