Established Camping
South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Both campgrounds are closed from December 1 - March 31 each year. Exception: The 2 youth group sites in the South Lake campground accept reservations year round.
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 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.
The South Lake and Six Pines campgrounds are 100 percent reservable and accept reservations April 1 - November 30 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
South Lake Campground at Backbone State Park is surrounded by forested terrain with a mix of hills and flat areas. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Backbone Lake and the park's hiking trails, offering opportunities for fishing and exploring nature.
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.
Location
South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park is located in Iowa
Directions
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 Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageLast on 6/29/25
Detours Nearby
Baileys Ford
21 min away
Bailey Ford Delaware County Park
21 min away
Drive Time
- 51 min from Dubuque
- 52 min from Waterloo
- 1 hr 4 min from Cedar Rapids
- 1 hr 22 min from Iowa City
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageLast on 6/29/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
