Dispersed camping options are limited around Guttenberg, Iowa, as most camping in this Mississippi River region is at established campgrounds. The area sits at approximately 628 feet above sea level and features limestone bluffs along the river corridor. Seasonal flooding affects riverside camping areas, particularly during spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall periods.
What to do
River recreation: 30711 396th Ave. Access the Mississippi River at Spruce Creek Park north of Bellevue where fishing from the shore or dock is popular. "Right on the water. Nice shower house and close to bike trail that leads to Bellevue," notes a camper.
Cave exploration: 15 minutes north. Visit the crystal caverns from Guttenberg. "If you have not been in a cave, I recommend it, but I've been in mammoth cave so it's not impressive to me," shares a camper at Spruce Creek Park.
Biking: Accessible from multiple sites. The Mississippi River Trail provides paved routes connecting river towns. A visitor at Skip-A-Way Resort mentions, "You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that."
Scenic overlooks: Short drive required. Travel to Wyalusing State Park for panoramic views. "The sites on the three cul-de-sacs seemed the most private and experience the lowest drive-by traffic," reports a camper about the Homestead Campground area.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Variable across campgrounds. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park offers well-maintained spaces. "This is a wonderful location for just relaxing or doing things in Dubuque. The views are pastoral...rolling Wisconsin bluffs and farms. We stayed in site 25 which was on an end, had great views, a concrete patio with table and chairs, and was level," shares one visitor.
Water activities: Available May-September. Skip-A-Way Resort features multiple water options. "They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here."
Clean facilities: Important consideration. Rustic Barn maintains high standards. "Shower house was immaculate with large hard stalled showers/changing room. Nice rec room with TV, games, books, soft seating, pinball, ping pong, and pool table," reports a camper.
Nature viewing: Best at sunset. Camping sites with western exposure provide river views. "The sunsets will draw you in and the hospitality will make you wanna stay," notes a visitor at Rustic Barn Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Affects specific campgrounds. Blanding Landing campers should expect regular train traffic. "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often," warns a visitor.
Limited facilities at some locations: Check amenities before booking. "Groceries and ice are 13 miles away on hilly pavement roads," notes a Blanding Landing camper.
Seasonal operations: Plan accordingly. Most campgrounds close for winter. "Sites by the river don't have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most 'wooded' but also right near the trains," reports a Blanding Landing visitor.
Weather impacts: Be prepared for sudden changes. Strong winds affect high-elevation sites. The Wisconsin Ridge area at Wyalusing State Park is "noted for its rip-roaring winds, one camper told us that during the rainy and wind night before, their shelter took off and tumbled down the valley."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at select campgrounds. Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits lock & dam #12," shares a Spruce Creek Park visitor.
Water activities: Budget additional fees. Skip-A-Way Resort offers various options. "We stayed here 4 nights. They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes."
Safety considerations: Watch for steep areas. Off Shore RV Park provides level sites near the water. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. No shade since trees have not been planted as well of this date. Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife and history. Visit nearby nature centers and historical sites. "There's a butterfly garden, hiking trails, a lookout where all 4 states are visible. There are also Indian mounds," notes a Spruce Creek Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Full hookups: Available at select sites. RV sites near Guttenberg, Iowa vary in amenities. "58 sites with various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio," reports a visitor at Rustic Barn.
Leveling challenges: Check site descriptions. Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," notes a Rustic Barn camper.
Spacing considerations: Verify site dimensions. Campgrounds differ in privacy levels. "Off Shore RV Park offers river views, hard lanes, tables, fire rings, RR, playground, food, and is just 2 miles north of river town of Bellevue for supplies," mentions a visitor.
Electrical options: Confirm amperage needs. Rustic Barn offers various electrical configurations. "Site Quality: All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park."
