Map showing campground location near Baldwin, Iowa

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Eden Valley Refuge

Eden Valley Refuge operates as a Clinton County Conservation Board campground that combines drive-in RV sites with hike-in backcountry options along Bear Creek. The facility sits divided by a road, with 28 electric and water hookup sites on one side and primitive camping accessible via trail on the other.

The main campground provides full amenities including clean restrooms with seasonal showers, though Carissa V. notes "There is water and an outdoor shower at the regular campsite across from where you park." Site spacing varies considerably, with some spots offering more privacy than others. A camp host stays on-site seasonally, and the facility includes a playground and horseshoe pit.

Two walk-in sites require a half-mile hike along trails that pass small caves accessible by stairs. The route climbs initially, then descends toward Bear Creek and a swinging bridge. Linsey M. explains "You need to bring all of your supplies including water" for these backcountry spots, which feature pit toilets and fire rings. Site 1 offers more level ground, while Site 2 provides more space but sits on an incline.

Multiple trails wind through the refuge, leading to an observation tower and creek access points. Campers can explore Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground six miles northeast for additional cave formations. The combination of developed and primitive options works well for groups with varying comfort preferences.

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Map & DirectionsEden Valley Refuge is located in Iowa near Baldwin

Public Campground

Directions

Located approximately 2 miles south of Baldwin, Iowa, on 50th Ave. or 2 miles west of Lost Nation on Hwy. 136, then 5 miles north on 120th Ave.

Address

1415 50th Ave.
Baldwin, IA 52207

Coordinates

42.04700076 N
90.85500075 W

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Presented by

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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)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

41 min from Dubuque, IA
47 min from Davenport, IA
57 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
1 hr 13 min from Iowa City, IA

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Eden Valley Refuge

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the secluded backcountry sites and clean facilities with full hookups. Guests frequently mentioned excellent trails, caves, and watchtower for exploration. Some road noise at main sites, but backcountry areas offer true seclusion.

James M.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2025

Neat County park

This county park offers wonderful hiking trails, and the campground has sites that include gravel pads, fire rings, electricity, tables, and a dump station. Shower house is seasonal at the campground, but the nature center has codes for showers. Nature center is seasonal as well. Seasonal hosts and a Ranger live on site.

Month of VisitNovember

(14) View All

James M.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2022

Main CG- neat County CG along Bear Creek with Nature Center

Main CG has primitive and electric sites on gravel pads, restrooms/showers, dump station, Nature Center, play area, along Bear Creek. Trails are very cool, especially up the bluff to the watchtower, swinging bridge, and backpack sites.

Month of VisitSeptember

(14) View All

Chris D.

Guide

Reviewed May. 23, 2021

Nice, quiet out of the way campground

Eden Valley Refuge is a nice out of the way campground on the banks of Bear Creek. We stayed in the RV/Camper side of the campground which is on the other side of the road from the refuge and trails. We stayed in spot #10 with was nice and roomy. All 28 sites have electric and water. Some are a little closer together than others, but there's a few jems with plenty of space. The bathrooms are nice & clean with showers. There's also an outdoor shower. There's a nice playground for the kids and a horse shoe pit. The camp host was very friendly and helpful. There's also plenty of trails and primitive campsites on the other side of the park, but we didn't have a chance to check them out this time.

Site10

Month of VisitMay

(26) View All

on L.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

sfellwut

seaflatocea

Rachel O.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Arnold Wulf’s Rural Oasis

I’m a bit biased on this one as Arnold Wulf is my great-grandfather, but I do have a lot of fond memories from this park.

Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded. Plenty of hook-ups for RVs and such, but there are also some backcountry, hike-in sites off of the main trail. Most of the available camping is right off the road that goes through Eden Valley County Refuge, so that’s not the most ideal.

The swinging bridge and observation tower are the main structural attractions, but there are also several caves scattered about. Overall, very enjoyable and there aren’t a lot of places like this nearby. Worth a stop if you’re in the area.

