Backbone State Park

Open

The campgrounds are open for the season through November 30. Both campgrounds close December 1 through March 31 annually. All sites require reservations through the Iowa State Parks system at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Peak season rates apply May 1 through October 15.

Flood Watch issued June 11 at 6:43PM CDT until June 11 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

6:43 PM — 7:45 PM

The Flood Watch will expire for portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Bureau, Carroll, Hancock, Henderson, Henry IL, Jo Daviess, McDonough, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson, Warren and Whiteside, Iowa, including the following areas, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Henry IA, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott, Van Buren and Washington, and northeast Missouri, including the following areas, Clark and Scotland. The heavy rain and additional flooding threat has ended. Therefore, the Flood Watch will be allowed to expire at 7 PM CDT this evening.

About

Backbone State Park holds the distinction of being Iowa's first state park, dedicated in 1919 and largely developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The park takes its name from a striking geological feature: a narrow ridge of dolomite bedrock, sometimes only a few feet wide, that rises dramatically above the Maquoketa River. This "Devil's Backbone" creates some of the most rugged terrain in Iowa and offers rock climbing opportunities rare in the state. The park provides two camping options. South Lake Campground sits along the lake and offers electric and non-electric sites with modern amenities including two shower buildings, a playground, and a dump station. Six Pines Campground near the west entrance provides a more rustic experience with non-electric sites and pit latrines. Two full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer are also available. The park features 21 miles of multi-use trails, excellent trout fishing in Richmond Springs Creek, a swimming beach, and boat rentals on the lake.

Directions

From Highway 3 in Dundee, turn south on 129th Street and follow signs to the park. The park is approximately 3 miles south of Dundee.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups Yes
Sewer Hookups Yes
Camp Store No
Price $21 - $275

Vehicle

Max RV Length 120ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites Yes

Contact

Email Backbone@dnr.iowa.gov
Phone +1 (563) 924-2527

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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