Nelson Dewey State Park

Skip-A-Way Resort

Baileys Ford

Motor Mill Historic Site

Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.  

The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.


Six Pine - Backbone State Park

Bloody Run County Park

Volga River  State Rec Area

Pikes Peak State Park

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If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent or park your RV in Iowa, look no further. It's easy to find a standard Iowa campground for tent and RV camping with the Dyrt. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Iowa's most popular destinations.

Iowa

The Best Standard (Tent / RV) Camping in Iowa

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Communia, IA has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Communia. Find the best campgrounds near Communia, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Communia

The Best Camping Near Communia, Iowa

Located on a high bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, a land of sculpted limestone and prehistoric Native American mounds can be found amid a swath of preserved hardwood forest. Translated “home of the warrior” in the language of the local Munsee–Delaware Indians, Wyalusing Hardwood Forest and the Wyalusing Mounds have received recognition as national natural landmarks and historic places. Adjacent to the forest, Wyalusing State Park is the perfect camping destination for a little outdoors R&R, while discovering more about the natural and cultural history at the junction of Wisconsin’s and America’s greatest waterways.     

Visitors to Wyalusing State Park have two campgrounds to choose from. Wisconsin Ridge is set on a high bluff over the Wisconsin River, and Homestead is located in shady hardwood forest. Combined, they offer 109 campsites for tent and RV campers; there is also a large group campground. Both campgrounds provide flush and vault restrooms, shower facilities and drinking water. A portion of sites in each campground have electrical hookups for RVs, and there is a dump station near the Homestead site. The park also has several picnic areas, sports courts, and five reservable group picnic shelters. Firewood, camping supplies, ice and boat rentals are available at the concession stand. Seasonal campsite rates range from $15–$35/night; entrance to the park requires an additional fee.    

With nearly 24 miles of land and water trails in Wyalusing State Park, you’ll find ample opportunities for exploring riverside bluffs. Whether you like to walk, hike, ride, or paddle, there’s a trail just for you. Take an easy interpretive walk to learn about the park’s flora, fauna and geology; hike to see limestone caves, waterfalls, and a great view of the river; hop on your bike for a ride around the edge of a wooded grassland; or board a canoe or kayak and paddle through the Mississippi backwaters. Many of these trails are also open during the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other park activities include fishing, bird watching, and seasonal hunting. 

Wyalusing State Park

Eighteen years ago we started with a campground located in Osseo, Wis., which we developed into one of the state’s top family camping destinations.
Here at Boulder Creek, we see lots of untapped potential  and envision making it a really unique family campground — one where memories are made and moments are cherished.
As we settle in and start the building process, we look forward to meeting and making many new friends.

Boulder Creek Campground

Buck Creek County Park

New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Jacksonville and user-submitted reviews.

Jacksonville

The Best Camping Near Jacksonville, Iowa

Des Moines is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Des Moines campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Des Moines

The Best Camping Near Des Moines, Iowa

Are you in need of a campground near Cedar Rapids, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Cedar Rapids

The Best Camping Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Davenport is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Davenport, reviewed by campers like you.

Davenport

The Best Camping Near Davenport, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Sioux City, IA? Sioux City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Sioux City, reviewed by campers like you.

Sioux City

The Best Camping Near Sioux City, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Waterloo, IA? Waterloo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Waterloo, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Waterloo

The Best Camping Near Waterloo, Iowa

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Iowa City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Iowa City, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Iowa City camping trip.

Iowa City

The Best Camping Near Iowa City, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA? Council Bluffs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Council Bluffs

The Best Camping Near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Ames is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Ames is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Ames, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Ames

The Best Camping Near Ames, Iowa

Dubuque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dubuque campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Dubuque

The Best Camping Near Dubuque, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Red Rock is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lake Red Rock

The Best Camping Near Lake Red Rock, Iowa

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rathbun Lake. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rathbun Lake. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rathbun Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rathbun Lake

The Best Camping Near Rathbun Lake, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Coralville Lake, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Coralville Lake camping trip.

Coralville Lake

The Best Camping Near Coralville Lake, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Saylorville Lake, IA? Saylorville Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping in Communia, Iowa

Top Communia Campgrounds

Motor Mill Historic Site

Six Pine - Backbone State Park

Nelson Dewey State Park

Pikes Peak State Park

Wyalusing State Park

Boulder Creek Campground

Skip-A-Way Resort

Buck Creek County Park

Bloody Run County Park

New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

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Nelson Dewey State Park

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