143 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 $16 - $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 $23 - $40 / 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"Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails."
"Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks."
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.
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.
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.
GuideJust an overnight stay but I want to return to Firefly. There are lots of fireflies at night so easy to see why it got the name. All the pads are concrete in this new park. Full hookups that are easy to use. Great playground for the kids.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
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 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
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