Best Campgrounds near Delhi, IA

Camping near Delhi, Iowa encompasses a mix of county parks and state recreation areas nestled among the rolling farmlands of eastern Iowa. Silver Lake County Park in Delhi provides basic electric sites for tent and RV camping with toilet facilities, while nearby Backbone State Park in Dundee offers more extensive camping options including cabins. The area features several water-based camping opportunities along Lake Delhi and the Maquoketa River, with Turtle Creek County Park providing spacious waterfront sites. According to one camper who visited Turtle Creek, the campground is "small with about 30 first come, first serve spots" that are "spaced out fairly well" and located "right on Lake Delhi with a boat ramp within walking distance."

Most campgrounds in the Delhi area are open from spring through fall, with several operating year-round including Backbone State Park and Bailey's Ford Park in Manchester. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night, making for comfortable camping conditions. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter camping is available at select locations but with limited amenities. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and spotty reception in more remote areas. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during peak summer months and fall color season, particularly at Backbone State Park.

The camping experiences around Delhi range from modern to primitive. Backbone State Park, Iowa's oldest state park, features both a modern campground with electric hookups, flush toilets, and showers, as well as a primitive campground that offers a more secluded experience. As one visitor noted, "This is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. As this campground is non-electric, there are not many people camping after it turns colder." County parks like Bailey's Ford and Coffins Grove provide water and electric hookups for RVs while maintaining a rural atmosphere. Most campgrounds in the area are pet-friendly and offer fire rings, with firewood often available for purchase on-site.

Best Camping Sites Near Delhi, Iowa (151)

    1. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $15 - $25 / night

    "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."

    2. Baileys Ford

    4 Reviews
    Delhi, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "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."

    3. New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

    7 Reviews
    New Vienna, IA
    13 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."

    4. Bailey Ford Delaware County Park

    2 Reviews
    Delhi, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "from trout steam,river access for boats or kayaks, to the beautiful trails with educational signs along it. this park is perfect"

    "Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!"

    5. Fountain Springs County Park

    5 Reviews
    Greeley, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy.  This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."

    6. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "

    "Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."

    8. Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only

    1 Review
    Dyersville, IA
    7 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."

    9. Turtle Creek County Park

    1 Review
    Delhi, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "Located right on Lake Delhi and had a boat ramp within walking distance too.

    We were site 28A and had so much room! Could’ve put another camper on our site easily."

    10. Delaware County Coffins Grove Park

    2 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."

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Recent Reviews near Delhi, IA

531 Reviews of 151 Delhi Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Gorgeous sunsets

    Clean and beautiful campsite. Dry firewood and kindling available. The toilets were clean. The ridge view sites are spectacular but not for those with a fear of heights.

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • D
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Clean sites with some privacy. Great showers and clean bathrooms. There are lots of places to walk the dogs and great hiking.

    Even if you have an inside or non cliff side site, there are plenty of places to sit and watch the sunsets.

  • Ray J.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Palace Campground

    Great campground well kept

    Stayed many times. All different times of year Recommended!!

  • Chad R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    Great Experience

    This is a great campground.  The camp sites were nice and the restrooms were not bad.  There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat.

  • b
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Klocks Island Park

    Klocks island

    Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night.


Guide to Delhi

Camping sites near Delhi, Iowa range from county-managed primitive areas to full-service riverside campgrounds within a 30-minute drive radius. Most camping options sit at elevations between 800-1,000 feet, in the rolling hills and river valleys of Delaware County. Summer nights typically cool to mid-50s, requiring layers even during July and August camping trips.

What to do

Trout fishing access: Bailey's Ford offers direct access to stocked trout streams from campsite locations. According to one camper, "Great place to go tubing and kayaking. Great showers," making it perfect for water-based activities.

Hiking along marked trails: Pinicon Ridge Park features extensive hiking trails throughout the park. A reviewer noted, "Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park and state land nearby. Lookout Tower is a must see."

