The best camping near Backbone State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Backbone State Park adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover the rugged beauty of Backbone State Park.  

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Community favorites near Backbone State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • Roy's Acres
  • Roy's Acres
  • Roy's Acres
100%
(9)

Roy's Acres

3 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Randalia, IA
Our expansive 360-acre farm, in the family for nearly 80 years, has undergone significant transformation. What was once a grove of trees and a borrow pit for highway construction has evolved into a welcoming campground. Amidst this landscape, we've erected two buildings, one of which is a shop equipped with a restroom and a charming porch. Nestled on this porch, my wife and I delight in evenings spent observing the deer and other wildlife, fostering a serene atmosphere for relaxation. Originally conceived as a space for family enjoyment and camping, we've now decided to extend this hospitality to others, embarking on further campground development. Our campground offers a variety of spots, some equipped with electricity for convenience, while others offer a more primitive experience, allowing guests to disconnect and embrace the tranquility of nature. Flowing through our farm is the Volga River, a delightful waterway perfect for canoeing or kayaking, providing access to Fayette or the Volga River State Recreation Area. Additionally, we boast a quaint pond ideal for fishing, although swimming is not permitted onsite. For those seeking aquatic adventures beyond, the state park offers further fishing opportunities.
Pets
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from 
$20
 / night
  • Eagleback Farms
  • Eagleback Farms
  • Eagleback Farms
Booked 1 time

Eagleback Farms

1 site · Lodging93 acres · IA
Located in the heart of the Mississippi Valley/Iowa Wine Trail, we are a very secluded 93 acer 'Farm' that hasn't been worked for over 40 years; letting nature do what it does best! The Eagles are back nesting in the trees that have slowly crept their way back into the fields while the beavers have gradually taken back the creek, leaving us with spirit soothing scenery and plenty of swimming holes to bathe in. We have a beautiful tree house and three solid log cabins for rent, as well as many other sites for the casual camper or minimalist seeker. While here, enjoy the 3 acer spring fed pond, 40 acers of woods with trails and the plentiful wildlife that inhabit them; as well as our horses, goats, sheep, chickens, and milk cow. We are 12 miles from Historic River Town Guttenberg, IA [http://www.guttenbergiowa.net/], and less then 2 miles from two major state and federally protected river preserves (Turkey and Mississippi) in which you can enjoy beautiful beaches, boating and all sorts of water sports/relaxation. Other highlight of the area include several River Casinos, and notable Wineries such as Eagle Point and Promise Land, which dot the banks of the Mississippi River, along with the Cassville, WI [https://cassville.org/] Car Ferry Landing that is open from Spring to Fall. Dogs, cats and horses welcome and we are also available for large group retreats of all kinds with affordable catering services options too. Come discover all that the Mississippi Valley has to offer, It will keep you coming back for more!
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from 
$139.50
 / night
  • The Country Crib
  • The Country Crib
  • The Country Crib
100%
(1)

