Shaded sites and clean facilities are the defining features at South Lake Campground, set within Backbone State Park in Dundee, Iowa. Electric hookups run at 30/50 amp service, but there are no full hookups, so RV campers need to fill water tanks before pulling into a site. The campground sits near both a lake and river, with fishing, swimming, and hiking trails accessible from camp. Reservations are available online, and pets are permitted. Access has been flagged as rough, so drivers should factor that in when planning. This campground works best for tent campers and RVers who can manage water independently and want direct access to Backbone's trail and water recreation.
Description
The South Lake Campground, which contains both electric and non-electric sites as well as two shower buildings, a playground and a dump station.
Backbone State Park was dedicated in 1920. It was Iowa's first state park and remains one of the most geologically unique. Backbone consists of 2,001 acres and is heavily wooded with a variety of tree species, predominantly oak and maple. Backbone is named for the steep and narrow ridge of bedrock cut by a loop of the Maquoketa River and forming the highest point in northeast Iowa - the Devil's Backbone. If you enjoy bicycling, boating, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, picnicking or if you want to take a walk back in time to the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps, this is the place for you.
Take some time to investigate the unique masonry work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), including dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster of rustic family cabins, beach building and boat house, an auditorium, bridges, roads, picnic shelters, restrooms and trails. In addition, take a nostalgic walk back in time by visiting the CCC Museum located just within the park's west gate. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and by special arrangement through the park office.
Warning 6 Alerts are In Effect
There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 6 Alerts are In Effect
There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The shower buildings, dump station and modern facilities are closed throughout the park for the season. Pit toilets are still available. The cabins are still open and available to reserve. posted 10/29/26
Backbone State Park is holding a controlled deer hunt December 5th and 6th, 2026. The park will only be open to hunters with the special deer hunt licenses. Cabin renters are asked to stay off of trails but are able to utilize the beach and cabin area. The park will open again to the public December 7th, 2026.
All campgrounds are 100 percent reservable and accept reservations until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival. The South Lake is open year round and the Six Pines is open April 1 - November 30.
The Six Pines campground is closed from December 1 - March 31 each year.
The 16 cabins and the Beach Lodge are not accepting reservations from January 4 - May 31, 2027 due to a wastewater project. (Posted January 8, 2026)
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the Backbone Concessionaire at 319-361-4794 or 319-361-4749 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouth Lake Campground is located in Iowa near Dundee
Public CampgroundDirections
To the South Gate Entrance South Lake Campground, Cabins, Beach, Office 1.3 miles north out of Dundee on W69. To East Gate Entrance Backbone trail head and picnic area's 1.5 miles north on W69 from South Gate Entrance. To the West Gate Entrance Six Pines Campground, CCC Museum and picnic areas take 187 North from Hwy 20 to C57, Take C57 5 miles East to park entrance. North Gate Entrance Richmond Springs, Auditorium and picnic areas take Hwy 3 East from Strawberry Point. Go North on W68 to North Gate Approximately 2 miles.
Address
1347 129th St
Dundee, IA 52038
Coordinates
42.6025697 N
91.5416878 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/1/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/1/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 11/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/1/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 11/1/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 51 min from Dubuque, IA
- 52 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 4 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 22 min from Iowa City, IA
