Best Campgrounds near Ely, IA

Camping near Ely, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous family trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
• Hiking trails: Backbone State Park has extensive trails. A camper mentioned, "There are tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access."
• Fishing and boating: At Lake Macbride State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer noted, "The park offers lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "This Campground is awesome. Very clean, for me the star attraction here was the solo bathroom & shower both together with lockable door for extreme privacy."
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, well-spaced sites. A reviewer at Scott County Park mentioned, "The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine."
• Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One visitor at George Wyth State Park Campground said, "This park has hiking(on path or off), fishing in multiple lakes and the cedar river, and a beach!!!"

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with mosquitoes, especially at George Wyth State Park Campground. One camper noted, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."
• Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
• Busy during peak seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays. A camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground said, "We were dismayed when we arrived at 3 pm on a Sunday to find the place packed with day-use visitors."

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring games and activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and open spaces. A family at Scott County Park enjoyed the amenities, saying, "There are playgrounds for your kids to play in."
• Plan for meals: Some campgrounds don’t have nearby markets. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground advised, "Make sure you know which campground you’re going to and bring your own food."
• Check for family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. One camper at Backbone State Park mentioned, "There was a naturalist station with several activities that would be good for families."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground noted, "The entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites."
• Use leveling blocks: Many sites may not be perfectly level. A reviewer at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "We did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires."
• Stay connected: Some campgrounds have limited cell service. A camper at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA said, "Verizon service was not great in the area but could still stay connected for the most part."

Camping near Ely, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!