The Country Crib

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Elkader, IA
The Cook Heritage Farm Estate, 1848 is located on 200 acres of prairie and timber in the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa. The land has been in the family for 173 years, passed on from generation to generation. The estate property borders the Turkey River and is nestled between rolling farmland and gentle bluffs leading to the mighty Mississippi. The Driftless Area of the upper American Midwest was never glaciated and is characterized by caves and cave systems, disappearing streams, blind valleys, underground streams, sinkholes, springs, and cold streams. The Beginning In 1848, Henry and Mary Cook traveled from Bavaria to America for a better life. Their journey on American soil began in New Orleans where they traveled up the Mississippi River to McGregor, Iowa. They bought their initial 40 acres through the land grant office in McGregor, hooked up a team of oxen and traveled 30 miles overland to settle in Clayton County. To stake a claim of ownership for this land they built a sod hut and lived there for two years to satisfy the land requirements. Although their beginning was meager, their courage was abundant enduring hardships for the potential the land promised. Their pioneer spirits demonstrated a deep commitment for stewardship for the land that eventually produced a rich legacy handed down for generations. Harsh winters and physical labor were offset by the beauty of the area. Henry and Mary and their descendants eventually found a harmony with one another. The Turkey River provided sustenance and its raging springtime surge demonstrated the tenuous balance between man and nature. A give and take that remains to this day. There are several options for accommodations on the acreage: each site will be added. The estate is also open to be full booked by one party - which can accommodate up to 40 over night guests including campers, RV's, house and guest lodge sites. The Country Home: This six-bedroom, two story home was built in 1917. Ninety percent of the design, woodwork, and stained glass are original. The home was plumbed and wired for electricity during the original build. A home generator was placed in the basement to supply battery energy. Radiators were the primary source of heat for every room. The lower level is still heated by radiant heat, and supplemented during fall and winter nights with a kitchen gas fireplace. This is not listed on Hipcamp. The Country Crib Guest Lodge was once the main “corn crib” on the property, used for years to dry and store corn harvested from the farms’ fields. The Crib was renovated into a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a living room, and a sleeping loft. The sleeping loft has 4 queen beds. Enjoy your favorite morning beverage on the east patio deck and watch the sun rise over the prairie flower fields. Star gazing off the second-floor deck is a must. The Crib IS LISTED on Hipcamp. (see pictures of the property and the red Country Crib Guest Lodge.) The Bin Bar adjacent to the Crib was also used for corn storage but abandoned years ago. In 2017, the bin was moved to the east side of the Crib and over the past few years has been fashioned into a gathering spot for late night storytelling and night caps. The Gazebo Fire Pit is built upon the site of the original log house ~ circa 1850. The log house had a water cistern, a conical shaped underground vessel, used to catch fresh rainwater. The water was pumped into the log house using a pitcher pump. The cistern remains and is located underneath the landscape on the west of the Gazebo. The Barn was the first structure built on the property. So, the story goes, “first take care of the livestock and horses to assure human survival”. The Barn is need of restoration. For your safety, the barn is off limits. Acreage Campsites: 6 RV campsites are available: 3 with sewer and electrical hook-ups and 3 electrical only. Surrounding area: Iowa cities including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each city boasts its own fun for day and night entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining pleasures. The Cook Heritage Farm Estate sits between Elgin and Elkader and you can easily follow the ‘river road’ to get between the two destinations.
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from 
$247.50
 / night
  • Prairie Horizon
  • RV site
  • Prairie Horizon

Prairie Horizon

1 site · RV3 acres · Waterloo, IA
Acreage on a gravel road with many shade trees surrounded by farm land. Easy access from Highway 20, Interstate 380, and Avenue of the Saints making it great for an overnight stop from your travels. Wake up to a symphony of song birds (check your Merlin app to see who is singing) and enjoy morning views with your coffee. Beautiful sunrise and sunset views and clear stargazing. You would never guess that within 10 miles you will find hiking and biking trails, municipal golf course, water park, amusement park, casino, shopping (grocery, gas, Target, Walmart, restaurants), Cedar Valley Arboretum, and John Deer tractor museum and factory tours. Our Hound Dog will alert us of your arrival. Not to worry though, he is restrained. We are happy to share garden produce, herbs and flowers that are grown in our gardens. The acreage is also home to several antique tractors. We can accommodate travel trailor, fifth wheel, popup campers (with toilet) and RV's. 1 site, back in. Accommodates slide outs. Surface type - gravel, grass Surface levelness - fairly level Electrical hookup - 30 amp Water hookup - hose for tank fill available Generators allowed - no Sewage hookup - no TV hookup - no Toilets available - no Campfire allowed in fire pit as weather permits. Firewood provided. Pets allowed on leash. Must follow safety and sanitation rules. Pet on leash and pick up poop. Trash bin - yes Picnic table - yes Wifi - no Laundry - no Hot tub - no Check in - after 2:00 pm Check out - before 12:00 pm Cancellation - flexible Minimum nights - 1 Accepts bookings - 4 months out
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • The Nature Nest
  • The Nature Nest
  • The Nature Nest

