Campgrounds near Hopkinton, Iowa range from developed county parks to state-managed recreation areas, with a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options. Bailey's Ford Park and New Wine Park feature water and electric hookups within a 30-minute drive of Hopkinton, offering amenities like showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Several campgrounds provide river access, including Pinicon Ridge Park along the Wapsipinicon River and Bailey's Ford along the Maquoketa River. Most sites in the region accommodate both tent camping and RVs, with some locations featuring designated cabin areas for those seeking additional comfort.
Access to campgrounds near Hopkinton varies seasonally, with many sites operating from April through October. Backbone State Park and New Wine Park remain open year-round, offering camping opportunities even in winter months. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping during summer months, especially at popular locations like Jellystone Park Monticello, which operates only from mid-April to mid-October. The mixed-use campgrounds typically provide a range of hookups for RVs while maintaining primitive sites for tent campers. Many campgrounds feature accessible restroom facilities, though availability of showers depends on the location and season. According to one visitor at Bailey's Ford: "The showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones. Access to the river was available and there was a boat launch site."
River access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the Hopkinton area. Campers frequently mention fishing opportunities and water activities in their reviews. At Worthington Sportsman's Club, one camper noted: "So secluded without being in the middle of nowhere. People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there!" Developed campgrounds like Bailey's Ford Delaware County Park combine natural features with facilities like sanitary dump stations, drinking water, and trash service. Tent sites at many locations offer more privacy and direct access to natural features, while RV areas typically provide more developed infrastructure. Campground density remains relatively low compared to more touristy regions, allowing for quiet experiences even during peak season. Several locations feature hiking trails, playgrounds, and fishing access that enhance the camping experience beyond simply having a place to sleep.
$35 - $105 / night
"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."
"Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "
"Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."
$16 - $25 / night
"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."
"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."
"People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there! The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles). Great fishing while we were there too."
"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!"
"Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."
"Small lake to fish and kayak!"
$20 - $28 / night
"cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."
"This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."
TravelerBeautiful location for peace and quiet, but close enough to get back on the road. Good sized sites with electric - dump and water near the entrance. Excellents paths to explore and many clean showers(6).
ScoutVery friendly and clean! The bathrooms and showers are very nice. We enjoyed our short stay and will be back.
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!
GuideBeautiful campsite! Plenty of scenery to take in. Has many great spots for fishing on the banks as well as a boat ramp with plenty of parking and a fish cleaning station. Nice hiking trails. Campsites were clean and well maintained. The only issue we had and it probably doesn’t happen often, but the restrooms were out of service and we couldn’t get ahold of a ranger to get them fixed for the weekend so if you had to number 1 that was doable number 2 was dicey. I’m sure they have had them fixed since we left
ScoutVery clean, hookups in great shape, everything is brand new. Lots of cement. But missing the charm of a more established campground.
ScoutNice new clean great wi fi with Verizon
LegendThis cabin sleeps six people, is modern and includes full service kitchen, bathroom with ADA accessible shower, picnic table, fire ring and grill, freed firewood! Trails along the Wapsipinicon River, prairie, and woodlands. Nature Center has love animals, exhibits, and offers programs . River landing offers river access for paddling. Observatory offers night programs by local university.
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
LegendThis seasonal campground offers picnic tables, fire rings, play area, restrooms, and fire hydrants for water with dump station. The park offers trails, a nature center, shelter, and lake. Situated near convenience stores for Supplies as well.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Hopkinton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hopkinton, IA is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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