Camping near Edgewood, IA

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    Backbone State Park, Iowa's oldest state park, anchors the camping options near Edgewood with both developed and primitive sites. The region includes Six Pines Campground offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, while South Lake Campground provides electric hookups for larger vehicles. Just 10 miles east of Edgewood, Fountain Springs County Park presents more rustic camping with tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites with vault toilets to developed facilities with showers and electric hookups.

    Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, particularly at Backbone State Park which remains open year-round but sees peak visitation from April through October. Most campgrounds near Edgewood require reservations during summer months, while off-season camping may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water access points, hiking trails, and trout fishing opportunities shape the camping experience, with several streams and small lakes providing recreational opportunities. Winter camping is limited but possible at certain locations, though water systems may be winterized. A visitor noted, "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa."

    The natural landscapes surrounding Edgewood campgrounds contribute to their popularity, with limestone bluffs, forested areas, and water features creating distinctive camping environments. Backbone State Park receives consistently high ratings for its hiking trails and geological features, including a cave system that visitors can explore. Campers frequently mention the quality of trout fishing in the area, particularly at Backbone and other nearby streams. Many reviewers appreciate the range of camping options, from more secluded primitive sites to family-friendly developed campgrounds with modern amenities. Some visitors recommend the South Lake Campground for its electric sites, while others prefer the more rustic experience at Six Pines. A camper wrote, "The primitive campground is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees."

    Best Campgrounds near Edgewood (153)

      1. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

      4.4(29)9mi from Edgewood27 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."

      "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."

      from $12 - $25 / night

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      2. Fountain Springs County Park

      4.0(5)5mi from EdgewoodRVs, Tents

      "It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy.  This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."

      3. Wisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park

      4.7(53)28mi from Edgewood56 sites

      "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."

      from $20 - $38 / night

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      4. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

      4.3(21)20mi from Edgewood48 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      5. South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park

      4.5(2)8mi from Edgewood101 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $12 - $25 / night

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      6. Baileys Ford

      5.0(4)14mi from EdgewoodRVs, Tents

      "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."

      7. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

      4.5(31)27mi from Edgewood61 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa’s state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"

      "It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."

      from $20 / night

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      8. backbone state park

      5.0(1)8mi from Edgewood

      "We visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways."

      9. New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

      4.5(6)16mi from EdgewoodRVs, Tents

      "General: This is a small (29-site) county park campground situated along the North Fork Maquoketa River. Nine of the sites are reservable, and the rest are first-come, first-served."

      "Great campground near Dyersville, IA (home to The Field Of Dreams site). The campground is a lollipop loop with sites on one side along the creek and on the other along woods."

      10. Osborne Park Campground

      5.0(1)11mi from Edgewood

      from $15 - $25 / night

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    Recent Reviews near Edgewood, IA

    499 Reviews of 153 Edgewood Campgrounds

    • Brenda Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Morgan Creek County Park

      Great little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Miller Riverview City Park

      Right on the river

      We came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.

    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      I arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Grea clean campground

      Tons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station

    • Julie W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 22, 2026

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Amazingly quiet campground

      Very quiet campground. Not a bad spot. Has dump station and a few water spigots to fill up on your way in. Plenty of old trees. Cell service is spotty.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

      Site 14

      Be advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 7, 2026

      Bankston Park Campsites

      Small primitive County Campground along trout stream

      Though the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 26, 2026

      Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

      Beautiful Spot

      Campground sits on a hill overlooking a number of farms. Absolutely beautiful. Decent sized sites, full hook-ups. Also a dump station. Small store on site. Trees provide shade. Many acres of paths and grass to walk the dog. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Whole place is neat and tidy. Only negative is highway noise. Pull through sites are farther from highway so may be less noisy there.

    • Andy M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 25, 2026

      Pikes Peak State Park Campground

      Very nice spot.

      We got here on a Monday and got a great spot in the back. The sunrise was spectacular. Then the fog moved in off the river and it was pretty cool.

    Guide to Edgewood

    Camping near Edgewood, Iowa provides access to the Driftless Region, an area untouched by glaciers during the last ice age resulting in unique topography with limestone bluffs and cold water springs. The area receives approximately 35 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and supporting year-round trout fishing in many streams. Campsite availability near Edgewood varies seasonally with most options concentrated within a 30-minute drive radius.

    What to do

    Trout fishing access points: Fountain Springs County Park offers direct access to a regularly stocked trout stream. "I have been coming to Fountain Spring for the trout fishing for years. More recently, for the last two years, this has become my go-to spot for camping. Camping is free and there are several sites to choose from, most (literally) a few yards from the trout stream," notes Kerry M. in a review of Fountain Springs County Park.

    Hiking on boardwalks: The boardwalk trails at Pikes Peak State Park provide accessible hiking for all ability levels. "There is a very nice smooth wood walk way for one of the trails making it easy for all ages. Also amazing over looks of the river," shares Hannah N. about Pikes Peak State Park Campground.

    Water exploration: Children can enjoy playing in the creek at Delaware County Coffins Grove Park. "Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in," mentions Elizabeth K. who camps at Delaware County Coffins Grove Park for family reunions.

    What campers like

    Variety of campsite privacy levels: Sites at Nelson Dewey State Park offer different degrees of seclusion. "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," explains Rene about site 18 at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground.

    Availability during off-season: Many campers appreciate the solitude of off-season camping near Edgewood. "We went camping at New Wine Park after Labor Day and we were one of 6 trailers in the entire park," notes Russell B. about his stay at New Wine Park Dubuque County Park.

    Geological features for exploration: The area's unique limestone formations create exploration opportunities. "Great scenery and views! Fun trails, great beach, lighthouse, boat docks, cabins, caves, and much more," reports Melanie Jo L. about her experience at Backbone State Park.

    What you should know

    Seasonal water safety concerns: Water quality can vary throughout the season at some locations. "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it," warns Cheryl V. about Backbone State Park.

    Cell phone coverage limitations: Some campgrounds have minimal or no cell service. "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," reports Tammie C. about Fountain Springs County Park.

    Noise considerations: Train noise affects some campsites. "There is a train track very close. The train runs very regularly and can be loud. For me, it was the city noise I needed to fall asleep," explains Rene about Nelson Dewey State Park Campground.

    Tips for camping with families

    Multiple playgrounds: Bailey's Ford Park offers extensive play areas. "Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings," notes Ashley F. about Bailey's Ford.

    Educational opportunities: Many parks feature historical or natural learning experiences. "On your way to the falls, just north of the main overlook, you will notice Bear Mound, an effigy built by ancient American Indians who inhabited the area from 800-1200 A.D. There are 63 mounds in the park, most of them conical or linear in shape," explains Tori K. about Pikes Peak State Park Campground.

    Group-friendly camping areas: Some campgrounds allow for flexible arrangements. "No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together (we camp here every year for our family reunion)," shares Elizabeth K. about Delaware County Coffins Grove Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Size considerations for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. "Campgrounds are clean and easy to navigate with our 31' TT. Camp host was very helpful," reports Scott D. about Pikes Peak State Park Campground.

    Hookup availability: The South Lake Campground at Backbone State Park offers electric but not full hookups. "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," advises Edward B. about South Lake Campground.

    Affordable options for extended stays: Iowa state parks offer weekly rates. "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!" shares Danny J. about Pikes Peak State Park Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular campground near Edgewood, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edgewood, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.