The Nature Nest

1 site · Tent40 acres · Greeley, IA
We invite you to come experience rest, reflection, and recreation as you connect, and enjoy the zen of the forest. The Nest is tucked away in a flourishing hardwood timber of Northeast Iowa. It’s a space to enjoy some downtime and quiet your heart from the extra noise of everyday life. This natural spot offers plenty of exploration, and adventures for all ages. We invite you to walk guided trails, and experience flowing creeks, rock formations, and natural springs. Enjoy many sit spots for resting, soaking in the native wildlife, and organic flora.
Campfires
from 
$121.50
 / night
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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Backbone State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Backbone State Park

  • A look down the lane toward the big barn.
  • n*Everland Barnyard Camping
  • A look down the lane toward the big barn.
100%
(174)

n*Everland Barnyard Camping

24 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Anamosa, IA
We are hearing from potential campers that they are not able to book dates. We have never been at full occupancy. In order to resolve this issue, we would love to know if you have troubles. Reach out to us directly, or contact Hipcamp support to report the issue. Thank you and sorry for any inconvenience! We are working to solve the problem! Seeking an adventure that feels like somewhere completely different from the norms of society? This is what you will find at n*Everland Barnyard. We march to the beat of our own drummer and love sharing our space with those seeking true connection to nature and themselves. Privacy and community connection, whichever you prefer, we have 20 acres in Anamosa, Iowa at the end of a cul-de-sac just 5 blocks from Main Street. We think it's a slice of heaven and we bet you agree! Do you want to hike into a site? We have a few sites in the woods that are not easily accessible by car, if you want that kind of experience just mention it when booking. Follow us on Facebook to stay abreast of our current events! We are not very active on FB though, so we may miss your message if you reach out to us that way. https://www.facebook.com/Never... FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: Please reach out to us in messaging to determine if this is the right fit for your family vacation as we feel there are better options in the area for kids, but we do make exceptions for the well-behaved and respectful older children. Thank you for your understanding. ABOUT THE BARNYARD: n*Everland Barnyard is an eccentric art installation space created from found, recycled, and repurposed building materials in the heart of Grant Wood Country in Jones County, Iowa. We are not a commercial campground. We focus on Zen, mindfulness, peace, and tranquility. Firmly in the realm of Outsider Art, Gothic and rustic, Bob Kellogg has created a place unlike anywhere else in the world that represents freedom and inspires endless creativity. The land provides multiple camp sites for easy access to bike and walking trails taking visitors into town or through the Wapsipinicon State Park across the river from the property. Anamosa offers several restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses all within walking distance and less than a mile from our land. Kayak the Wapsipinicon River, we recommend a put in at Matsell Bridge, and end only a mile away from your campsite at the Barnyard in Anamosa at the dam takeout. Visit the State Penitentiary Museum, hang out with the Barnyard chickens, hike our wooded trails, or simply unwind. This place is a magical retreat unlike anywhere else in the world. If you are seeking to disconnect from the world, find presence and live in the Now, this is the place for you. We also offer #ProjectCreatePeace, an initiative to create more peace in the world through art as an art project. Check out the extras listings to get your art on while you are here! There is a beautiful spring-fed water hole ideal for swimming in the state park, as well as access to the river from our property (although we do not recommend swimming in the river due to pollutants.) Watching the sunset at the river is one of our absolutely favorite ways to end the day. n*Everland Barnyard and the events we host are the perfect place to meet cool like-minded people, so even if you are single traveler, know that you will find an inviting, safe, and welcome site here for your getaway! We make some of the best pizza you have ever eaten (or so we keep being told) and we have a few special weekends a summer that highlight events such as sound baths that feature garden-fresh, oven-baked foods and pizza. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Never... to stay updated on our events!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$44
 / night
  • New riverside hammocks for guests to enjoy under the trees.
  • Making sure all our visitors know they are in the right place!
  • New riverside hammocks for guests to enjoy under the trees.
99%
(66)

