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Backbone State Park, the oldest state park in Iowa, anchors the camping experience near Dundee with multiple developed campgrounds and recreation options. Six Pines Campground offers a more primitive camping experience with pit toilets and non-electric sites, while South Lake Campground provides modern amenities including electric hookups and shower facilities. Both campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping, with Six Pines offering a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. The region includes cabins for rent at Backbone State Park, providing an alternative for those seeking more comfortable accommodations in a natural setting.
Camping is available year-round at several locations near Dundee, though amenities and accessibility vary by season. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and fall color season when sites fill quickly. "We went camping at Backbone for a friend's wedding that was taking place at the park's lodge. While most of the wedding guests stayed in town, we opted to camp, during October. It was gorgeous!" Water access points include Backbone Lake, which offers swimming, fishing, and boat rentals during summer months, though water quality can fluctuate. Several campgrounds feature both 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups for RVs, while tent campers have multiple options for more primitive sites.
The camping experience near Dundee provides opportunities for various outdoor activities beyond just overnight stays. Hiking trails are particularly notable at Backbone State Park, with the Devil's Backbone trail offering unique limestone ridge experiences uncommon in Iowa. Trout fishing attracts many visitors to the clear, spring-fed streams in the area. A visitor noted, "The park is very large with about 20 miles of trails. There is a spring-fed creek and, if you stay away from the trout fishing area, you can play and wade in the creek." Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, picnic areas, and swimming beaches at several locations. Many sites feature fire rings with cooking grates, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, though specific amenities vary between primitive and modern campgrounds.
"We hadn't been to Dundee in about 9 years so we decided to head up and check out the trout streams. The camp ground that we stayed at was family friendly. Hammocks were ok to put up."
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
from $16 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
"We visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways."
"Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."
"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!"
"A bit of traffic noise from the county highway. Otherwise lots to do here. Horse shoes, disc golf, woodland trails, and a playground."
"A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching! Come one New Years for the annual carp drop :)"
"This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."
"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 $33 / night
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GuideWe had a great two day weekend at this park. Small and quiet. Mix of RVs and tents. We stayed on one of the 4 primitive sites but there are several with electric hookups. Bathrooms were decent and have running water for showers(cold) which felt amazing after our 2.5 miles hike. The trails were beautiful and be sure to check out the Ice Cave and Horse Thief Cave!
TravelerMy family and I had the opportunity to go to Yogi bears jealous Jellystone national Park and we had so much fun. We went during their Christmas in July program. We stayed for five nights 6 days and barely paid a thing camping in a tent. Mini golf water wars snowball fights rentals of golf carts that are cheap cabins on site Santa came to visit games to play and borrow at each campsite arts and crafts laser tag and so much more. Prices were fair for food and snacks. They have cabins available to rent. I hope to bring my friend and her family this year because it's going to be so much fun! Hope to see you there someday!
ScoutGreat place to camp and go swimming
ScoutVery clean, hookups in great shape, everything is brand new. Lots of cement. But missing the charm of a more established campground.
ScoutNice new clean great wi fi with Verizon
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
TravelerStaying in the Deerfield (?) loop provided quiet sites, some good wooded walks in the campground, and clean bathrooms. The park itself offers pretty, remote hiking along the bluffs and in the forests. You won't get bored camping here, although Wyalusing is a little too big to be walkable. Summers can be very hot, and swimming at Wyalusing is iffy/nonexistent.
GuideWyalusing State Park is a real gem, if you’re able to get a spot. The campsites along the ridge offer the best views, but do not have electricity. The inner campsites have electricity but no views. Definitely not the most private campground, with many sites being tight up against the campground road.
There are some very nice hiking trails here, as well as a few interesting things like the little “cave” you can check out. We came here in April and had a wonderful time, it was not too muddy and not too cold at night.
TravelerWe visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways. The park’s rugged cliffs and shaded trails made it feel like a real adventure without being too challenging for little legs. The Backbone Trail was a hit– the kids loved scrambling over rocks and exploring the forest, and we loved that the scenery kept all of us engaged.
