Camping near Dubuque, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking Trails: Many campgrounds, like Wyalusing State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One reviewer mentioned, "Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay."
- Kayaking and Canoeing: The backwaters of the Mississippi are accessible from campgrounds like Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi."
- Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds such as Nelson Dewey State Park Campground offer stunning views and wildlife. One camper shared, "There was a pair of bald eagles in a nest down by the river - bring binoculars!"
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at places like Wyalusing State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Lovely morning sunrise and amazing sunsets."
- Clean Facilities: Many visitors appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. For instance, at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Bathrooms were OK and showers not great, but the park and caves are so fun!"
- Privacy: Campgrounds like Backbone State Park offer well-spaced sites. A visitor mentioned, "The sites are big so you can camp far back and keep the vehicles at the front."
What you should know:
- Train Noise: Some campgrounds, such as Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, are near train tracks. One camper warned, "When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries."
- Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground may have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There are no playgrounds in the camp area."
- Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Pikes Peak State Park Campground, are only open from April to October. A camper noted, "This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Governor Dodge State Park, which has amenities for families. One reviewer said, "The campsites are big and fairly private, some areas are better for groups of families camping together."
- Plan for Activities: Ensure there are activities for kids. A camper at Blue Mound State Park Campground mentioned, "This campground has a nice playground, hiking trails both short and longer."
- Pack Bug Spray: Given the proximity to water, bugs can be an issue. A visitor at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared for humidity and bugs, it’s right by the river."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Dimensions: RVers should check site dimensions before booking. A camper at Governor Dodge State Park noted, "Pay attention to the drive-in dimensions posted."
- Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park, offer electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "The campground has a large new area for RVs and trailers."
- Be Ready for Slopes: Some sites may be sloped, making it tricky for RVs. A camper at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground shared, "Some sites are so secluded that they are bi-level."
Exploring the dubuque, iowa campgrounds can lead to memorable experiences, whether you're hiking, kayaking, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
