Established Camping
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the Backbone Concessionaire at 319-361-4794 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
The South Lake and Six Pines campgrounds are 100 percent reservable and accept reservations April 1 - November 30 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
Modern facilities are shut down throughout the park. This includes the shower buildings and modern restrooms. The dumpstation is also closed. The frost free hydrants in the campgrounds will be on until November. The cabins are still open and available to rent, and the electricity at the campground stays on also. Posted 10/30/24
Both campgrounds are closed from December 1 - March 31 each year. Exception: The 2 youth group sites in the South Lake campground accept reservations year round.
Six Pines Campground, near Dundee, Iowa, is a fantastic destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a range of amenities. This campground offers spacious sites, perfect for setting up tents or RVs, and features picnic tables and fire rings for cozy evenings under the stars.
Visitors rave about the stunning scenery and the extensive hiking trails that wind through Backbone State Park. The trails provide breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it a favorite for those who love to explore the outdoors. One camper noted, “The scenery on the hiking trail was amazing,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds the area.
For those who enjoy fishing, the nearby trout stream is a popular spot, with many campers taking advantage of the easy access to the water. The campground also has clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. As one reviewer put it, “The bathrooms were very clean,” which adds to the overall positive experience.
With its mix of outdoor activities and well-maintained amenities, Six Pines Campground is a great choice for families and friends looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire, this campground offers a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Description
DNR - Parks
Backbone State Park
Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.
The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.
Location
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park is located in Iowa
Directions
To the South Gate Entrance South Lake Campground, Cabins, Beach, Office 1.3 miles north out of Dundee on W69. To East Gate Entrance Backbone trail head and picnic area's 1.5 miles north on W69 from South Gate Entrance. To the West Gate Entrance Six Pines Campground, CCC Museum and picnic areas take 187 North from Hwy 20 to C57, Take C57 5 miles East to park entrance. North Gate Entrance Richmond Springs, Auditorium and picnic areas take Hwy 3 East from Strawberry Point. Go North on W68 to North Gate Approximately 2 miles.
Address
1347 129th St
Dundee, IA 52038
Coordinates
42.61460257 N
91.567572 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly