John S.
Guide
GuideWapsipinicon State Park Campground
Great place to camp
Had a great time. Large area that was private. Close to bathroom and showers. Hiking trails. Nice place to fish and explore.
Camping near Colesburg, IA
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Camping options around Colesburg, Iowa include a mix of state parks, county parks, and established campgrounds along the Mississippi River valley and surrounding woodlands. Backbone State Park, Iowa's oldest state park, offers both primitive and modern camping areas with tent and RV sites, as well as cabin rentals. Other notable camping areas include Twin Bridges County Park, New Wine Park, and Pikes Peak State Park, which provide varying levels of amenities across northeastern Iowa and into neighboring Wisconsin.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary seasonally throughout the region, with some areas prone to flooding during spring and early summer. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. "This is a great place to stay but make sure you get your reservations in early if you plan on staying on the weekend," noted one visitor about Backbone State Park. Electric hookups are common at developed sites, while primitive camping areas typically offer vault toilets and basic facilities. Cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas, particularly in the river valleys and forested regions.
The Mississippi River and its tributaries create distinctive camping experiences with scenic overlooks and water access points. Campers frequently mention the unique geological features found in the region, particularly at Backbone State Park and Yellow River State Forest. Several visitors highlighted trout fishing opportunities in the cold, clear streams as a major draw. The area's terrain features more hills and bluffs than typically associated with Iowa, creating diverse hiking opportunities. Campgrounds near water tend to fill quickly during summer months, while more secluded forest sites offer greater privacy but fewer amenities. Winter camping is available at several locations for those prepared for cold weather conditions, with significantly reduced crowds during the off-season.
Best Campgrounds near Colesburg (147)
1. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground
"The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."
"Friendly Crowds and secluded spot despite us staying next to the main road for the camping area. Sunsets were beautiful looking west over the Mississippi River."
from $18 - $110 / night
Check Availability2. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
"The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."
from $16 - $25 / night
Check Availability3. Wisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park
"A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching! Come one New Years for the annual carp drop :)"
"This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."
from $23 - $40 / night
Check Availability4. New Wine Park Dubuque County Park
"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."
5. Fountain Springs County Park
"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
6. Pikes Peak State Park Campground
"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!!"
"It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability7. Twin Bridges County Park
"Along Elk Creek, about half of the campground has sites on the Creek, but very few actually have access to the creek. All of the sites have nice trees and shade."
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. Baileys Ford
"The RV/pull behind spots here fill up VERY fast. This was no big deal for us since we went for a long tent camping weekend, there are plenty of sites if you are ok without all the hookups."
"The tent camping sites are quiet, well shaded and good access to the fishing stream. Running water Bathrooms closed due to covid but the vault toilets are fine."
9. Lakeside Campground
10. Motor Mill Historic Site
"There are a handful of picnic tables and fire pits scattered around, and there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to sites, although there is a pay station with “sites” noted."
Drive Time
- 38 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 7 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 13 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 31 min from Iowa City, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Colesburg, IA
144 Photos of 147 Colesburg Campgrounds
Kerry M.
Fountain Springs County Park
Annie C.
New Wine Park Dubuque County Park
Steve W.
Nelson Dewey State Park Campground
Becky
Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only
Chad L.
Buck Creek County Park
Ashley F.
Baileys Ford
Annie C.
Elkader City Park
Kenneth M.
Clayton Hills Campground
Katie J.
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Hilary B.
Turtle Creek County Park
Dana K.
Homestead Campground — Wyalusing State Park
Hannah S.
Pikes Peak State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Colesburg, IA
464 Reviews of 147 Colesburg Campgrounds
- Dani P.Guide
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Beautiful location
This is a beautiful location. The caves were gorgeous, there were fireflies and lots of wildlife. The sites are close together, but far enough apart to have privacy and space to walk around. The trails can be super slick and muddy in the rain, so wear proper gear if you're hiking!
Steve T.GuideWapsipinicon State Park Campground
Even The Rain Couldn’t Ruin A Good Time
We had a great two day weekend at this park. Small and quiet. Mix of RVs and tents. We stayed on one of the 4 primitive sites but there are several with electric hookups. Bathrooms were decent and have running water for showers(cold) which felt amazing after our 2.5 miles hike. The trails were beautiful and be sure to check out the Ice Cave and Horse Thief Cave!
- JJessica M.
ScoutBlanding Landing
Nice Campground
This was a nice campground. Sites are a good size and the public restroom/showers are very clean! Downside is there are trains going by with horns all the time.
KadeeJo
TravelerYogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello
A must for the whole family
My family and I had the opportunity to go to Yogi bears jealous Jellystone national Park and we had so much fun. We went during their Christmas in July program. We stayed for five nights 6 days and barely paid a thing camping in a tent. Mini golf water wars snowball fights rentals of golf carts that are cheap cabins on site Santa came to visit games to play and borrow at each campsite arts and crafts laser tag and so much more. Prices were fair for food and snacks. They have cabins available to rent. I hope to bring my friend and her family this year because it's going to be so much fun! Hope to see you there someday!
- GGabriel R.Scout
Firefly Campground at Pinicon Ridge
Great potential - but no shade
Very clean, hookups in great shape, everything is brand new. Lots of cement. But missing the charm of a more established campground.
Chad S.TravelerPinicon Ridge Park
Great new campground
Nice new clean great wi fi with Verizon
- CCarol M.Traveler
Matsell Bridge Natural Area
Beautiful and secluded, campground road closed
Off the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
Athan D.GuideHomestead Campground — Wyalusing State Park
Private sites and clean bathrooms
Staying in the Deerfield (?) loop provided quiet sites, some good wooded walks in the campground, and clean bathrooms. The park itself offers pretty, remote hiking along the bluffs and in the forests. You won't get bored camping here, although Wyalusing is a little too big to be walkable. Summers can be very hot, and swimming at Wyalusing is iffy/nonexistent.
Guide to Colesburg
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Colesburg, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Colesburg, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Colesburg, IA is Nelson Dewey State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
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