Best Campgrounds near Bernard, IA

Join the fun near Bernard. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Bernard is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Bernard, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Bernard, Iowa (129)

    1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

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

    $15 - $25 / night

    "This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."

    "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. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Dubuque, WI
    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"

    5. 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."

    6. Creek Valley Campground

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

    $45 - $65 / night

    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. Frentress Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Dubuque, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 747-3155

    $50 / night

    "This campground was created for those who visit Frentress Lake and need a place to stay in East Dubuque. Currently a lot of pipeline workers and their families stay here."

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Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bernard, IA

522 Reviews of 129 Bernard Campgrounds



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 32 reviews.

What parks are near Bernard, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Bernard, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.