Campgrounds near Colesburg, Iowa range from rugged backcountry sites to developed facilities with modern amenities. Located in the Driftless Area, this region features distinctive limestone bluffs and coldwater streams not glaciated during the last ice age. Camping season typically runs April through October, though winter camping options exist for prepared visitors at several locations.
What to do
Trout fishing opportunities: Fountain Springs County Park offers free primitive camping with sites located just yards from a regularly stocked trout stream. "The stream offers good trout fishing. It is stocked regularly with rainbow trout," notes Kerry M., who frequently camps at Fountain Springs.
Disc golf courses: New Wine Park includes a disc golf course among its recreational offerings. The park provides "many activities including disc golf, three hiking trails, volleyball, two playgrounds," according to Lee D., who visited New Wine Park during the off-season.
Explore historical sites: Motor Mill Historic Site campground sits adjacent to a preserved mill building and historic bridge. "There is a really neat historical Mill building that is open a few hours a week for tours as well as an amazing old bridge with a wood plank roadbed that you can still drive across," reports Annie C. about Motor Mill Historic Site.
What campers like
Walkable campsites with views: Nelson Dewey State Park offers walk-in sites with exceptional views. "We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible... A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites," explains Ashley F. about her experience at Nelson Dewey State Park.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Wyalusing State Park receives consistent praise for its clean facilities. "Lovely drive in to the park and then to pull up to an immaculate campsite was a treat. Great facilities, easily accessible," writes Mike H. about his stay at Wyalusing State Park.
Affordability: County parks in the region offer economical alternatives to state parks. "Very nice campground at reasonable price. Water/Elec was $18 dollars night," notes Russell B. about New Wine Park, adding it was uncrowded after Labor Day.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds in the region have railroad tracks nearby. "When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud! Bring ear plugs, trains rolled through until just after midnight and started up around 5am," warns Steph P. about Nelson Dewey State Park.
Seasonal facilities: Many campgrounds reduce services during off-peak times. "The bath/shower house was closed when we were there in November but there are vault toilets about a quarter mile from the campground that were very clean and well-stocked," reports Lee D. about New Wine Park.
Weekend popularity: Certain campsites fill quickly, especially in summer months. "Site C is incredibly difficult to reserve (best dates I could find were a Mon-Wed in October which I booked in APRIL)," shares Steph P. about the walk-in sites at Nelson Dewey.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer multiple play areas for children. "There are multiple playgrounds with grills and shelter, and tons of easy hiking for families with kids," explains Chantal C. about Bailey's Ford.
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities for younger visitors. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," shares Jennifer B. about her family's visit to Wyalusing State Park.
Consider site terrain: Not all tent pads are equally comfortable. "Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable," advises Ashley F. about Nelson Dewey State Park's walk-in sites.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Many campgrounds in the region offer 30-amp service. "There are a handful of sites with hookups for RV's," notes Annie C. about Twin Bridges Park, and Russell B. confirms New Wine Park offers water/electric sites.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide dump stations for RVers. "There's a water pipe and dump station on the way out," notes Grace D. about Pikes Peak State Park.
Iowa state park pricing: State parks in Iowa offer competitive rates for RVers. "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!" shares Danny J. about Pikes Peak State Park.
