144 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near New Vienna, Iowa ranges from developed RV campgrounds with electric hookups and shower facilities to primitive tent sites, all within a 30-mile radius. County parks like New Wine Park offer 29 campsites along the North Fork Maquoketa River, and Twin Bridges County Park sits on Elk Creek. The campgrounds in this area predominantly support both tent and RV camping, with a few locations like Backbone State Park also offering cabin accommodations. Mixed-use campgrounds are common throughout the region, with many facilities maintaining primitive sites alongside electric hookups and water access points.
Reservations are recommended at most developed campgrounds, especially during summer months when visitation peaks. New Wine Park operates with nine reservable sites while keeping the remainder available for first-come, first-served camping. Winter camping is possible at several locations that remain open year-round, including Swiss Valley County Park near Dubuque. Most campgrounds in the area maintain moderate to good road access suitable for standard vehicles, though some primitive areas may present challenges during wet weather. Cell service varies significantly, with more remote locations like Fountain Springs County Park offering minimal connectivity. A visitor noted: "Free up to two weeks, very primitive, all I could do was text from my AT&T phone. You'll want a hard copy of your directions if you stay the night."
Many campgrounds throughout the region feature water proximity as a key attraction. The Mississippi River forms the eastern boundary of the broader region, with Nelson Dewey State Park providing bluff-top views across the water. Fountain Springs County Park receives positive reviews for its trout fishing opportunities directly adjacent to campsites. Campground amenities vary substantially, with more developed locations offering shower facilities, dump stations, and electric hookups, while others maintain a more primitive experience. Visitor feedback frequently mentions the peacefulness of the area's campgrounds, particularly during weekdays when usage drops. According to a recent review, New Wine Park is "very nice at reasonable price. We stayed just after Labor Day and we were one of 6 trailers in the entire park."
"The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."
"Friendly Crowds and secluded spot despite us staying next to the main road for the camping area. Sunsets were beautiful looking west over the Mississippi River."
from $18 - $110 / 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."
"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 $12 - $25 / night
Check Availability"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
"A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching! Come one New Years for the annual carp drop :)"
"This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Along Elk Creek, about half of the campground has sites on the Creek, but very few actually have access to the creek. All of the sites have nice trees and shade."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Train tracks border the campground and train horns are loud. Has sites with views of the Mississippi."
"Railroad tracks border the campground. Train horns are loud and was awaken at 3 am. It does have a nice view of the Mississippi and you can see the river from many camp sites."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric."
from $45 - $65 / night
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GuideWe came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
LegendTons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station
ScoutVery quiet campground. Not a bad spot. Has dump station and a few water spigots to fill up on your way in. Plenty of old trees. Cell service is spotty.
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
GuideCampground sits on a hill overlooking a number of farms. Absolutely beautiful. Decent sized sites, full hook-ups. Also a dump station. Small store on site. Trees provide shade. Many acres of paths and grass to walk the dog. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Whole place is neat and tidy. Only negative is highway noise. Pull through sites are farther from highway so may be less noisy there.
LegendWe got here on a Monday and got a great spot in the back. The sunrise was spectacular. Then the fog moved in off the river and it was pretty cool.
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
Camping spots near New Vienna, Iowa feature a mix of forested sites and river access points within the Paleozoic Plateau, a unique landform characterized by deeply carved river valleys and limestone outcroppings. The area's climate includes warm summers with highs around 80°F and cold winters dropping below 20°F, with peak camping season running May through October. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis for a portion of their sites while reserving others for advance booking.
**Trout fishing: Close access to stocked streams at Fountain Springs County Park provides excellent angling opportunities. "The stream offers good trout fishing. It is stocked regularly with rainbow trout," notes Kerry M., who appreciates the proximity of campsites to the water.
**Hiking at varied difficulty levels: The trails at Backbone State Park range from beginner-friendly to moderately challenging. "Great hiking trails, great beach, lighthouse, boat docks, cabins, caves, and much more," mentions Melanie Jo L., highlighting the trail diversity. Fall visitors particularly enjoy the colorful foliage displays along these routes.
**Winter camping options: Swiss Valley County Park remains open year-round, allowing for off-season access when many other campgrounds close. "Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites," notes Tom R., making this a viable option for those seeking cold-weather camping experiences in the area.
**Privacy at walk-in sites: Nelson Dewey State Park offers walk-in campsites with exceptional views. "Site C is incredibly difficult to reserve (best dates I could find were a Mon-Wed in October which I booked in APRIL), it's worth the views and the privacy," shares Steph P., noting the exclusivity of these premium spots.
**Well-maintained facilities: Many camping areas near New Vienna maintain clean bathrooms and shower facilities. "This is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses," reports Ashley F. about Nelson Dewey State Park, a sentiment echoed across several nearby campgrounds.
**Quiet weekday visits: Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere during non-weekend periods at New Wine Park. "We stayed just after Labor Day and we were one of 6 trailers in the entire park," shares Russell B., highlighting the opportunity for solitude during off-peak times.
**Train noise impacts: Several camping locations near New Vienna experience regular train disturbances. At Grant River Recreation Area, "a railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour," warns Lyle B.
**Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the area, with some locations offering minimal service. At Fountain Springs County Park, one camper notes: "Very primitive, all I could do was text from my AT&T phone... You'll want a hard copy of your directions if you stay the night."
**Early booking requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly at scenic locations. "While Site C is incredibly difficult to reserve (best dates I could find were a Mon-Wed in October which I booked in APRIL), it's worth the views and the privacy," advises a visitor to Nelson Dewey State Park.
**Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Twin Bridges County Park, "there are three nice pavilions in the campground that you can reserve (or hang out in if they are available)," notes Annie C., providing shelter options for family gatherings regardless of weather conditions.
**Water play opportunities: Stream access points provide safe recreation for children. "The park has the river on one end and cold water springs all around the other side," shares Chantal C. about Baileys Ford, adding that "there are multiple playgrounds with grills and shelter, and tons of easy hiking for families with kids."
**Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature centers with interpretive displays. "There was a nice nature center," mentions one visitor about Baileys Ford, providing learning opportunities for young campers curious about local wildlife and ecosystems.
**Electric hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer a limited number of sites with electrical connections. At Wyalusing State Park, visitors note that the developed campground areas provide reliable hookups, though they come with less privacy than primitive sites.
**Dump station locations: RV campers should note available sanitation facilities. Swiss Valley County Park offers "recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites," according to James M., making it suitable for self-contained units requiring periodic waste disposal.
**Site sizing considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. Sites at some parks "are very close to one another, and most are very close to the road," cautions one reviewer about Wisconsin Ridge campground, suggesting that RVers check site dimensions before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near New Vienna, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Vienna, IA is Nelson Dewey State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.
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