Visit Field of Dreams: New Wine Park serves as a convenient base for trips to the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville (20 minutes away). "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."

Disc golf courses: Several county parks near Delhi have disc golf courses, with New Wine Park offering a full course within walking distance of the campsites. The park also features "volleyball, two playgrounds (one in the day-use area and one by the campsites)."

What campers like

Private tent sites: Fountain Springs County Park offers secluded camping along a trout stream. A reviewer shared, "Camping is free and there are several sites to choose from, most (literally) a few yards from the trout stream. The sites have fire pits and there are a couple of vault toilets."

Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of facilities at Bailey's Ford, with one visitor noting, "The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean) the showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones."

Wildlife viewing: Fountain Springs provides excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "Usually, I hear (or see) turkeys and woodpeckers. Other camp visitors include whitetail deer, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional skunk."

Group-friendly layouts: Coffins Grove Park offers flexible camping arrangements. "No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together (we camp here every year for our family reunion)."

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Turtle Creek Park has "about 30 first come, first serve spots, all having the ability to be group spots."

Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have minimal connectivity. At Fountain Springs, one camper reported, "Very odd wormy looking things falling from the trees. I forgot where my morning destination was and had to use GPS to feel my way out until I had service again. You'll want a hard copy of your directions if you stay the night."

Water quality concerns: Water conditions at some locations can be variable. At Backbone State Park, a camper reported "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it."

Spring flooding risks: Low-lying campgrounds may flood during wet seasons. At Pinicon Ridge Park, "Lower area is susceptible to flooding during extremely high water, but county staff is very proactive and hospitable with helping campers relocate from dangerous areas."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature quality playgrounds for children. At Pinicon Ridge, "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured."

Creek exploration: Coffins Grove Park has a small creek that's perfect for kids. "Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."

Scout-friendly venues: Some locations are popular with organized youth groups. Fountain Springs is noted as being "off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."

Group camping options: Turtle Creek Park accommodates family gatherings with "plenty of room at each site and spaced out fairly well. Located right on Lake Delhi and had a boat ramp within walking distance too."

Tips from RVers

Limited full-hookup options: Most campgrounds offer electric or electric/water sites only. At New Wine Park, "Water/Elec was $18 dollars night. We stayed just after Labor Day and we were one of 6 trailers in the entire park."

Level sites available: Many campgrounds feature level gravel pads. A Pinicon Ridge visitor mentioned, "The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table."

Dump station locations: Not all parks have on-site dump stations. At Pinicon Ridge Park, campers noted, "We stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups. Dump available on entrance/exit."

Summer availability: RV sites fill quickly during peak season. "The RV/pull behind spots here fill up VERY fast," noted one Bailey's Ford visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Lake Delhi campground located in Iowa?

Lake Delhi is located in eastern Iowa, near the town of Delhi in Delaware County. Turtle Creek County Park is situated directly on Lake Delhi and offers around 30 first-come, first-serve camping spots. The area is conveniently situated with a boat ramp within walking distance for easy lake access. Another nearby option is Silver Lake County Park, which provides drive-in access and basic facilities for campers visiting the Lake Delhi area.

What amenities are available at Lake Delhi camping areas?

Camping areas around Lake Delhi offer a range of amenities for visitors. Turtle Creek County Park provides spacious sites that can accommodate groups, with each spot having plenty of room and good spacing for privacy. The campground has direct lake access with boat ramps nearby. For additional options, Bailey Ford Delaware County Park offers water access and is big-rig friendly, while most campgrounds in the area provide basic facilities like toilets and fire rings.

When is the best time of year to camp at Lake Delhi in Iowa?

The best time to camp at Lake Delhi is late spring through early fall (May to September) when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer months (June-August) offer warm weather perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake. For a less crowded experience, consider camping in May or September when weather is still pleasant but visitor numbers decrease. If you're exploring beyond Lake Delhi, Backbone State Park is nearby and showcases Iowa's unique geological features, making it an excellent side trip during your camping season.