Map showing campground location near Marquette, Iowa

Camper submitted image from Bloody Run County Park

Bloody Run County Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available at this county-managed campground along Bloody Run Creek, where sites include fire grates, picnic tables, and enough space to accommodate multiple tents and vehicles. The park sits just outside McGregor, within reach of the Mississippi River and the small towns of Marquette and McGregor. Pit toilets are on-site and described by multiple visitors as surprisingly well-maintained for a primitive setup.

Trout fishing draws most campers here. Several reviewers caught German brown trout directly from the creek running through the campground, and the water is clear enough to see from the sites. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding woods. The park tends to stay low on crowds, which multiple visitors noted as a draw. One practical caveat: firewood must be purchased on-site, and collecting downed wood from the park is not permitted.

The Canadian Pacific Railroad runs through the campground, and trains pass through around 10 p.m. and again near 3 a.m., horn blaring. Light sleepers should come prepared. As Jazz C. put it, the site along Bloody Run Creek turned out to be "the sweetest spot." Nearby options include Pikes Peak State Park Campground to the southeast and Sports Unlimited Campground across the river in Wisconsin. Cell service is available. Earplugs are worth packing if the train schedule is a concern.

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Map & DirectionsBloody Run County Park is located in Iowa near Marquette

Public Campground

Directions

West of Marquette/McGregor off Hwy. 18

Coordinates

43.04400095 N
91.21200097 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 13 min from Dubuque, IA
1 hr 14 min from La Crosse, WI
1 hr 33 min from Waterloo, IA
1 hr 44 min from Cedar Rapids, IA

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Bloody Run County Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted spacious sites along a scenic creek with good facilities and fishing opportunities. Numerous guests pointed out significant train noise disruptions during nighttime hours as the main drawback.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Pat F.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2024

An amazing weekend

I went fishing and hiking and it’s very scenic and beautiful area , train blairing its horn in the middle of the night sucks since it’s right by train tracks, pit toilets and clear water stream in front of the campground fishing wasn’t the best

Site14

Month of VisitApril

(7) View All

Pat F.

Ranger

Reviewed Mar. 20, 2024

Amazing creekside

It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy.

SiteThe one right next to the creek

Month of VisitMarch

(5) View All

Aro G.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2022

Hmm

Oddly satisfying

Jazz C.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2020

TROUT HEAVEN

Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creak. Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site (grate included).

Each sight also has a table and ample space to park car and pitch tents. We had three tents and 2 SUVs and lots of space.

Primitive camping spot, surprisingly nice bathrooms. Only weird thing is it’s along the Canadian pacific railroad so a train comes through at 10pm and 3am every night almost.

(4) View All

ROCKY M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

trout fishing in north east iowa

it was a great trip over all me and the wife enjoyed the secnery and caught out limit of trout... not to many people wich was awesome the cons : first night at 3am we were awoken but a train blaring its horn the whole way threw the camp ground and the. second night it happend at midnight and 3 am... and u have to buy their firewood u cannot burn anything from the park even if its down and dead

Chris C.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2017

Hidden gem

Quiet park with beautiful campground. Great for tent camping. Had no luck fishing the stream but a friend with me caught a couple.

Trish I.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2016

Quiet

Bloody run is a quiet park which offers a trout stream and woods for hiking. It's primitive with no hookups but is close to Marquette which is wonderful during rendezvous days and the flea market. Also close to Mississippi river. Down side is there is active railroad tracks run through the camground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Bloody Run Campground?

Bloody Run County Park offers primitive camping with no hookups. Each campsite comes equipped with a fire pit (with cooking grate), a picnic table, and space to park a car and pitch a tent. The campground features pit toilets for restroom facilities. While the amenities are basic, the park's main attraction is its natural setting with a clear trout stream running adjacent to the camping area. The campground is ideal for tent camping and those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience rather than full-service accommodations.

Where is Bloody Run Campground located in Iowa?

Bloody Run County Park is located in northeast Iowa, close to the town of Marquette. The campground is situated near the Mississippi River, making it a convenient base for exploring both the local trout stream and the Mississippi River area. It's particularly accessible during Marquette's Rendezvous Days and flea market events. The park features woods for hiking and is nestled in a scenic area known for outdoor recreation opportunities.

Is there a map available for Bloody Run Campground?

While specific map availability isn't detailed, visitors should check with Clayton County Conservation or the park office for an official campground map. The park layout features campsites positioned along Bloody Run Creek, a trout stream that flows through the property. The campground is near train tracks which run through the area. For current maps and detailed site layouts, contact the park directly before your visit or check the county's official website. Upon arrival, look for any posted maps at entrance kiosks or the ranger station.

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