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Best Campgrounds near Bernard, IA

548 Reviews

Camping near Bernard, Iowa encompasses a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Maquoketa Caves State Park, located about 15 miles southeast of Bernard, provides electric sites with well-spaced camping areas surrounded by unique geological features and hiking trails. Swiss Valley County Park near Dubuque offers year-round camping with both tent and RV options. Closer to Bernard, Riverview Ridge in Cascade provides full-hookup sites for both tent and RV campers. The Mississippi River corridor adds additional camping opportunities at places like Miller Riverview City Park in Dubuque, which operates from April through October with riverfront views.

Most campgrounds in the Bernard area are open seasonally from April through October, though some like Swiss Valley County Park remain open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with high humidity common. Winters are cold with temperatures often below freezing. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall color season, particularly at Maquoketa Caves State Park. Cell service varies throughout the region, with Verizon generally providing the most reliable coverage. Fire restrictions are uncommon except during occasional drought conditions. Most campgrounds provide firewood for purchase, and many have potable water available through hydrants rather than individual site hookups.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Maquoketa Caves State Park offers a more natural setting with access to unique cave systems and hiking trails. According to reviews, "the natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out." RV-focused campgrounds like Creek Valley in Dubuque provide more amenities including full hookups and on-site markets. For primitive camping, Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offers free tent camping with vault toilets but no water or electric hookups. Riverside camping options like Miller Riverview City Park provide good fishing access but occasionally close due to flooding. Campers should be prepared for the possibility of train noise at some riverside locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bernard, Iowa (132)

    1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $20 - $28 / night

    "Fire wood is available near the bathrooms with a donation box. Best part of this campsite was the walking distance from Maquoketa Caves State Park site with beautiful hiking trails easy to explore."

    "Maquoketa Cave State Park , Maquoketo, Iowa We stopped here for two days on our “Westward Ho” road trip in mid August 2020. Temperatures 80’s in the day to 60’s overnight."

    2. Swiss Valley County Park

    9 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 556-6745

    "Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails."

    "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."

    3. Riverview Ridge

    3 Reviews
    Cascade, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 543-1258

    "Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean."

    4. Creek Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 580-9453

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric."

    5. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 568-7797

    "There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage."

    "We don’t typically prefer to stay in RV-style campgrounds, but it was conveniently located with easy access off Route 151 just over the Wisconsin border from Iowa, we were warmly welcomed, and enjoyed"

    6. Fillmore Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Bernard, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 556-6745

    "The golf course was pretty and the area around the campsites was nice.  This campsite was right off the highway so it was super easy to get in and out of.  We had good phone service here.  No wifi."

    7. Miller Riverview City Park

    7 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 589-4238

    "All the sites had fire pits but one site, either 51 or 52 had that pit too close to the bushes so it wasn't really useable. We were right on the river bank with a good view of the bridge."

    "But it was very quiet and our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."

    8. Eden Valley Refuge

    6 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    "Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."

    "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!"

    9. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Monmouth, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-3783

    "Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace."

    10. Palace Campground

    8 Reviews
    Galena, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 777-2466

    "This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally."

    "Campground was right next to Walmart, which was convenient, and a short walk down to the high school to get the shuttle into Galena itself."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bernard, IA

163 Photos of 132 Bernard Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bernard, IA

548 Reviews of 132 Bernard Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    Happy Camping!

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Creek Valley Campground

    Trip to Mackinac

    A little cramped, nice people. We didn't use the pool but it had adults only after dark. Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric. There is a dump station, small concession, playground. A small creek runs around much of the outside of the property.

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Blanding Landing

    Safe, peaceful and friendly! Will definitely be back!

    I stayed at site 36 over the Labor Day weekend, and it was incredible. I was a solo female traveler with my two service dogs. When I arrived, the site was clean, and we had a site with an open site on one side making it feel twice as big. The other campers were friendly, and the one site neighbor we had (a young couple about my age with a pup too!) even came to visit and meet my dogs and gave them organic dog treats.🥹 The icing on the cake was the woman who monitored the sites, Anne. She was so kind and welcoming, and made me feel comfortable and safe. I can’t wait to come back and visit again. Highly recommend!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Serene Campground with Great Amenities

    Everything about our stay was enjoyable. Campsites were spaced out well and amenities were great. Don’t forget to check out the hiking trails!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.

Guide to Bernard

Camping near Bernard, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do:

  • Explore Caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor mentioned, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous," making it perfect for those who love a challenge.
  • Fishing and Boating: Pinicon Ridge Park is great for fishing and boating. A camper noted, "The water is great for fishing, swimming, and boating," highlighting the park's versatility.
  • Nature Trails: Nelson Dewey State Park Campground has beautiful trails. One reviewer shared, "The trails were enchanting and abundant in life," making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Grant River Recreation Area enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River. A visitor said, "Nice view at the Mississippi River," which adds to the campground's charm.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. At Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, one guest mentioned, "Very clean and well-maintained," which is a big plus for families.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the friendly staff. A reviewer at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground said, "The best camp hosts ever!!!" This welcoming atmosphere makes for a pleasant stay.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: If you're sensitive to noise, be cautious at Miller Riverview City Park. One camper noted, "Ambient noise includes auto traffic... and loud semi-trucks," which might disrupt your peace.
  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Bellevue State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were close to one another," which could be a downside for those seeking solitude.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A camper at Swiss Valley County Park pointed out, "The ranger was about 45 min late," indicating that you might need to plan ahead for supplies.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family activities. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park has a playground and games, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "There’s a cute little area with outside games like corn hole."
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "The good news is that likely due to the bats, there were no gnats or mosquitos," which makes for a more enjoyable experience.
  • Plan for Shade: Some sites can get hot, so look for shaded areas. A camper at Pinicon Ridge Park mentioned, "Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites," which is ideal for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Make sure to choose level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park said, "The sites are all clean and most all are level," which is a big plus for RVers.
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. One camper at Palace Campground appreciated the "full hookup" sites, making their stay more comfortable.
  • Check for Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A visitor at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms and showers," which can make a big difference during your stay.

Camping near Bernard, Iowa, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bernard, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bernard, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

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