The campground was perfect for our family. Our site was spacious and tucked among the trees, giving the kids plenty of room to play while still feeling safe and close by. The restrooms were clean, the campground was quiet at night, and having a mix of electric and non-electric sites made it easy to choose what fit our setup. We could walk straight from our campsite to the lake and several trailheads, which made the trip feel super low-stress.
Overall, Backbone State Park gave us that great balance of adventure and ease— a beautiful spot where the kids could explore, and we could unwind together. It’s definitely a place we’ll return to.
Dundee's camping region sits along Iowa's Paleozoic Plateau, characterized by steep limestone bluffs and deep river valleys unlike most of Iowa's flat terrain. The area's unique geology creates diverse camping environments, from wooded ridge-top sites to riverside campgrounds. Winter camping is available at several campgrounds though water systems are typically winterized from October through April.
Trout fishing opportunities: Fountain Springs County Park offers access to a regularly stocked trout stream just yards from primitive campsites. "This campground also goes by the name of Holbert. Small campground but free with a handful of picnic tables and campfires. This campground is next to a pretty little creek that you can play and fish in," notes Annie C. about Fountain Springs County Park.
Trail exploration: The park system near Dundee features numerous educational hiking paths. Kerry M. mentions, "The several times I have camped, there have been at most a few other sites with people camping. Often, I have been alone in the campground, which is perfect for those seeking solitude." Wildlife viewing includes turkeys, woodpeckers, whitetail deer, and occasionally raccoons or skunks.
Disc golf: Multiple campgrounds in the area offer disc golf courses as recreational options. Jakway County Park includes "Horse shoes, disc golf, woodland trails, and a playground. There is also a historical site - the Richardson-Jakway home built in the 1850's," according to Carolyn M. at Jakway County Park.
Creek access for children: Bailey's Ford Park provides safe water play opportunities for families with young children. Chantal C. from Baileys Ford reports, "The park has the river on one end and cold water springs all around the other side. There are restrooms which are well taken care of...There are multiple playgrounds with grills and shelter, and tons of easy hiking for families with kids."
Clean, modern facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high-standard restrooms and shower facilities. At New Wine Park, Russell B. shared, "Very nice campground at reasonable price. Water/Elec was $18 dollars night. We stayed just after Labor Day and we were one of 6 trailers in the entire park." This county park offers both electric and primitive sites.
Wildlife observation: Camping sites near Dundee, Iowa provide natural habitats for various wildlife. At Fountain Springs, Kerry notes, "Usually, I hear (or see) turkeys and woodpeckers. Other camp visitors include whitetail deer, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional skunk."
Seasonal variations in water quality: Some water recreation areas have fluctuating conditions. Cheryl V. noted about Backbone State Park, "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it. Campsites are close together w no privacy." This contrasts with stream and river access points which typically maintain better quality.
Reservation systems vary: County parks in the area have different booking policies. Annie C. explains about New Wine Park, "The local sheriff's office regularly sends a trooper through to patrol the campground and collect the fee envelopes from the drop box. It was nice visiting with him."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Fountain Springs, Tammie C. reports, "Free up to two weeks, very primitive, all I could do was text from my AT&T phone. 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."
Playground options: Multiple camping areas feature playgrounds designed specifically for children. Elizabeth K. from New Wine Park Dubuque County Park shares, "Nice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together. Newer playground that my kids love, sand so that's an extra play optional. Small creek runs through the park and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."
Group-friendly layouts: Some campgrounds accommodate family gatherings better than others. Rachel H. notes about Six Pines Campground, "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate. We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature centers and historical sites. Therese T. recommends, "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. Hiking trails are absolutely gorgeous, 3 playgrounds for the kids. Little nature center was nice. Staff there were great."
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies across camping options near Dundee. Edward B. from South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park advises, "Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available."
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles better than others. Douglas B. notes about New Wine Park, "Cannot say enough about this campground. Good clean restrooms. Plenty of space. Quiet. LOTS of shade. Fun place to be in a thunder storm!" The campground features well-spaced sites with gravel parking pads.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide sanitary disposal services. Russell B. mentions, "The showers and restrooms are what you might expect for an unattended camp ground. We did see a sign in front of a trailer that said camp host but they must have had the night off. If I was coming back to the area I would definitely come back to this campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Dundee, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dundee, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
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