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."
"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
$33 / night
"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."
$15 - $35 / night
"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 :)"
"Camp sites are far enough away from neighbors that there is some privacy. Need a state park sticker to access. Illinois Minnesota and Iowa are all short drives away."
"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."
"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!"
$25 / night
$35 / night
"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."
"We visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways."
TravelerStaying in the Deerfield (?) loop provided quiet sites, some good wooded walks in the campground, and clean bathrooms. The park itself offers pretty, remote hiking along the bluffs and in the forests. You won't get bored camping here, although Wyalusing is a little too big to be walkable. Summers can be very hot, and swimming at Wyalusing is iffy/nonexistent.
GuideWyalusing State Park is a real gem, if you’re able to get a spot. The campsites along the ridge offer the best views, but do not have electricity. The inner campsites have electricity but no views. Definitely not the most private campground, with many sites being tight up against the campground road.
There are some very nice hiking trails here, as well as a few interesting things like the little “cave” you can check out. We came here in April and had a wonderful time, it was not too muddy and not too cold at night.
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional reflections and tips as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this camp loop near the remarkable cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground is nestled under a dense canopy of tall trees, offering shade, peace and a deep-woods feel rarely found so close to a major trail and cave network; (2) It’s just a short walk from the trailhead of the park’s famed 13-cave system, making it ideal for early morning spelunkers or families wanting adventure without long drives; (3) Campsites are reasonably spacious and include essential hookups with 24 of the roughly 28 sites featuring 20 / 30 / 50-amp electric and many are well separated from neighbors; (4) The modern bathhouse and showers are clean and appreciated, especially after muddy hikes through the caves; (5) Wildlife and geology lovers will be delighted, where you can expect to see deer, turkey, and perhaps even a bat fluttering near dusk, with cave formations and hiking trails that are genuinely outstanding; and (6) The campground here really is one of the best I’ve ever come across, where it is nicely tucked away AFTER you pass by the tourist trappings that these bat caves produce, but what you will enjoy most is the serenity of the place, watching as the thick mist lifts from the campground area as the sun rises higher during the day giving off a very cool vibe to this place.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some of the access roads and pads are packed sand and gravel rather than smooth pavement, which can challenge level setup for larger rigs after rain; (2) Trail signage can be minimal and navigating the caves may get confusing without a good flashlight or headlamp; (3) Although the hookups exist, this campground is still basic compared to full-service resorts (which, TBH is why I love it here so much), so no big clubhouse or elaborate amenities; (4) Sites closer to the entrance (like #1-#3 or #27-#28) can register more traffic and less tranquility than those deeper in the loop; and (5) Bee and mosquito activity near the creek and cave edges can pick up at dusk in the summer, so a bit of bug protection goes a long way.
Happy Camping!
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed look at this warm, unpretentious, and delightfully layered campground just east of Maquoketa Caves State Park.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground’s two-tiered design offers a unique blend of rustic seclusion and riverside serenity where the upper plateau caters to tent campers with grassy lawns, mature shade trees and well-maintained fire rings, while the lower level hugs the slow-moving Maquoketa River and is more suited to the RV camping tribe; (2) Karen Townsend, who manages the place, and her welcoming crew embody true Midwestern hospitality – you know, the kind that makes strangers feel like locals; (3) The lower section features spacious riverfront sites with water and 30-amp hookups, plus a small boat ramp, diving platform and calm waters for kayaking or just floating; (4) The peace and quiet are unbeatable, with the only background noise being a chorus of crickets and the soft babble of the river; and (5) Location-wise, it’s hard to top, being just minutes from Maquoketa Caves State Park, and surrounded by scenic farmland with zero city intrusion.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The campground operates strictly on cash, money order, or check, so if you’re the ‘tap-to-pay’ type, plan ahead or you’ll be driving back into town for funds; (2) The gravel descent to the river level can be tricky for longer trailers or heavy rigs, particularly after a good Iowa rain; (3) Amenities are minimal here with no frills, no WiFi, no clubhouse… but that’s exactly what keeps this place authentic and peaceful.
Happy Camping!
TravelerWe visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways. The park’s rugged cliffs and shaded trails made it feel like a real adventure without being too challenging for little legs. The Backbone Trail was a hit– the kids loved scrambling over rocks and exploring the forest, and we loved that the scenery kept all of us engaged.
The campground was perfect for our family. Our site was spacious and tucked among the trees, giving the kids plenty of room to play while still feeling safe and close by. The restrooms were clean, the campground was quiet at night, and having a mix of electric and non-electric sites made it easy to choose what fit our setup. We could walk straight from our campsite to the lake and several trailheads, which made the trip feel super low-stress.
Overall, Backbone State Park gave us that great balance of adventure and ease— a beautiful spot where the kids could explore, and we could unwind together. It’s definitely a place we’ll return to.
LegendThis county park offers wonderful hiking trails, and the campground has sites that include gravel pads, fire rings, electricity, tables, and a dump station. Shower house is seasonal at the campground, but the nature center has codes for showers. Nature center is seasonal as well. Seasonal hosts and a Ranger live on site.
TravelerGreat weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!
GuideA little cramped, nice people. We didn't use the pool but it had adults only after dark. Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric. There is a dump station, small concession, playground. A small creek runs around much of the outside of the property.
GuideBeautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.
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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