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The northeastern Iowa landscape around Strawberry Point contains several established campgrounds with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Backbone State Park, Iowa's first state park, serves as the primary camping destination with two distinct campgrounds offering different experiences. Six Pines Campground provides primitive tent sites with pit toilets, while South Lake Campground offers electric hookups, shower facilities, and cabin rentals. Additional camping options include Fountain Springs County Park, Elkader City Park, and Pikes Peak State Park, creating a network of public lands within a 30-mile radius of Strawberry Point.
Camping facilities throughout the region remain accessible primarily from April through October, with most shower houses and water services closed during colder months. Backbone State Park campgrounds require reservations during peak periods, particularly summer weekends and fall color season, while off-peak camping may be available on a first-come basis. Winter camping options are limited, though some sites remain open year-round with reduced services. The terrain features limestone bluffs, hiking trails, and waterways offering recreational activities beyond basic camping. One visitor noted, "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa."
The camping experience near Strawberry Point attracts visitors seeking outdoor recreation beyond just overnight stays. Water activities represent a significant draw, with multiple campgrounds offering lake or river access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Hiking trails, particularly at Backbone State Park, receive consistent praise for their scenic qualities and variety. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, picnic areas, and camp stores at select locations. Strawberry Point campgrounds provide a perfect base for exploring northeastern Iowa's unique natural features and outdoor recreational opportunities. However, campers report varying conditions at water access points, with some reviews noting water quality concerns. "The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss and excessive goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable," shared one camper, though they still awarded a high rating due to excellent hiking trails, cave exploration opportunities, and clean facilities.
"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."
"This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. I've tent camped in April and cabin camped in October."
from $12 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $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"We visited Backbone State Park with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite Iowa getaways."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa’s state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"
"It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The campground is close to down, there are two museums within walking distance (just steps from the campground entrance)."
"The campground is next to the city pool and history museum, which has great exhibits and a few historic train cars to explore."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."
"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."
RangerVery nice campground with a few FHU sites, most are electric only. Some sites are pretty sloped making it hard to level longer rigs. Check carefully when making your reservation. Nice close hike to see the overlooks to the river, and there’s a well maintained hike down to the Bridal Veil Falls. Minus 1 star for the horrible push-button operated showers that only stay on for 6 seconds at a time. Good phone service for both t-mobile and AT&T.
RangerGreat little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.
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
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
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.
Northeastern Iowa campgrounds near Strawberry Point offer varied terrain within the Driftless Area, where limestone bluffs and spring-fed streams create unique camping opportunities. Winter camping options remain limited to a few parks with year-round access, though water services typically close October through April. Most campgrounds provide site-specific amenities ranging from primitive tent-only spots to full-hookup RV pads.
Fishing opportunities: Fountain Springs County Park features a small stocked trout stream directly accessible from campsites. "This primative campground has a small stocked trout stream running through it. It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy," notes Robert F. in his review of Fountain Springs County Park.
Trail exploration: Walk the famous Backbone trail in Backbone State Park for a unique geological experience. "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate. We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long," shares Rachel H. about her experience at Six Pines Campground.
River activities: Tube or kayak in the Grant River near Nelson Dewey State Park during summer months. "Grant River near by to go tubing on hot summer days," reports Renee W. in her review of Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, making this one of the best places to camp near Strawberry Point, Iowa for water recreation.
Quiet solitude: Fountain Springs offers secluded camping ideal for those seeking peace and minimal crowds. "I have been coming to Fountain Spring for the trout fishing for years. More recently, for the last two years, this has become my go-to spot for camping. Camping is free and there are several sites to choose from, most (literally) a few yards from the trout stream," explains Kerry M. about his experiences at Fountain Springs County Park.
Clean facilities: Elkader City Park provides well-maintained shower facilities and convenient access to town. "The facilities are newer and pretty nice. The showers are the single-button kind with no temperature adjustment. If you wait a while, the water does get barely warm enough for a comfortable shower," notes Ryan S. in his review of Elkader City Park.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. "Usually, I hear (or see) turkeys and woodpeckers. Other camp visitors include whitetail deer, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional skunk," shares Kerry M. about Fountain Springs County Park, making it among the top camping destinations near Strawberry Point.
Train noise concerns: Campers at Nelson Dewey State Park should prepare for train disturbances. "HUGE caveat - this site sits on a ridge above a county highway and freight train tracks. There are also train tracks on the other side of the river. When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud!" warns Steph P. about the walk-in sites.
Site selection considerations: Campsite terrain varies significantly within the region. "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. As a hammock camper, this was not a good site," explains Rene about site 18 at Nelson Dewey State Park.
Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity exists at some campgrounds. "Free up to two weeks, very primitive, all I could do was text from my AT&T phone. Very odd wormy looking things falling from the trees. I forgot where my morning destination was and had to use GPS to feel my way out until I had service again," reports Tammie C. about her experience at Fountain Springs.
Multiple playground options: Baileys Ford Park offers extensive play areas for children. "Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings. This place even had an outdoor chapel," reports Ashley F. in her review of Baileys Ford.
Educational opportunities: Osborne Conservation Center provides hands-on learning for children near camping areas. "This is a great place for kids to explore. Well maintained and the animal exhibit is amazing!!" shares Dustin B. about the Osborne Conservation Center.
Group camping accommodations: Coffins Grove Park allows flexible camping arrangements for family gatherings. "Nice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together (we camp here every year for our family reunion). Newer playground that my kids love, sand so that's an extra play optional," explains Elizabeth K. about her experience at Delaware County Coffins Grove Park.
Booking requirements: Some parks require minimum stays during peak season. "FYI When we made reservations this site required a two-night minimum stay. Don't know if that is for all seasons. Nice pull-through, large enough for our 36' 5th Wheel and pickup tow vehicle, needed more leveling than some," explains Grace D. about her stay at Pikes Peak State Park Campground.
Affordable rates: Iowa state parks offer competitive pricing compared to neighboring states. "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!" reports Danny J. about Pikes Peak State Park.
Dump station access: Dump station quality varies between campgrounds. "The downside to this campground is the dump station. It is just a hole in a manhole cover. It's in a dirt/weedy area and smells terrible. It's located across the street from the campground," warns Ryan S. about Elkader City Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Strawberry Point Camping area?
Strawberry Point camping areas in northeastern Iowa typically offer basic amenities similar to Elkader City Park, which provides good proximity to town amenities, museums within walking distance, and access to walking and biking trails. Many campgrounds in the region offer electric hookups, potable water, restroom facilities, and picnic areas. For more comprehensive facilities, nearby Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park features modern amenities including electric hookups, shower houses, and recreational opportunities like kayak rentals, hiking trails, and lake access.
Where is Strawberry Point Campground located in Iowa?
Strawberry Point is located in northeastern Iowa, in Clayton County. The area is part of Iowa's scenic Driftless Region, characterized by unique geological features uncommon in the rest of the state. This location puts it near several notable outdoor destinations, including Backbone State Park to the west and Yellow River State Forest to the northeast. The region is also relatively close to the Mississippi River and the Iowa-Wisconsin border, making it accessible from multiple directions and a good base for exploring northeastern Iowa's natural attractions.
When is the best time of year to camp at Strawberry Point?
The best time to camp around Strawberry Point is late spring through early fall (May-September) when weather conditions are most favorable. Similar to George Wyth State Park Campground, the area offers reduced camping rates during the off-season (October through April), but expect chillier conditions. Summer provides warmer temperatures ideal for water activities, while fall offers spectacular foliage. Many campers prefer late summer when water levels are suitable for fishing and kayaking. Spring camping can be beautiful but occasionally chilly overnight, as experienced by visitors to nearby parks.
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