Cabin rentals are a great way to see Dubuque without the hassle of setting up a tent. Find the best information on cabin camping near Dubuque, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Iowa cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Situated on 50 quiet, wooded acres only 2 miles from historic downtown Galena this campground accommodates all types of tents and campers and offer cabin rentals as well.
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.
If you are looking for a camping experience unlike any other, Coconut Cove RV Resort in Hazel Green is the place for you. This resort-caliber campground overlooks the mighty Mississippi River, providing breathtaking views and a large variety of fun activities and amenities to enjoy. From our tropical-themed beachfront tiki bar to our floating aqua adventure park, Coconut Cove has exciting features for people of all ages.
Located on Bluff Road in Hazel Green, WI, you’ll find that getting to Coconut Cove RV Resort from Dubuque, Rutledge, Jamestown, Louisburg, and other surrounding areas is a breeze. Whether you need a “day-cation” or a vacation, come see for yourself why Coconut Cove is the place to be.
Nestled beside the Maquoketa River in Monticello between Dubuque and Cedar Rapids, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone ParkTM at Monticello is a family friendly camping destination that has been a family tradition since 1974 and widely recognized as one of the premier campgrounds in Iowa. Relax and enjoy the unique seasons of Iowa in your tent or RV – or one of our rental cabins and campers. Enjoy our heated pool while the kids enjoy our planned activities. Monticello Jellystone welcomes families and groups of all sizes. We are open from April to October.
$35 - $105 / night
Nestled in the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley, in Wisconsin's Grant County, Boulder Creek is the place for your next camping adventure!
Our campground is conveniently located near Wyalusing State Park, as well as local restaurants, bars, and shops. We are close to ATV/UTV trails, historical sites, wineries, beaches, public boat launches, and SO much more!
Our spacious campsites, and amount of on-site amenities, make us the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure. We have 180 sites, including 20/30/50 Amp sites with full water, electric & sewer, to cozy Canyon Chateau Cabins that sleep up to 10!
***We can't wait to welcome you to Boulder Creek in Bagley, WI! ***
$32 - $260 / night
$15 - $25 / night
ScoutWe needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site. We pulled in and Tom met us at our camper as soon as we got to the top of the hill and before we even got out. He was very friendly and informative. Showers were good enough but we aren't picky, 7 minutes for $0.25. The area was beautiful.
ScoutYou are right on the Wapsi River. The owners are super sweet and easy going! They also offer Tubes,Kayaks,Canoes and a Shuttle service to float on the Wapsi River. They offer a few cabins for rentals. They have a dump station also.
RangerFriendly and well kept.
Traveler
The tent area is on a small mound, not a very level area. But was able to make it work. $18 a night for tents
Guide
Stayed in march it was cold but very nice park , restrooms were nice shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing
GuideThis campground was large. The lake reminded me of a puzzle I did with my grandma as a kid. It was fall, and it was just gorgeous. There was a wedding the weekend we were there, but we were lucky to explore the tower the day prior. The nearby communities offer ameneties, which were needed as I sprained a knee hiking the backbone trail my third go. Absolutely adored the weekend we spent here. Wonderful neighbors, great spacious, level sites. I want to say we had electric only, and service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp. We used Verizon, and could not hulu.
Ranger
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.
Legend
Main CG has primitive and electric sites on gravel pads, restrooms/showers, dump station, Nature Center, play area, along Bear Creek. Trails are very cool, especially up the bluff to the watchtower, swinging bridge, and backpack sites.
Traveler
Catering to RV life style with lots of amenities such as restaurant, beach bar, water feature with floating water obstacle course, pool and more. Occasionally live music is on the beach. For us, the freight trains crushed the experience. Trains ran all night long, park is near a crossing so trains sound the horn each time they pass. We had an infant with us so we were up all night however we spoke with people who stay there often and they said you get acclimated. I gave this site 3 stars because the staff and amenities are great but can not give 5 starts due to the location in proximity to the trains. It really is a bummer.
Ranger
This campground is adjacent to a BNSF rail line. Though loud when trains pass, I didn’t lose any sleep. RV sites are back-in, back to back with 30/50amp FHU’s. Bathrooms, laundry, showers and RV sites are older but are acceptable for a couple nights stay. Resort has a 9 hole golf course, pool, Volleyball field, Putt Putt and Gazebo for gatherings.
ScoutStayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.
TravelerVery nice great hiking couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean
GuideThis park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keep the kids entertained all day. The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating. Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing.
