How much does it cost to camp at South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park?

Camping at South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park can cost between $12.00 and $25.00 depending on the site.

Does South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.

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Established Camping

South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park

1 Review

Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect

There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

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.

Modern facilities are shut down throughout the park. This includes the shower buildings and modern restrooms. The dumpstation is also closed. The frost free hydrants in the campgrounds will be on until November. The cabins are still open and available to rent, and the electricity at the campground stays on also. Posted 10/30/24

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.

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.

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

DNR - Parks

Backbone State Park

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.

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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.