Best Campgrounds near Cascade, IA

The Cascade, Iowa area encompasses several public and private campgrounds providing diverse overnight options for outdoor enthusiasts. Riverview Ridge Campground, located in Cascade proper, features well-spaced tent sites near the North Fork Maquoketa River, while Fillmore Recreation Area offers a more basic camping experience with electric and water hookups. Nearby options include Central Park in Center Junction, which provides full-service campsites around a small lake, and Maquoketa Caves State Park, approximately 20 miles southeast of Cascade, known for its unique cave features and established campground.

Camping seasons in eastern Iowa typically run from April through October, with some year-round facilities available at parks like Central Park and Swiss Valley County Park near Dubuque. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups with 30-amp service, though amenities vary significantly between locations. "The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets," noted one visitor to Riverview Ridge. Water access represents a common feature among local campgrounds, with many sites positioned along rivers or small lakes. Weather considerations include potential flooding along waterways during spring and early summer, while winter camping is limited to a few facilities that maintain year-round operations.

The North Fork Maquoketa River creates a central recreation corridor through the region, with multiple campgrounds offering river access for fishing, paddling and tubing. Several campers mention water-based activities as primary attractions, particularly at Riverview Ridge where "two-hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground." Sites with river frontage typically receive higher ratings from reviewers. Campgrounds in the area generally provide clean facilities with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, though the campground layouts and spacing between sites vary considerably. County-managed parks like Fillmore Recreation Area tend to offer more affordable rates compared to private facilities, with visitors noting these public options are "cheap, clean, scenic, quiet" while still providing necessary amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Cascade, Iowa (154)

    1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    17 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."

    "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."

    2. Riverview Ridge

    3 Reviews
    Cascade, IA
    1 mile
    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."

    3. Swiss Valley County Park

    9 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    16 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."

    4. Central Park

    6 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 487-3541

    "Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."

    "Small lake to fish and kayak!"

    5. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello

    2 Reviews
    Monticello, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 465-4665

    $35 - $105 / night

    6. Fillmore Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Bernard, IA
    5 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. New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

    7 Reviews
    New Vienna, IA
    17 miles
    +1 (563) 921-3475

    "General: This is a small (29-site) county park campground situated along the North Fork Maquoketa River. Nine of the sites are reservable, and the rest are first-come, first-served."

    "Great campground near Dyersville, IA (home to The Field Of Dreams site). The campground is a lollipop loop with sites on one side along the creek and on the other along woods."

    8. Blue Inn Campground

    2 Reviews
    Monticello, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 462-0770

    "37 full-hookup sites, some tent sites, all right on edge of town. Adjacent to Kitty Creek, joins Maquoketa River. Some concrete pads, most are gravel, fairly level."

    9. Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only

    1 Review
    Dyersville, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 590-2704

    "People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there! The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles). Great fishing while we were there too."

    10. Eden Valley Refuge

    6 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    19 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Cascade, IA

646 Reviews of 154 Cascade Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Central Park

    Late Season Camping

    Great weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Spruce Creek Park

    Great place to camp

    One of my favorites. Right on the water. Nice shower house and close to bike trail that leads to Bellevue

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.

  • 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.


Guide to Cascade

Cascade, Iowa sits at an elevation of 903 feet in the North Fork Maquoketa River watershed. The region features deciduous forests interspersed with prairie lands and agricultural fields. Weather typically includes warm summers with highs in the 80s and cold winters dropping below freezing. Fall camping offers comfortable temperatures between 50-70°F with lower humidity and fewer insects than summer months.

What to do

Explore cave systems: Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park for its unique underground features. "This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place," notes Stuart K. The park offers "6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away."

Fishing opportunities: Many campsites near Cascade, Iowa provide access to stocked fishing waters. "Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR," writes James M. about Swiss Valley County Park. The North Fork Maquoketa River also supports various fish species throughout the camping season.

Hiking trail networks: Explore wooded paths through eastern Iowa's rolling terrain. "The trails have sign posts and the map in a VERY general way gives you some idea as to where you are at BUT there are trails criss crossing everywhere so make sure you have your map tracker on," advises Shelly S. Trails range from easy walking paths to more challenging elevation changes through forested areas.

What campers like

Spacious tent sites: Campers appreciate well-spaced tent camping areas that provide privacy. At Riverview Ridge, "the tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets," notes Wayne K. Another camper, Laura B., adds that while there are "lots of trailer sites but the gem is the tent sites down by the river."

Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance of bathrooms and showers ranks high among visitor priorities. "The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean," reports Wayne K. about Riverview Ridge. Similarly, at Swiss Valley County Park, James M. notes the campground is "well maintained" with good "restrooms, showers, recycling station."

Water recreation access: Direct access to rivers and creeks enhances the camping experience. "Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground," explains Wayne K. about Riverview Ridge. At Central Park, Leslie P. appreciates the "beautiful little lake" with a "nice beach area," creating multiple water activity options.

What you should know

Site reservations: Reservation policies vary significantly between campgrounds. Eden Valley Refuge has specific rules for their remote 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.

Cave access limitations: Pay attention to seasonal closures at Maquoketa Caves. "I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it's worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival," warns Stuart K. The campground itself "is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year."

Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water with natural minerals. At Swiss Valley County Park, Michael S. notes that "shower facilities weren't bad but they have sulfites in the water so it stinks a little." This is common in the region and doesn't affect safety, only odor.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Consider campsites near play areas when traveling with children. At Maquoketa Caves State Park, Stuart K. advises "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." Central Park also features "a nice beach area" that children enjoy, according to Leslie P.

Kid-friendly activities: Plan age-appropriate adventures for young campers. "This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends," shares Charles M. about Maquoketa Caves State Park.

Theme activities: Look for campgrounds with organized events. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello, Dustin B. reports "This was our first Jellystone experience and will not be our last!! Great campground and an amazing staff!! Our kids had so much fun!!" The park operates from April 15 to October 15 with seasonal activities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Choose RV sites strategically based on campground layout. At New Wine Park, Russell B. notes "Water/Elec was $18 dollars night," offering good value. Lee D. adds that "the camper pads are gravel/grass, but not all are clearly defined. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring."

Hookup availability: Electrical and water service varies by location. At Maquoketa Caves State Park, Stuart K. explains there are "28 [sites] in total w/ 24 offering 20/30/50 amp electric" and the "sites designated for RV's are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet."

Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump facilities. At Eden Valley Refuge, Chris D. notes that the campground has "28 sites have electric and water" and "there's also an outdoor shower" along with a dump station, making it suitable for longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Cascade, IA?

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