The terrain surrounding Delhi, Iowa features gentle rolling hills with elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet above sea level, creating varied camping experiences throughout Jackson and Delaware counties. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August. Winter camping options remain limited to a few year-round facilities where temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Backbone State Park offers excellent trout fishing, with multiple streams stocked regularly. "We went camping at Backbone for a friend's wedding that was taking place at the park's lodge... We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake," reports one visitor to Backbone State Park.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds near Delhi provide pond or river access. "We stayed at site 36 over the Labor Day weekend, and it was incredible. I was a solo female traveler with my two service dogs. The site was clean, and we had a site with an open site on one side making it feel twice as big," notes a camper at Blanding Landing.
Cave exploration: Within 30 minutes of Delhi, visitors can explore underground formations. "If you travel 15ish minutes North you can see the crystal caverns, my kids loved it. If you have not been in a cave, I recommend it," shares a reviewer describing activities near Spruce Creek Park.
What campers like
River views: Multiple rv campgrounds near Delhi, Iowa provide Mississippi River access. "Nice little campground, quiet except for a train from time to time. Nice shower facilities," reports one camper about the riverside experience at Blanding Landing.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept shower houses. "Very clean as were the showers... There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table," notes a visitor to Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
Family activities: Many campgrounds offer recreational options beyond hiking. "Great clean campground with lots to do. Mini golf, basketball, paddleboat on a small pond, horseshoes, and plenty of swings and playscapes for kids," mentions a guest at Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres.
What you should know
Train noise: Some riverside campgrounds experience regular train traffic. "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often," cautions a visitor to Blanding Landing.
Weather considerations: Thunderstorms can develop quickly in summer months. "The weekend we went it was not [great]. The problem is how the weather was handled. If you need ANY assistance or guidance from the host, good luck. I was met with attitude and zero empathy on where, how or what to do when our camp site was ankle deep in water," warns a camper from Spruce Creek Park.
Reservation requirements: Many Delhi area rv campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We have camped here twice with large groups (12-25 people) of college age friends. Was a great time with plenty to keep everyone interested," says a Backbone State Park visitor, highlighting the park's popularity.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreational facilities. "This place had so much! They had a little train ride, miniature golf course, catch and release fishing in their pond, splash pad, lots of cool things hand built structures to see as well," shares a parent about Skip-A-Way Resort.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer adapted facilities. "My daughter is in a wheelchair so we requested the accessible site. It's right next to the showers with an adapted pic-nic table and raised fire pit!" notes a family staying at Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation for children. "My favorite memory was definitely swimming in the river. Also enjoyed hiking along the backbone trail, and climbing around some wooded areas," recalls a visitor to Backbone State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the area require leveling equipment. "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," observes a guest at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
Resort amenities: Several dedicated RV parks near Delhi offer expanded services. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. No shade since trees have not been planted as of this date. Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park," mentions a visitor to Off Shore RV Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "This CG includes a river resort with events center. CG offers river views, hard lanes, tables, fire rings, RR, playground, food, and is just 2 miles north of river town of Bellevue for supplies," notes an Off Shore RV Park camper.
