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Camping options around Colesburg, Iowa include a mix of state parks, county parks, and established campgrounds along the Mississippi River valley and surrounding woodlands. Backbone State Park, Iowa's oldest state park, offers both primitive and modern camping areas with tent and RV sites, as well as cabin rentals. Other notable camping areas include Twin Bridges County Park, New Wine Park, and Pikes Peak State Park, which provide varying levels of amenities across northeastern Iowa and into neighboring Wisconsin.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary seasonally throughout the region, with some areas prone to flooding during spring and early summer. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. "This is a great place to stay but make sure you get your reservations in early if you plan on staying on the weekend," noted one visitor about Backbone State Park. Electric hookups are common at developed sites, while primitive camping areas typically offer vault toilets and basic facilities. Cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas, particularly in the river valleys and forested regions.
The Mississippi River and its tributaries create distinctive camping experiences with scenic overlooks and water access points. Campers frequently mention the unique geological features found in the region, particularly at Backbone State Park and Yellow River State Forest. Several visitors highlighted trout fishing opportunities in the cold, clear streams as a major draw. The area's terrain features more hills and bluffs than typically associated with Iowa, creating diverse hiking opportunities. Campgrounds near water tend to fill quickly during summer months, while more secluded forest sites offer greater privacy but fewer amenities. Winter camping is available at several locations for those prepared for cold weather conditions, with significantly reduced crowds during the off-season.
"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
Check Availability"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
"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."
from $16 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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 $23 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
"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 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Along Elk Creek, about half of the campground has sites on the Creek, but very few actually have access to the creek. All of the sites have nice trees and shade."
from $35 / 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."
"There are a handful of picnic tables and fire pits scattered around, and there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to sites, although there is a pay station with “sites” noted."
GuideOne of my favorites. Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve. I arrived on a Friday afternoon in July and found a site easily.
ScoutJust stopped for one night. Very friendly and helpful camp staff. Nice trees, electrical and sewer.
TravelerNice campground with hookups. But the shower only had the push button and the water was so hot it was scalding!
ScoutI have visited this park many times. It is small and has beautiful views and nice short hike trails on the other side , across the bridge, of the park. Old camping site is located among old trees. There is rescued animal display in there as well.
RangerThe campground is very nice but most of the sites are not level. I’m not talking about just put down the leveling blocks, they’re like backing into a ditch. Thankfully I’m staying when it’s not busy but I had to circle the campground three times to find a site I could make work and call reservation.gov to change my reservation. It’s a shame because it is a very scenic location and the camp hosts have been superb.
GuideJust an overnight stay but I want to return to Firefly. There are lots of fireflies at night so easy to see why it got the name. All the pads are concrete in this new park. Full hookups that are easy to use. Great playground for the kids.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
GuideHad a great time. Large area that was private. Close to bathroom and showers. Hiking trails. Nice place to fish and explore.
Campgrounds near Colesburg, Iowa range from rugged backcountry sites to developed facilities with modern amenities. Located in the Driftless Area, this region features distinctive limestone bluffs and coldwater streams not glaciated during the last ice age. Camping season typically runs April through October, though winter camping options exist for prepared visitors at several locations.
Trout fishing opportunities: Fountain Springs County Park offers free primitive camping with sites located just yards from a regularly stocked trout stream. "The stream offers good trout fishing. It is stocked regularly with rainbow trout," notes Kerry M., who frequently camps at Fountain Springs.
Disc golf courses: New Wine Park includes a disc golf course among its recreational offerings. The park provides "many activities including disc golf, three hiking trails, volleyball, two playgrounds," according to Lee D., who visited New Wine Park during the off-season.
Explore historical sites: Motor Mill Historic Site campground sits adjacent to a preserved mill building and historic bridge. "There is a really neat historical Mill building that is open a few hours a week for tours as well as an amazing old bridge with a wood plank roadbed that you can still drive across," reports Annie C. about Motor Mill Historic Site.
Walkable campsites with views: Nelson Dewey State Park offers walk-in sites with exceptional views. "We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible... A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites," explains Ashley F. about her experience at Nelson Dewey State Park.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Wyalusing State Park receives consistent praise for its clean facilities. "Lovely drive in to the park and then to pull up to an immaculate campsite was a treat. Great facilities, easily accessible," writes Mike H. about his stay at Wyalusing State Park.
Affordability: County parks in the region offer economical alternatives to state parks. "Very nice campground at reasonable price. Water/Elec was $18 dollars night," notes Russell B. about New Wine Park, adding it was uncrowded after Labor Day.
Train noise: Several campgrounds in the region have railroad tracks nearby. "When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud! Bring ear plugs, trains rolled through until just after midnight and started up around 5am," warns Steph P. about Nelson Dewey State Park.
Seasonal facilities: Many campgrounds reduce services during off-peak times. "The bath/shower house was closed when we were there in November but there are vault toilets about a quarter mile from the campground that were very clean and well-stocked," reports Lee D. about New Wine Park.
Weekend popularity: Certain campsites fill quickly, especially in summer months. "Site C is incredibly difficult to reserve (best dates I could find were a Mon-Wed in October which I booked in APRIL)," shares Steph P. about the walk-in sites at Nelson Dewey.
Multiple playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer multiple play areas for children. "There are multiple playgrounds with grills and shelter, and tons of easy hiking for families with kids," explains Chantal C. about Bailey's Ford.
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities for younger visitors. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," shares Jennifer B. about her family's visit to Wyalusing State Park.
Consider site terrain: Not all tent pads are equally comfortable. "Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable," advises Ashley F. about Nelson Dewey State Park's walk-in sites.
Electric hookup availability: Many campgrounds in the region offer 30-amp service. "There are a handful of sites with hookups for RV's," notes Annie C. about Twin Bridges Park, and Russell B. confirms New Wine Park offers water/electric sites.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide dump stations for RVers. "There's a water pipe and dump station on the way out," notes Grace D. about Pikes Peak State Park.
Iowa state park pricing: State parks in Iowa offer competitive rates for RVers. "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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Colesburg, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Colesburg, IA is Nelson Dewey State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
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