#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

11 sites · Tents15 acres · Oxford Junction, IA
Are you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. Maybe you just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax. Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people? Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. Day passes can be a bit tricky to book, reach out if you need help with the site. We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Very private and peaceful, perfect for those looking for some alone time or time with family/friends. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing! Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully. We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all of the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available. Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Put in your canoe or kayak at Olin for a 3-4 hour float to our camping area. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. Enjoy the Great Jones County Fair only 30 mins away.. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill. Welcoming to all, we love to meet new people and let them share in the joy of bonding with nature freely.
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
  • Thankful for this picnic table to enjoy some oatmeal and coffee!
  • We set up the hammock on some trees in the camping area!
  • Thankful for this picnic table to enjoy some oatmeal and coffee!
92%
(18)

Relax near the Mississippi

5 sites · RVs4 acres · Prairie Du Chien, WI
Relax
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from 
$14
 / night
  • Rear walkout deck
  • beautiful sunsets
  • Rear walkout deck
100%
(5)

RidgeRiverView Acres

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Sherrill, IA
160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 47 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.
Pets
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from 
$130
 / night
  • Wooded Retreat Tiny House
  • Comfy seating for two.
  • Wooded Retreat Tiny House
100%
(6)

Wooded Retreat Tiny House

1 site · Lodging35 acres · La Motte, IA
Imagine this: a wooded creekside. Bird song and wildflowers. Campfire and starlight. Our 8' x 16' tiny house offers the essentials for a back-to-nature getaway without the trouble. We provide a full bed, cookstove, outdoor eating area, firepit, and hammock. Bath facilities are on the rustic side including a shower bag and port-a-potty. Short hiking path into the woods and up to the meadow are marked. Creek stomping and fossil hunting are encouraged. Caves, state and county nature areas, canoeing and kayaking are all nearby.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
  • New Hope Farm
  • 6697 Mitchell Mill Rd. LaMotte, IA
  • New Hope Farm
100%
(7)

New Hope Farm

1 site · Lodging35 acres · La Motte, IA
This farm is ancestral land of the Sauk and Fox peoples and has been our home since 2001. It offers diverse natural beauty including fresh springs and the Tetes des Morts Creek, quiet woods on sloping bluffs, various songbirds and other wildlife. We tend a few sheep and a flock of 20 laying hens, a small orchard and large vegetable gardens. Our black Labrador retriever wanders around here freely. The tiny house will be cleaned and sanitized per COVID protocols prior to your arrival. Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies are provided for guest use during your stay.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$81
 / night

The best camping near Backbone State Park guide

Overview

About

Outdoor living does a body good. So whatcha waitin’ for! Grow a backbone already and get out to Backbone State Park while the gettin’s good. This spot has recreation galore for hikers, bikers, climbers, anglers and professional picnickers. The pleasant lakeside setting surrounded by thick oak and maple forests is a sweet backdrop for all sorts of outdoor shenanigans. Boats can be rented, and the swimming beach is always there for a refreshing dip. Anglers can reel in bass and trout in the lake and streams. There are 21-miles of multi-use and multi-season trails to explore, and one of them takes you up to the geological showcase and park’s namesake the Devil’s Backbone, one of the highest points in the region. Oodles of campsites and some cozy cabins to choose from mean you should probably stay here a while to soak up all this goodness.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as reservations can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, especially close to your desired date, as plans can change.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Backbone State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers a full bloom of activities, but be prepared for larger crowds and warmer temperatures. Winters can be harsh, with some facilities closed due to snow.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's official website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and bring safety gear for rock climbing.
  • Be aware of local wildlife and follow guidelines to ensure a safe encounter.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials.
  • Cell service can be limited, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary.

Top parks near Backbone State Park

Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Frontenac State Park
Buckhorn State Park
Rock Creek State Park
Muskegon State Park
Big Bay State Park
Blue Mound State Park
North Country National Scenic Trail

Top cities near Backbone State Park

Marshalltown
Sun Prairie
Beloit
La Crosse
St Louis
Chicago
Kansas City
St Paul

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