148 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Greeley, Iowa consist primarily of county parks and state recreation areas offering a range of accommodations from primitive to developed sites. Fountain Springs County Park provides free primitive camping along a trout stream, while nearby Backbone State Park features two distinct campgrounds with more amenities including cabins. Most camping areas in this region are situated along waterways, with Twin Bridges County Park and Bailey's Ford offering access to fishing streams and the Maquoketa River. The terrain throughout the area consists of wooded river valleys and rolling farmland typical of northeast Iowa.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability in the region, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Delaware County's Coffins Grove Park explicitly limits its season to May 1 through October 30, though Fountain Springs remains accessible year-round. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with primitive sites at Fountain Springs offering vault toilets but no hookups, while Backbone State Park provides electric hookups, showers, and drinking water. Cell service can be unreliable in the more remote areas. A visitor noted of Fountain Springs: "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."
The campgrounds near Greeley are known for their fishing opportunities, particularly trout fishing in the stocked streams. Fountain Springs County Park attracts anglers seeking rainbow trout, while Bailey's Ford provides both trout stream and river access. Campers report high satisfaction with the quiet, natural settings. "I have been coming to Fountain Spring for the trout fishing for years. More recently, this has become my go-to spot for camping," one reviewer mentioned. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, turkeys, and various bird species. Sites tend to be well-shaded, with many offering direct access to water. Several campgrounds feature modest playground equipment and hiking trails, though the main attractions remain fishing, wading, and relaxing in a peaceful rural setting.
"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"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
"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 $20 - $110 / 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."
"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."
"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"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!"
from $16 - $36 / 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"We visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways."
TravelerJust 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.
GuideThis is a beautiful location. The caves were gorgeous, there were fireflies and lots of wildlife. The sites are close together, but far enough apart to have privacy and space to walk around. The trails can be super slick and muddy in the rain, so wear proper gear if you're hiking!
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!
ScoutVery clean, hookups in great shape, everything is brand new. Lots of cement. But missing the charm of a more established campground.
TravelerNice new clean great wi fi with Verizon
Camping sites near Greeley, Iowa offer both primitive sites along trout streams and more developed campgrounds with electrical hookups. Situated in Delaware County's rolling hills, the area experiences temperature swings with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows dipping below 10°F. Most sites remain open from May through October, though some permit year-round access with limited winter amenities.
Trout fishing opportunities: At Fountain Springs County Park, the stocked stream attracts anglers throughout the season. "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," notes Kerry M., who appreciates the proximity of sites to the water.
Hiking woodland trails: Explore the trail system at Backbone State Park, which features the distinctive rocky ridge that gives the park its name. "We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake," shares Larissa C., who visited during October when fall foliage peaks.
Creek exploration: Children enjoy wading in the shallow creeks at most campgrounds in the region. At Coffins Grove Park, one camper notes, "Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."
Secluded camping spots: Many visitors appreciate the quiet nature of these rural sites. "Secluded and free!" reports Bernadette H. about her experience at Fountain Springs County Park. "Came in at dusk and were the only campers there. We bought a bag of fire wood from the house going into the park and had a wonderful fire and sipped some wine."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent praise. At New Wine Park, Russell B. notes, "Very nice campground at reasonable price. Water/Elec was $18 dollars night." While mentioning the facilities aren't fancy, he adds, "The showers and restrooms are what you might expect for an unattended camp ground."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report seeing turkeys, deer, and various birds. Kerry M. mentions the wildlife at Fountain Springs County Park: "Usually, I hear (or see) turkeys and woodpeckers. Other camp visitors include whitetail deer, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional skunk."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies across the region's campgrounds. Tammie C. warns about Fountain Springs: "all I could do was text from my AT&T phone... I forgot where my morning destination was and had to use GPS to feel my way out until I had service again. You'll want a hard copy of your directions if you stay the night."
Site spacing considerations: Campgrounds vary in site spacing and privacy. At Backbone State Park, Cheryl V. observes, "Campsites are close together w no privacy," a contrast to the more spread-out sites at other county parks in the area.
Water quality issues: Some water features have seasonal quality concerns. At Backbone State Park, one reviewer cautions, "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Greeley, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Greeley, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
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