131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dubuque, Iowa offers campgrounds ranging from riverfront RV sites with electric hookups to wooded tent camping along the Mississippi River and surrounding areas. Swiss Valley County Park, Mud Lake County Park, and Miller Riverview City Park provide accommodations for both tent and RV campers. Most sites include electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables, with several campgrounds situated directly on riverbanks for scenic views and water access. Creek Valley Campground stands out with family-friendly amenities including a swimming pool, while sites in neighboring Wisconsin and Illinois such as Grant River Recreation Area and Frentress Lake Campground expand the options within a short drive.
Camping seasons generally run from April through October, though several parks like Swiss Valley remain open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when riverfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences seasonal flooding that occasionally affects campground availability, particularly at riverside locations. A visitor noted, "We were told this place floods on occasion and has to close. It's that close to the river!" Road conditions are generally good with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads, though sites may become muddy after rain. Cell service varies throughout the region but remains adequate near larger campgrounds and towns, with multiple reviewers reporting sufficient connectivity for basic needs.
Campers consistently highlight the Mississippi River views as a primary attraction when staying at Miller Riverview and Mud Lake parks. The natural setting combined with proximity to urban amenities makes these locations practical bases for exploring the Dubuque area. A camper wrote, "We paid $15 online to reserve a spot for the night... it was very quiet and our spot was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge." Several visitors mentioned ambient noise from nearby highways, trains, and occasional activity centers being noticeable at some campgrounds. Water-based recreation opportunities feature prominently in reviews, with fishing access at catfish-stocked streams and boat launches available at multiple locations. Shade availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering wooded sites while others provide open areas better suited for RVs seeking solar exposure.
"There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage."
"We stopped at the Rustic Barn because it was away from the city (Dubuque), priced very reasonably, and seemed like a good spot for a one night stay."
"Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails."
"Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks."
"Train tracks border the campground and train horns are loud. Has sites with views of the Mississippi."
"Railroad tracks border the campground. Train horns are loud and was awaken at 3 am. It does have a nice view of the Mississippi and you can see the river from many camp sites."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"All the sites had fire pits but one site, either 51 or 52 had that pit too close to the bushes so it wasn't really useable. We were right on the river bank with a good view of the bridge."
"But it was very quiet and our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."
"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."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Mud Lake is a wonderful county park near Dubuque. Beautiful views of the Mississippi River. We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. The sites are mostly sunny."
"A little off the beaten path, but a nice place. Pulled in after a fiasco at another campground, was able to get 2 sites over the Fourth of July weekend. Very kid friendly."
"This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally."
"Campground is convenient to Galena and Dubuque. We stayed in site 73, which they call a double. If the campground is full, it would be pretty tight. No negatives I encountered here to mention."
"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 Availability"Fire wood is available near the bathrooms with a donation box. Best part of this campsite was the walking distance from Maquoketa Caves State Park site with beautiful hiking trails easy to explore."
"cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."
from $20 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This campground was created for those who visit Frentress Lake and need a place to stay in East Dubuque. Currently a lot of pipeline workers and their families stay here."
from $60 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe had the place virtually to ourselves. Camped Monday through Wednesday. Great bike riding throughout the park. There are a lot of hiking trails to choose from. Our site wasn’t very shaded but it had a great view of the sky for our Skylink. There are great shaded sites throughout the park.
GuideA nice Little campground close to Elizabeth Illinois. The bathrooms are well capped, but the showers require quarters!
GuideOne of my favorites. Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve. I arrived on a Friday afternoon in July and found a site easily.
ScoutJust stopped for one night. Very friendly and helpful camp staff. Nice trees, electrical and sewer.
GuideNice campground with hookups. But the shower only had the push button and the water was so hot it was scalding!
RangerThe campground is very nice but most of the sites are not level. I’m not talking about just put down the leveling blocks, they’re like backing into a ditch. Thankfully I’m staying when it’s not busy but I had to circle the campground three times to find a site I could make work and call reservation.gov to change my reservation. It’s a shame because it is a very scenic location and the camp hosts have been superb.
GuideJust an overnight stay but I want to return to Firefly. There are lots of fireflies at night so easy to see why it got the name. All the pads are concrete in this new park. Full hookups that are easy to use. Great playground for the kids.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
Camping near Dubuque, Iowa spans across three states where the Mississippi River creates a natural boundary between Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The region sits within the Driftless Area, characterized by steep limestone bluffs and deep river valleys that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Many campgrounds in the tri-state area operate seasonally due to spring flooding, with most sites available from April through October when temperatures average 70-85°F during summer months.
Explore limestone caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, visitors can discover 13 unique caves along 6 miles of trails. "Maquoketa SP has you covered with not one, but 3 individual large group sized campsites with each accompanied by its own duo split restroom albeit basic with a simple, but very clean privy," notes Stuart K.
Fish for trout: Swiss Valley County Park offers access to stocked waterways within walking distance from campsites. "Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails," says James M.
