Backbone State Park

Open — The campgrounds are closed December 1 through March 31 annually. Cabins remain open year-round. During winter closure, modern facilities including shower buildings, dump station, and modern restrooms are shut down. The south gate remains open providing access to the cabin and lake area, while north, east, and west gates are closed but accessible on foot. Campgrounds reopen April 1 and operate through November 30, with reservations accepted same-day until 10:00 p.m. CST.

About

Backbone State Park holds the distinction of being Iowa's first state park, dedicated in 1920, and remains one of the most geologically unique locations in the state. The park's name derives from a steep, narrow ridge of bedrock known as the Devil's Backbone, the highest point in northeast Iowa, formed by a loop of the Maquoketa River cutting through dolomite limestone. Spanning 2,001 acres of heavily wooded terrain dominated by oak and maple, the park showcases extensive stonework constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, including dams, bridges, cabins, and an on-site museum. Two campgrounds provide 125 campsites total. South Lake Campground offers electric sites with 20/30/50-amp service, full hookup sites, non-electric sites, tent-only sites, two modern shower buildings, a playground, and a dump station. Six Pine Campground near the west entrance features non-electric sites with pit latrines in a more remote setting. Both campgrounds are 100% reservable through the Iowa State Parks system. The park also offers 16 modern cabins available year-round, ranging from one-bedroom to deluxe two-bedroom units with heating, air conditioning, kitchens, and bathrooms. Backbone excels as a destination for trout fishing, with Richmond Springs pumping over 2,000 gallons per minute into cold, clear streams stocked with rainbow and brown trout. The park's 21-mile multi-use trail system accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers through rugged terrain featuring windblown cedars and rocky staircases. Rock climbers find numerous routes on the park's limestone cliffs. Backbone Lake allows boating with electric motors only, and the beach area includes a concession stand operating Memorial Day through Labor Day offering food, boat rentals, and supplies.

Directions

South Gate Entrance to South Lake Campground, cabins, beach, and office: 1.3 miles north of Dundee on W69. West Gate Entrance to Six Pines Campground and CCC Museum: Take Highway 187 north from Highway 20 to C57, then C57 east 5 miles to park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds