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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.
"cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."
"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."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
GuideWe came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people and include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags;All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent-- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, boat ramp, paddling rentals, store with grill, Eco Tourism Center pontoon rides, and nature center with displays and programs.
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people that include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags; All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, store and grill, paddle rentals, nature center too.
LegendPark has multiple cabins. Pintail Cabin is an ADA compliant, fully accessible cabin that sleeps up to 6 people. The cabin includes a queen-size adjustable bed that raises and lowers for easy access, twin size bunk bed, a full-size sofa sleeper, table/chairs. Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, electric cook top, sink. Central Heat/AC. Bathroom has accessible roll-in shower. There is also has a large deck and an accessible picnic table and fire ring outside. Bedding, towels, and kitchen cookware and utensils are not provided. The cabin has an ADA compliant access ramp. Tents are not permitted on this site. There is a playground, boat ramp, paddle rentals, Eco Tourism Center with small store and grill, and a nature center offering programs! The Blue Heron pontoon boat offers tours on the water too!
LegendThis campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
LegendTons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station
Scout30 campsites. $22/nt cash or check only. Water and electric hookup with dump station. Camp hosts were great. Bath house with showers. Clean, but a little outdated. Next to RR tracks. You hear train whistles throughout day and some at night. I didn’t mind it.
ScoutVery quiet campground. Not a bad spot. Has dump station and a few water spigots to fill up on your way in. Plenty of old trees. Cell service is spotty.
Camping options near Bernard, Iowa span a 30-mile radius in rural eastern Iowa, where elevations range from 700-950 feet amid the rolling hills of the Driftless Area. Primitive campsites within Jackson County provide alternatives to established campgrounds, with many accessible via hiking trails or water routes. Late spring through early fall typically offers the most favorable camping conditions, though seasonal flooding can impact campsite availability along river corridors.
Cave exploration: Maquoketa Caves State Park has 13 distinct bat caves to explore. "If you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you've also struck the campground lottery," notes Stuart K. Consider timing visits around bat hibernation seasons.
River activities: Paddle the North Fork Maquoketa River from campsites like Riverview Ridge. "Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground," reports Wayne K. The campground provides convenient river access for canoe and kayak enthusiasts.
Wildlife observation: Jackson County wildlife areas offer prime viewing opportunities. The native vegetation at Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area supports diverse bird and animal populations. "Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river," explains James M.
Stargazing: Clear, dark skies enhance overnight stays at primitive sites. Eden Valley Refuge backcountry sites provide excellent stargazing conditions away from light pollution. "It is absolutely pitch black. PERFECT for stargazing on a clear night," according to Linsey M., who frequents the pack-in sites.
Secluded tent sites: Pack-in camping areas offer privacy not found at developed campgrounds. "The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets," reports Wayne K. about Riverview Ridge. At Eden Valley, "We like to stay at the Pack in site #1 due to the difference in the levelness of the sites."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the upkeep of bathrooms and shower facilities in the area. At Swiss Valley County Park, "Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, firewood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger," notes James M.
River views: Waterfront sites rank among the most popular options. "We paid $15 online to reserve a spot for the night but I'm not sure if a different part of the park was free or not as advertised here. 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," writes Courtney K. about Miller Riverview City Park.
Short hiking trails: Easy access to trail networks enhances camping experiences. Maquoketa Caves State Park "offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore," according to Stuart K., making it ideal for day hikes from campsites.
Seasonal challenges: Flooding affects river campgrounds during spring and after heavy rains. At Miller Riverview City Park, "Checked the availability before you go. We were told this place floods on occasion and has to close. It's that close to the river!" advises Patti M.
Water quality: Some campgrounds have sulfur-containing water. At Swiss Valley County Park, "The shower facilities weren't bad but they have sulfites in the water so it stinks a little," notes Michael S. Pack extra drinking water when visiting affected campgrounds.
Noise considerations: Urban proximity creates noise at some locations. Miller Riverview visitors mention that "ambient noise includes auto traffic of speeding cars coming over the nearby highway bridge, and loud semi-trucks that are air-braking as they come into town. Also, multiple trains rumbled by the campground across the river, many blowing their horns repeatedly as they passed at all hours of the night," according to Stephen R.
Reservation systems: Policies vary by location. Eden Valley Refuge requires advance planning for backcountry sites. "These sites must be reserved online and are $13 a night. Firewood is available for purchase at the main campground from the campground host," explains Linsey M.
Playground access: Family-oriented campgrounds include dedicated play areas. At Maquoketa Caves State Park, "If you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites," recommends Stuart K.
Swimming opportunities: Cooling off options exist despite limited natural swimming areas. Creek Valley Campground offers "a great campground that was very quiet. The help was wonderful and to my surprise it had a swimming pool. The kids loved the Friday night movie," according to CJ.
Educational programs: Nature centers enhance family camping experiences. Eden Valley Refuge provides educational opportunities with its on-site nature center. "Main CG has primitive and electric sites on gravel pads, restrooms/showers, dump station, Nature Center, play area, along Bear Creek," notes James M.
Cave exploration safety: Prepare properly for cave visits with children. At Maquoketa Caves, "There are caves for everyone, whether you're claustrophobic and don't want to be in tight spaces or you're willing to army crawl for 1/4 mile," writes Amanda F. Bring headlamps, sturdy footwear, and be aware that cave closures may occur to protect bat populations.
Site selection: Level sites vary within campgrounds near Bernard. At Palace Campground, "If you get along the outsides you have a lot more privacy and better chance they will be level. If you aren't worried about sharing a conversation with your neighbor then you can pick anything," advises Scott M.
Hookup information: Water and electric availability differs by location. Swiss Valley County Park has "standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables," according to James M., while Eden Valley Refuge offers "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," per Chris D.
Accessibility considerations: Site access varies considerably between campgrounds. At Rustic Barn Campground, "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," notes Lee D., highlighting the well-maintained access roads suitable for larger rigs.
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 37 reviews.
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