Watch Mississippi River wildlife: The river corridor serves as a major flyway for migratory birds. At Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, campers spot diverse wildlife including bald eagles. "There was a pair of bald eagles in a nest down by the river - bring binoculars!" advises Steph P.
River views from campsites: Grant River Recreation Area provides direct Mississippi River access with concrete pads. "Right on the Mississippi River. Concrete pads and beautiful views of the Mississippi," says Keith M., though he notes, "Only negative is a railroad runs next to the campground."
Family-friendly amenities: Creek Valley Campground offers recreational options beyond basic camping. "It was a great campground that was very quiet. The help was wonderful and to my surprise it had a swimming pool. The kids loved the Friday night movie," reports CJ.
Walk-in campsites: Secluded sites provide better scenery and privacy. "We stayed in walk-in site C, which the furthest site from the parking lot. The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver, the trail to the site is manageable until the last 50 feet, which is steep and rocky," explains a Nelson Dewey camper.
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds along the Mississippi have nearby train tracks. "A railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour," reports Lyle B. from Grant River Recreation Area.
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying riverfront sites regularly flood in spring. At Miller Riverview City Park, "Be careful of spots 56, 57, 58 because they can flood," warns Courtney K.
Water conditions: Sulfur content affects shower experiences at some parks. "The shower facilities weren't bad but they have sulfites in the water so it stinks a little," explains Michael S. about Swiss Valley County Park.
Playground access: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. At Miller Riverview, "There is a playground also at that end. A bathroom with flush toilets and at least one shower is near the entrance. The water was steaming hot," notes Judy B.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds offer structured entertainment for children. At Creek Valley Campground, weekend movies provide evening entertainment, while Palace Campground offers "mini golf on a very nice course" according to Scott M.
Safety considerations: Campgrounds near urban areas may have unexpected visitors. "Only problem was the homeless people using the bathrooms. I had collected twigs and some random guy came out of the woods freaking me out," shares Khenia F. about Miller Riverview City Park.
Site selection for shade: Many campgrounds offer variable sun exposure. "Our site had no shade so it got pretty warm," notes Julie G. about Miller Riverview, while at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, "I wish we would have booked a back in site, because they were wonderfully shaded and appeared easy to back into," suggests Carl F.
Leveling requirements: Assess site terrain before setup. "The sites are VERY close together but we were next to very nice people, if you like space you won't like this," Lauren P. says about Palace Campground, while at Rustic Barn, "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together."
Hookup variations: Services differ significantly between campgrounds. "A nice campground with electric only. Bathrooms were a decent walk from us but a great cheap stay as we were passing through," shares Julie G. about Miller Riverview City Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state parks offer camping near Dubuque, Iowa?
Several state parks with camping facilities surround Dubuque. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground offers a serene environment with spacious sites that provide privacy between campers. The park features fire pits and is suitable for both RVs and tent camping. Bellevue State Park Campground — Dyas Unit is located south of Dubuque and includes trails and a butterfly garden in its Nelson unit. Other state parks within driving distance include Mississippi Palisades State Park, a hidden gem near the Iowa/Illinois border known for its secluded beauty, and Wyalusing State Park, which offers great trails and is located close to attractions like Effigy Mounds.
Can I find seasonal camping sites around Dubuque?
Yes, seasonal camping options exist around Dubuque. Frentress Lake Campground in East Dubuque accommodates longer-term stays, with many pipeline workers and their families staying for extended periods. The campground provides marina access as an added benefit for seasonal campers. Blanding Landing is another option with electric sites, picnic tables, and fire pits that work well for longer stays. The campground features friendly hosts with rangers regularly patrolling the grounds. While most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally (typically April through October), availability for long-term arrangements varies, so it's advisable to contact campgrounds directly for specific seasonal camping policies and rates.
What are the best campgrounds near Dubuque, Iowa?
The Dubuque area offers several excellent camping options. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park is highly rated for its beautiful setting with miles of views, clean sites, and quaint chapel. It's reasonably priced and ideal for overnight or longer stays. Palace Campground provides a convenient location between East Dubuque and Galena, tucked near amenities like Walmart and mini-golf. Other notable options include Frentress Lake Campground, which offers marina access, and Swiss Valley County Park, featuring water access and toilets. The area's campgrounds provide diverse experiences from peaceful rural settings to locations with easy access to attractions in Dubuque and surrounding communities.
Are there any RV parks in Dubuque with full hookups?
Creek Valley Campground near Dubuque provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly, making it suitable for RVs requiring hookups. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground also accommodates RVs, though with varying levels of hookups. Other RV-friendly options include Grant River Recreation Area, which features reservable sites that can accommodate big rigs and provide water access. The Dubuque area generally offers good RV accommodation options, with several campgrounds featuring level sites and electrical hookups. For those needing full hookups specifically, it's recommended to call ahead to confirm current amenities, as availability can change seasonally.
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