Traveler
Mostly a seasonal campground, only has 4 sites that are for weekenders. Very nice folks running the place. The neighbors where also very welcoming. Sites were closer then I would like would be the only negative. Nature reserve accessible from campground. We took several walks and bike rides around it. There is also a pool and a club house on property, however we did not visit them. There is ATT service, but not strong. There is also WiFi, but also not strong. We will be back.
Scout
We like the upper campground the best the lower campground the lower loop had a lot of small campsites
GuideSome sites were tight and the lack of fire rings was disappointing.
TravelerVery spacious, grassy and clean. There are a lot of people with RVs so it’s pretty lively. There is a Walmart right next to it. The bathrooms are clean. They host events like mini golf. Swings and playground for kids. Would stay there again
Traveler
This campground is absolutely wonderful. Spots are spaced apart nicely. Many activities for kids and adults. Also, a pool, showers and if you just want a weekend getaway they have cabins as well.
GuideGreat place to kick back and relax. The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals, and our favorite an off leash do area. We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night.
RangerBackbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.
There are two campgrounds. I have camped in both:
Modern Campground: This is a large, modern campground with all of the standard amenities found in a modern campground… electric hookups, flush toilets, water. I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers, however, I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons.
Primitive Campground: 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. I have spent many nights there alone in the primitive campground, watching RVs pull in and then leave after realizing that it has no hookups.
Nearby trout fishing: Backbone is home to one of the more popular trout streams in Iowa. The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked (April-October). Still, it is an enjoyable fishing trip as the stream itself is mostly rocks and gravel, with several deep holes. The water is cold and clear.
Other activities: Hiking is very popular in Backbone. I have also seen rock climbing and rappelling. There are some nice spots away from the trout stream for wading and a little swimming. Backbone State Park also has a small lake with a swimming area and boat rentals during the summer. Several nice cabins are available for those who do not want to camp.
TravelerChose this campground for the low light pollution in order to watch a meteor shower. Very nice recreation area with a nice beach. Two cons worth noting, but not enough to dock a rating; 1) it cost $7 per day extra for the vehicle I used to tow my camper to the campsite, wtf! 2) popular with young families, so it got loud on the weekend.
GuideWe stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups. 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. The bathrooms and shower were very clean with lots of hot water. There is hiking in the park and very little road noise.
TravelerI have been to Backbone a few times, this spot is one of my friends and I’d favorite. There is no through traffic so it’s quiet. Tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access. The sites are big so you can camp far back and keep the vehicles at the front. I was able to fly my drone here and it produced some amazing footage, check the descriptions you are interested!
The bathrooms weren’t the greatest, and their aren’t any showers near the site we stayed at, so be ready to be dirty for a couple of days.
ScoutNice rural setting,peaceful and nice scenery. Showers could be updated and it does cost 25 cents for a 7 minute shower. Camping sites reasonably priced only take cash or a check. Would have no problems staying there again.
Traveler
This was our first Jellystone experience and will not be our last!! Great campground and an amazing staff!! Our kids had so much fun!!
GuideTo start off, Backbone State Park is one of the most gorgeous parks I’ve ever visited. It’s so beautiful, with plenty of challenging and scenic trails and lots of wildlife. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is the campgrounds (we stayed at Six Pines). I’ll go into more detail below.
Pros -Great trails, hikers will find much to love here -Beautiful scenery -Six Pines is all primitive campsites, which is nice for us tent campers who prefer quiet, natural environments -Six Pines sites are fairly spacious -Decent fishing -Lots of in-park attractions (the cave, old fish hatchery, etc.)
Cons -Six Pines is a big, flat loop, which means not much privacy and the sounds bounce all around. -With the playground in the middle Six Pines can get quite noisy -The sound reverberations at Six Pines means you can hear everything going on in your neighbors’ tents at night -Not much for modern bathrooms around the park -The trails are not well marked, the maps are largely inaccurate. Expect to find random, well-worn forks in trails without seeing them on the map -The trails could use some maintenance. There were plenty of downed trees blocking paths, a few that seem to have been there for quite some time. -Sites at the South Lake campground seem small, the place looked packed in like sardines with not much space between tents or campers
GuideEden Valley Refuge is a nice out of the way campground on the banks of Bear Creek. We stayed in the RV/Camper side of the campground which is on the other side of the road from the refuge and trails. We stayed in spot #10 with was nice and roomy. All 28 sites have electric and water. Some are a little closer together than others, but there's a few jems with plenty of space. The bathrooms are nice & clean with showers. There's also an outdoor shower. There's a nice playground for the kids and a horse shoe pit. The camp host was very friendly and helpful. There's also plenty of trails and primitive campsites on the other side of the park, but we didn't have a chance to check them out this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Dubuque, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Dubuque, IA is Palace Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 19 cabin camping locations near Dubuque, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
