Camping spots near Hopkinton, Iowa cluster around the Maquoketa River watershed, with elevations ranging from 800-1,000 feet above sea level in gently rolling terrain. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal changes with camping generally available from April through October, though winter camping options exist at select locations. Most campgrounds stay open until mid-October when nighttime temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
What to do
Trout fishing access: At Bailey's Ford Park, campers can fish in stocked trout streams directly from their sites. "Access to the trout stream directly from our site! The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean)," notes camper Ashley F.
Hiking trails: Backbone State Park offers multiple trail systems through limestone bluffs. "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. The famous Backbone trail provides a moderate difficulty hike with unique rock formations.
Kayaking opportunities: Many campgrounds offer river access and boat launches. At Pinicon Ridge Park, "The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals," explains Brandon T., who also mentions they "enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night" after hiking into town.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: New Wine Park campsites offer ample space between neighbors. "All of the sites are large and well spaced with good hammock trees, fire pits, and picnic tables, and nice gravel parking pads. The sites are so large you have lots of places to pick from to pitch your tent on the level grassy sites," reports Annie C.
Clean facilities: Many campers comment positively about bathhouse cleanliness. At Bailey's Ford, a camper noted, "The showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones." Multiple locations upgraded their facilities recently, including Pinicon Ridge with "new showers" that campers describe as "amazing."
Nature immersion: At Worthington Sportsman's Club, campers enjoy secluded spots. "So secluded without being in the middle of nowhere. People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there!" says Becky, who also mentions "great fishing while we were there too."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Hopkinton operate April through October. Central Park runs "mid apr-mid oct" according to their information. Jellystone Park Monticello specifically operates "April 15 to October 15."
Reservation recommendations: Weekend camping during summer requires advance planning. Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with electric hookups. At Bailey's 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."
Water quality concerns: Central Park now has a restored lake, with Leslie P. noting "Beautiful little lake. Nice beach area." However, at Backbone State Park, one camper warned "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature child-friendly amenities. Pinicon Ridge Park has what Chelsea D. calls "the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured."
Educational opportunities: Bailey's Ford offers nature-focused learning. "There are restrooms which are well taken care of but no showers at the time as they were 'covid closed'. There are multiple playgrounds with grills and shelter, and tons of easy hiking for families with kids. We played in the springs when we stayed, relaxed and just walked the park," shares Chantal C.
Quieter weekday stays: Family camping works best midweek when campgrounds are less crowded. As one camper at New Wine Park noted, "We stayed just after Labor Day and we were one of 6 trailers in the entire park." This pattern holds true across most campgrounds in the region.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric sites are common, with full-hookup options limited. At New Wine Park, "Water/Elec was $18 dollars night" according to Russell B., who found it "Very nice campground at reasonable price."
Site levelness: Many campgrounds feature level sites for easy RV setup. Pinicon Ridge campers report "The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table," making setup straightforward for larger rigs.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide dump stations at entrance/exit points rather than at individual sites. At Pinicon Ridge, they offer "W/E hook ups. Dump available on entrance/exit."
