Maquoketa Caves State Park
The campground is open for the 2026 season, operating March 1 through November 30. Modern shower facilities reopen in May 2026 after winter closure. The cave system is open for exploration through November 15, closing annually through April 1 for bat hibernation. A trail section between Window and Match Cave is closed due to boardwalk damage.
Flood Warning issued June 11 at 7:51PM CDT until June 13 at 12:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Maquoketa River near Maquoketa affecting Jackson County. * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Maquoketa River near Maquoketa. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon to early Saturday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 24.0 feet, Water affects agricultural land in the Maquoketa area and causes backups of storm sewers in town. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:15 PM CDT Thursday the stage was 19.9 feet and rising rapidly. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage tomorrow afternoon to a crest of 24.3 feet tomorrow evening. It will then fall below flood stage early Saturday morning. - Flood stage is 24.0 feet.
About
Maquoketa Caves State Park campground sits within one of Iowa's most unique geological landscapes, offering access to 13 caves carved through limestone bluffs. The campground provides 34 sites ranging from standard electric sites with 20/30/50 amp service to primitive walk-to tent sites, accommodating both RVs up to 68 feet and tent campers. Modern restroom and shower facilities serve the campground, along with a dump station and playground. The park's cave system is the main attraction, featuring formations ranging from tight crawlways to the spacious Dancehall Cave. A six-mile trail network winds through the 370-acre park, connecting caves and offering views of limestone formations and hardwood forest. The caves close annually from November 15 through April 1 to protect hibernating bats. Two picnic shelters are available on a first-come basis, and a visitor center provides interpretive exhibits about the park's geology and ecology. The campground operates March through November, with 100% of sites reservable through the Iowa State Parks reservation system.
Directions
From Maquoketa, take US-61 north approximately 7 miles. Turn west onto 98th Street and follow signs to 9688 Caves Road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 68ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Maquoketa@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (563) 652-5833 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!