Map showing campground location near Dubuque, Iowa

Camper submitted image from Swiss Valley County Park

Swiss Valley County Park

Swiss Valley Park hosts this county-managed campground where Catfish Creek flows within 50 feet of several campsites. The Dubuque County Conservation Board operates the facility year-round, providing both RV sites with electric and water hookups for rigs up to 40 feet, plus tent areas in grassy sections. A dump station serves RV campers, while the park's nature center offers trail access throughout the valley.

Campers consistently mention the creek's proximity for fishing opportunities, with Iowa DNR stocking the waters with trout. The campground maintains level sites that work well for larger RVs, though the bathhouse draws mixed reviews. Several visitors note sulfur odors in the shower facilities, while others appreciate the overall cleanliness of the grounds. Jerry H. describes the "cool creek and bridge" that runs through the property.

A campground host stays on-site, and rangers typically sell firewood in the evenings around 6 PM, though availability can vary based on their schedule managing multiple parks. The valley setting keeps noise levels down during weekday stays. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with recycling stations available throughout the campground.

For different camping experiences, Creek Valley Campground sits northwest of the park, offering an alternative base for exploring the Dubuque area.

Description

Located 4.5 miles southwest of Dubuque, this 65-acre park is along the meandering spring-fed Catfish Creek.

Picnic Areas The park wants to be known as a family-oriented park by having picnic areas along the following areas:

Frisbee golf
Playgrounds
Rocky creek banks
Sports fields

Amenities

Camping
Disc Golf
Fishing
Picnicking
Restrooms
Pavilions
Trails
Water

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Map & DirectionsSwiss Valley County Park is located in Iowa near Dubuque

Public Campground

Directions

From town: Go 6 mi W on US 20, then 5 mi S on Swiss Valley Rd, then 1/2 mi E on Whitetop Rd.

Coordinates

42.43100038 N
90.73900067 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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VerizonLTE
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AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

11 min from Dubuque, IA
59 min from Davenport, IA
1 hr 4 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
1 hr 20 min from Iowa City, IA

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Swiss Valley County Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted well-maintained sites and good value at this quiet valley location. Some campers noted concerns about sulfur-scented showers and limited privacy between sites.

Jerry H.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2024

Very nice experience

Nice trails around. Camp was clean. Cool creek and bridge. Priced appropriately at $23 a night.

Site28

Month of VisitSeptember

brian

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 20, 2022

Stacked on top of each other

My wife and I checked it out and it’s just not for us we like to be a lil secluded from others no offense just like to listen to Mother Nature to relax but if you have a rv it might be for you. The park was closed but we like to check it out before we go with the whole crew of 6

Month of VisitFebruary

Vincent S.

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 2, 2021

Great week stay

Nice size sites good water plenty of electricity they have a great price on wood this is our camp grounds to go to

Site7 or 8

Month of VisitJune

Michael S.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2021

Not far from Dubuque and Maquoketa

We stayed there during the week and it seemed pretty quiet. The shower facilities weren't bad but they have sulfites in the water so it stinks a little. Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks.

Sitetent sight 60

Month of VisitSeptember

Andi A.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Great little park

This was a great stay other campers around us were very nice and super friendly as well. I think the only thing I would have a complaint about would be the bath house. The toilets can use alittle cleaning but the showers stunk so bad I wasn't sure I wanted to shower in them.

Site13

Month of VisitAugust

James M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Great County park, preserve, campground

Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables. Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails.

Site64

Month of VisitAugust

Tom R.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Excellent Park

This is one of the best RV parks we have stayed in awhile. Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby. This county park is very nice and sits in a very quiet valley. A true gem….

Site45

Month of VisitJune

Maddi Q.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 21, 2021

Twas cold

We decided to camp here last minute, booked online and saved a few bucks! There’s some neat camp spots in a grassy area for tents and some electric hook ups. I think there were showers here too! I enjoyed the evening here!

Sitebackcountry

Month of VisitMarch

Aaronius K.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 15, 2021

Nice little campground not far from Dubuque

Great walking trails, creek, and small river for fishing.

Month of VisitApril

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Swiss Valley Campground?

Swiss Valley Campground offers both electric hookup sites for RVs and primitive tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The campground features clean restrooms, shower facilities, and a recycling station. There's a dump station conveniently located nearby for RV campers. Firewood is available for purchase, typically distributed in the evening. The campground is well-maintained with a host onsite and a resident park ranger providing oversight. Water is available, and the 50-amp electric sites are level and spacious, making this county park particularly appealing for RV campers.

Is there a trail map available for Swiss Valley Park and Campground?

Swiss Valley Park features several walking trails throughout the property, though specific information about an official trail map isn't confirmed. The park does have a Nature Center which would likely provide trail information and possibly maps for visitors. Trails wind through the scenic valley and along Catfish Creek, offering pleasant hiking opportunities. For the most current trail maps and information, it's advisable to check with the campground host, park ranger, or Dubuque County Conservation upon arrival.

Where is Swiss Valley Campground located in Dubuque, Iowa?

Swiss Valley Campground is nestled in a quiet, picturesque valley in Dubuque County, Iowa. The campground is situated along Catfish Creek, providing a peaceful natural setting while still being accessible from Dubuque. This county park offers a serene escape that feels removed from urban areas despite its proximity to Dubuque city amenities. The valley location creates a tranquil camping environment surrounded by natural beauty.

What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Swiss Valley Park in Dubuque?

Swiss Valley Park offers diverse outdoor activities centered around its natural features. Fishing is particularly popular in Catfish Creek, which runs through the campground and is stocked with trout. The park boasts excellent walking trails that meander through the valley, providing scenic hiking opportunities. A charming bridge crosses the creek, enhancing the park's appeal. The natural setting is ideal for wildlife observation, photography, and relaxing in nature. While some campers prefer more secluded experiences, the park provides a good balance of accessibility and natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts.

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