167 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
from $35 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve."
"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. "
"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."
"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 Availability"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."
"Close to bathroom and showers. Hiking trails. Nice place to fish and explore."
"The RV sites aren’t really out of the ordinary but the park sits upon a slight rise above the Missouri River and the road around the campground leads down to the river."
from $12 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
from $20 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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!"
GuideOne of my favorites. Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve. I arrived on a Friday afternoon in July and found a site easily.
ScoutA well kept park with a very laid back atmosphere. Buggy yes but the park is worth it.
ScoutThe campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
ScoutJust stopped for one night. Very friendly and helpful camp staff. Nice trees, electrical and sewer.
TravelerNice campground with hookups. But the shower only had the push button and the water was so hot it was scalding!
ScoutI have visited this park many times. It is small and has beautiful views and nice short hike trails on the other side , across the bridge, of the park. Old camping site is located among old trees. There is rescued animal display in there as well.
GuideGood spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
TravelerWe really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
RangerThe campground is very nice but most of the sites are not level. I’m not talking about just put down the leveling blocks, they’re like backing into a ditch. Thankfully I’m staying when it’s not busy but I had to circle the campground three times to find a site I could make work and call reservation.gov to change my reservation. It’s a shame because it is a very scenic location and the camp hosts have been superb.
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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