(5) View All

Carissa V.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Peaceful retreat

It's a little hike in for the dispersed sites, but worth it to be in a secluded woodsy site. Was peaceful and relaxing. There is water and and an outdoor shower at the regular campsite across from where you park. There are pit toilets near the dispersed sites. Fire pit and picnic table at each site. Site 1 has more sun during the day and site 2 is right on a trail head connected to site 1. Easy enough trail to pull a wagon if needed.

(6) View All

Linsey M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2018

Pack in Sites

We love doing some backpacking and finding the most secluded sites we can. Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!

These sites must be reserved online and are $13 a night. Firewood is available for purchase at the main campground from the campground host.

To get to both the pack in sites you have to hike a 1/2 mile. You need to bring all of your supplies including water. (Showers & modern facilities are 1/2 mile back at the main campground)

The first approx 1/4 mile is up a slight continuous incline, when you get to the Y intersection you take a right & follow approx another 1/4 mile with a slight continuous downward slope.

You will then come to another Y intersection , to the left is a medow leading to Bear Creek & The Swinging bridge. To the right is a small open groomed grass area with an outhouse. Continue on the path about another 100 ft and you will see the two sites.

We like to stay at the Pack in site #1 due to the differece in the levelness of the sites. Site #1 is pretty level all around & is decently sized.

Site #2 has a short level area with an incline through the rest of the site, but this site is big. Due to this incline I believe you would not want to stay on this site during a storm. You're either going to be at a constant incline on the hill or have the water rushing down the hill at your tent.

There are plenty of surrounding trees to creat awnings or hang a hammock.

If you bring a base camp filtration system the creek is not s very far walk to retrieve water.

There are about 5 trails to explore nearby. On the main trail to get to the pack in sites there are a few very small caverns you can visit that are accessible by stairs right off the trail.

At night you can hike about a 1/2 mile to the Watchtower and watch the beautiful sun set over the horizon of treetops and if you stay long enough you can stargaze.

It is always a beautiful and peaceful time we have at Eden Valley.

At night the Nature drowns out any noise from the highway. You can heat coyotes & other animals rustling through the woods.

It is absolutely pictch black. PERFECT for stargazing on a clear night.

One of my favorite places to escape to for a weekend and forget about all the stress of daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Eden Valley Campground?

Eden Valley Refuge offers diverse camping options including electric and primitive sites on gravel pads in the main campground area. The campground features 28 sites with electric and water hookups for RVs and campers. Additionally, there are secluded backpacking sites available for those seeking more remote experiences. Facilities include restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a play area. The campground is situated along Bear Creek, providing a scenic setting. All sites come with a fire pit and picnic table. Reservations for sites must be made online, with a fee of approximately $13 per night.

Are there cabins at Eden Valley Campground?

Eden Valley Refuge does not appear to have cabins available for rent. The accommodation options include electric and primitive campsites, RV sites with hookups, and more remote backpacking sites for tent camping. For those seeking shelter beyond tent or RV camping, it's recommended to contact the park directly to confirm current lodging options.

Where is Eden Valley County Refuge located in Baldwin, Iowa?

Eden Valley County Refuge is located in rural eastern Iowa near Baldwin. It's situated approximately one hour north of the Quad Cities and is also close to the small towns of Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, Iowa. The refuge is positioned along Bear Creek in a scenic woodland setting. This hidden gem offers an unexpected natural retreat in the rural Iowa landscape.

What wildlife and nature features can I see at Eden Valley Refuge?

Eden Valley Refuge offers a rich natural experience with several notable features. The park is built around Bear Creek, providing water views and riparian habitat. Extensive trails wind through the property, with highlights including a path up the bluff to a watchtower offering panoramic views. Visitors can explore a unique swinging bridge and various woodland environments. The refuge includes a Nature Center for educational purposes. While specific wildlife isn't detailed, the diverse habitats of woodland, creek, and bluffs typically support various bird species, small mammals, and seasonal wildflowers common to eastern Iowa's ecosystem.

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