Julie W.
Scout
ScoutMaquoketa 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.
Camping near Greeley, IA
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Greeley (149)
1. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
"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 Availability2. Fountain Springs County Park
"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
3. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground
"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 Availability4. New Wine Park Dubuque County Park
"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."
5. Baileys Ford
"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."
6. Wisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park
"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 Availability7. Bailey Ford Delaware County Park
"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!"
8. South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability9. Twin Bridges County Park
"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 Availability10. backbone state park
"We visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways."
Drive Time
- 39 min from Dubuque, IA
- 57 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 3 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 21 min from Iowa City, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Greeley, IA
144 Photos of 149 Greeley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Fountain Springs County Park
Baileys Ford
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
New Wine Park Dubuque County Park
Turtle Creek County ParkH
Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members OnlyB
Elkader City Park
Nelson Dewey State Park Campground
Buck Creek County ParkC
Clayton Hills Campground
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello
Riverview Ridge
Recent Reviews near Greeley, IA
484 Reviews of 149 Greeley Campgrounds
- DDonald S.Scout
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.
LegendBankston 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.
- BBRIAN F.
GuideRustic 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.LegendPikes 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.
- RRussell H.
TravelerWanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Very nice basic campground
Driving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
- DDavid A.Scout
Riverview Ridge
A few concerns for tent camping
Arrived late at night and struggled to find correct site as there were no numbers posted. Also no external lighting or picnic table. Bathrooms were clean and office help was accommodating when reservation was made.
- ssteve B.Scout
Creek Valley Campground
Fine grounds, my spot taken
I reserved online same day; didn’t show up until dusk/dark - @8:30pm on a Tuesday evening. My assigned pull through site was occupied and office closed. So I looked, found an open site and pulled in. Just overnight and I least @8:15am next morning so did not see any employee.
- Andy M.Legend
Miller Riverview City Park
Dubuque Iowa
Nice spot right on the mighty Mississippi.
Guide to Greeley
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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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?
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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