Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

WiFi

Cable TV

Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Backbone State Park holds a special place in history as Iowa's first state park, established in 1920. Named for a narrow, rugged ridge of bedrock carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River, this park offers a unique landscape for the Midwest. Visitors often comment on the <strong>dramatic limestone bluffs</strong> and lush forested valleys that feel worlds away from the surrounding plains. It serves as a premier destination for those seeking a mix of historical charm and natural wonder within Delaware County. The park reflects a classic state park atmosphere where conservation and recreation coexist perfectly.</p>

<h2>Location & Surroundings</h2>
<p>Nestled near Dundee, Iowa, the park covers over 2,000 acres of diverse terrain. The <strong>Maquoketa River</strong> winds through the property, creating steep cliffs and quiet pools that are a signature of the Driftless Area’s edge. The surrounding rural landscape provides a peaceful buffer, ensuring that your stay remains quiet and undisturbed. Travelers will appreciate the easy access to the scenic <strong>Backbone Lake</strong>, which provides a refreshing centerpiece for outdoor recreation during the warmer months. The dense forest canopy offers plenty of shade for the camping areas.</p>

<h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2>
<p>The park features two main camping areas, with the South Lake Campground being the primary choice for RVers. This site offers <strong>spacious electric hookups</strong> and modern amenities including updated shower buildings and restrooms. For those traveling with larger rigs, there is a convenient dump station on-site to simplify your stay. The park also boasts a <strong>swimming beach</strong> and a historic boat house constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. While the sites maintain a rustic state park feel, the inclusion of well-maintained facilities ensures a comfortable stay for modern travelers.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2>
<p>Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activity here. You can hike the famous <strong>Backbone Trail</strong> for panoramic views or explore over 21 miles of multi-use trails that wind through the timber. The river is renowned for <strong>trout fishing</strong>, while the lake is perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. Just outside the park, visitors can explore the nearby town of Strawberry Point, home to the world's largest strawberry monument, or visit the historic Manchester district for local dining and shopping experiences that showcase small-town Iowa charm.</p>

<h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2>
<p>This park is ideal for <strong>nature lovers and hikers</strong> who want to trade the amenities of a luxury resort for rugged beauty and quiet nights under the stars. It is particularly well-suited for families looking for an educational outdoor experience or couples seeking a scenic retreat. If you enjoy <strong>rock climbing or fly fishing</strong>, Backbone offers some of the best opportunities in the state. It remains a must-visit for RVers who prioritize character, history, and immersion in a diverse natural environment.</p>



Backbone Dundee IA is a small town located in Delaware County, Iowa. It is situated along the banks of the Maquoketa River and is home to a population of just over 500 people. The town is known for its historic buildings, including the Backbone State Park, which is the oldest state park in Iowa. The park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and hiking. The town also has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a few local attractions. Backbone Dundee IA is a great place to visit for a relaxing getaway or a fun day trip.

Backbone

Visit Backbone State Park in Dundee, IA. Explore Iowa's first state park with electric RV hookups, trout fishing, and the famous Backbone Trail limestone ridge.

Backbone State Park - Dundee, IA RV Camping

Have been here several times. Beautiful and peaceful. Could use at least 1 more restroom, especially up by the auditorium or neat the springs area. Other than that - perfect!

I don’t know why I never visited during the 45 years I’ve lived in Iowa. Maybe it was the name.  Sites during the fall. Amazing colors. Lots off trails. 12” trout in the streams. Cliffs, caves, park ruins, and solid camping. Not what you might call super modern RV sites, but good for small trailers, tents, and truck campers. Plenty of sites for the big ones for an Iowa park, but tight and seemingly uneven lots.

Visited 10/18/2025:
Very scenic and serene! Just spectacular Fall leaves and lots of different areas to see while not feeling overcrowded in any specific spot.

I could see why families were out getting Fall pictures, also a large group out for a motorcycle ride and lots of families out hiking a fishing. 🎣

Beautiful park! The water is so clear that it looks like the trout and other fish are floating in air. I've never seen it crowded, and it's worth the scenic drive from Cedar Rapids: right around an hour.

I & my family spent a week of vacation at a cabin in Backbone, it had been many yrs since I had been there, just as beautiful as ever, we went to other places in the area that are just as beautiful, I love this part of the state of Iowa!! Cabin was awesome!!! First time in one, normally I camp, trout fished and caught my limit I will definitely be back again, hopefully sooner than the yrs it's taken, will bring a friend that has never been here, I wish I could get in the cave again but I'm much older now. Beautiful beautiful place I love it here!!!! It's a much see!!!

Love this place. It’s my favorite hiking spot. They have a beach and they have paddle boats to rent. They have 3 access points.

We loved our time at backbone state park! There is wonderful hiking, lovely views and safe invirornment. There are occasional public bathrooms with are nice and there are also camping spots which I've never stayed at but they look nice!

Backbone State Park is another beautiful park in Iowa, complete with a castle. There are beautiful maples and Aspens and Oaks. It's a large park that you can drive through or hike the trails, lots of camping. It's very beautiful with rivers and creeks. Spectacular in fall. I photographed an eagle.

This park is always an incredible spot to take pictures!  Great get away.  It's usually pretty quiet with low traffic.  I would highly suggest this place for wildlife photography,  hiking or nature lovers.

Great Campground with 30/50 electric at each site and water hydrants spread through out the campground. Hiking trails and great fishing in Backbone Lake by the dam and in the crystal clear trout stream that originates and  runs through the park.  Quiet and relaxing with plenty of wildlife to see.

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Backbone

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