Best Campgrounds near Maquoketa, IA

Eastern Iowa's Maquoketa area features a diverse range of camping experiences centered around its unique geological formations and river systems. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, located about 20 minutes outside the city, serves as the region's premier destination with 30 sites including five walk-in tent areas and 25 electric hookups. The surrounding landscape includes several county parks and private campgrounds like 6B's Campground, which offers riverfront access along the Maquoketa River. Within city limits, Horseshoe Pond provides a convenient urban camping option with electric hookups and amenities including a fishing pond, disc golf course, and playground facilities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region, with most state park facilities operating from April through December. Maquoketa Caves State Park occasionally implements cave closures to protect bat populations, requiring visitors to check current status before planning spelunking activities. As one camper noted, "If you want to go in caves, bring headlamps/flashlights and prepare to have wet shoes." The area experiences typical Midwestern weather patterns with summer temperatures in the 80s during the day and 60s overnight. Gravel access roads are common at many sites, though most are navigable with standard vehicles. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays, especially during summer months when day-use visitors can create significant crowding.

The cave systems represent the most distinctive feature of camping in the Maquoketa area, with visitors consistently highlighting the exploration opportunities. According to one reviewer, "The cave network is stunning and a great place for group camping! There are caves for everyone, whether you're claustrophobic and don't want to be in tight spaces or you're willing to army crawl for 1/4 mile." Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and access to drinking water. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained trails connecting various natural features. For those seeking water recreation, several campgrounds offer access to the Maquoketa River for fishing and paddling, though the waterways near the caves themselves are typically too small for boating activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Maquoketa, Iowa (140)

    1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $20 - $28 / night

    "Fire wood is available near the bathrooms with a donation box. Best part of this campsite was the walking distance from Maquoketa Caves State Park site with beautiful hiking trails easy to explore."

    "Hand’s down, this is one of Iowa’s best state parks, so if you’ve never made your way here to Maquoketa Caves SP, you need to start making your plans."

    2. Eden Valley Refuge

    6 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    "Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."

    "Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"

    3. Horseshoe Pond

    2 Reviews
    Maquoketa, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-2484

    $21 / night

    4. 6B's Campground

    1 Review
    Maquoketa, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 202-3262

    "My twin brother and I discovered this little hidden gem of a campground outpost just a mile or so east of Maquoketa Caves SP."

    5. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 273-2731

    "Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."

    "It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."

    6. Bellevue State Park Campground — Dyas Unit

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 872-4019

    $12 - $28 / night

    "We had stayed there because we couldn't get a site at Maquoketa Caves State Park and ended up quite happy."

    "CG site atop river bluff with pads, fire rings, tables, RR, recycling, trails, shelters nearby. Sites are close to each other but plenty to do."

    7. Joinerville County Park

    1 Review
    Baldwin, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-3783

    8. Walnut Grove Co Park

    4 Reviews
    Wheatland, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    9. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    18 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3282

    $17 - $36 / night

    "Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."

    "Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."

    10. Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Maquoketa, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-4282
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Showing results 1-10 of 140 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Maquoketa, IA

623 Reviews of 140 Maquoketa Campgrounds



Guide to Maquoketa

Camping near Maquoketa, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore caves: Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground for a unique experience. One camper mentioned, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends."
  • Hiking trails: Check out Backbone State Park for stunning trails. A visitor shared, "There are tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access."
  • Fishing and boating: At Lake Macbride State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One reviewer noted, "The park offers lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers at Nelson Dewey State Park rave about the views. One camper said, "The trails were enchanting and abundant in life... it was such an unexpected delight."
  • Clean facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "Bathrooms were spotless and water is drinkable."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of places like Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River. One reviewer stated, "Place was calm, relaxing, and even quiet, despite the holiday weekend."

What you should know:

  • Train noise: If you camp at Nelson Dewey State Park, be prepared for train sounds. A camper warned, "When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries... it's incredibly loud!"
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sugar Bottom Campground, lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
  • Secluded sites: Campers at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground found some sites very secluded. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground provided a quieter respite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose flat sites: Look for level camping spots, especially at White Pines Forest State Park. A camper advised, "I wouldn’t recommend any on the hilly side, but sites 20-26 are fabulous!"
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Lake Macbride State Park Campground enjoyed the "quiet nearby trail within walking distance."
  • Pack snacks and meals: Campers at F. W. Kent Park appreciated the amenities nearby. One said, "Easy to get to amenities and grocery stores."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers at Sugar Bottom Campground found some sites close together. One noted, "Most of the sites back up to your neighbors and a lot of sites were very close together."
  • Be prepared for limited service: Campers at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground mentioned spotty cell service. A visitor shared, "Verizon service was not great in the area but could still stay connected for the most part."
  • Bring extra supplies: At Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, one camper suggested, "You do get some traffic noise... bring your own firewood."

Camping near Maquoketa, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Maquoketa, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maquoketa, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

What parks are near Maquoketa, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Maquoketa, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.