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 September 20 at 9:29AM CDT until September 21 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Maquoketa River near Maquoketa affecting Jackson County. .Additional rainfall from today through Monday night is expected to be considerably lighter than what fell Thursday through Saturday night. This helps provide higher confidence in these river forecasts. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Maquoketa River near Maquoketa. * WHEN...Until Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 26.0 feet, Significant agricultural flooding and increasing impacts on the city of Maquoketa. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:15 AM CDT Sunday the stage was 25.5 feet and slowing rising. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 25.7 feet this afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage by early Monday afternoon. - Flood stage is 24.0 feet.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 9:24AM CDT until September 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall overnight continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Bureau, Carroll, Henry IL, Jo Daviess, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside and Iowa, including the following areas, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Washington. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Heavy rains have ended over the area, but many area creeks are running high and in some cases, are flooding this morning. This areal flooding will continue this morning, with additional rainfall amounts under one quarter inch.
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
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