Hiking Campgrounds in Iowa

Hiking Campgrounds in Iowa

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Iowa. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Yellow River State Forest
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Star
4.6
(105)
Yellow River State Forest
Harpers Ferry

Forty-five miles of well-marked trails wind through ancient bluffs and pristine trout streams, offering routes from gentle riverside walks to challenging backcountry paths.

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RVs
2
Maquoketa Caves State Park
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Star
4.5
(91)
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa

Six miles of trails wind through ancient forests and plunge into limestone caverns, including the cathedral-like Dancehall Cave and narrow passages of Rainy Day and Ice Caves.

Tents
RVs
3
Backbone State Park
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Star
4.5
(83)
Backbone State Park
Dundee

Twenty-one miles of rugged trails wind through ancient limestone bluffs and forest corridors, with the signature Backbone Trail delivering both leg-burning climbs and dramatic cliff-top vistas.

Tents
RVs

About Hiking Campgrounds in Iowa

Hiking camping Iowa offers an unexpectedly diverse outdoor experience, from the dramatic limestone bluffs and ancient forests of the Driftless Area to unique cave systems and scenic river valleys. While Iowa may not have towering mountains, its varied terrain provides excellent hiking opportunities through pristine state parks and forests that showcase the state's natural beauty.

Best Time

Late April through May and September through October represent the prime hiking camping seasons in Iowa, offering comfortable temperatures, vibrant scenery, and fewer crowds than summer months. Spring brings wildflower displays along trails at Lacey-Keosauqua and Yellow River, with temperatures ranging from 55-70°F ideal for strenuous hikes without overheating.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Iowa

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Iowa
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Map Key
1
Yellow River State Forest
2
Maquoketa Caves State Park
3
Backbone State Park
4
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
5
Pikes Peak State Park
6
Ledges State Park
7
West Overlook Campground
8
Bellevue State Park
9
Howell Station
10
Lake Darling State Park
11
Lake Of Three Fires State Park
12
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
13
Springbrook State Park
14
Shady Creek
15
Lake Anita State Park
16
Green Valley State Park
17
Tailwater West Campground
18
Linder Point Campground
19
Prairie Rose State Park
20
Lake Manawa State Park
View all 81 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking through diverse terrain from bluffs to cavesCave exploration at Maquoketa's limestone formationsWildlife observation including deer, wild turkey, and bald eaglesWildflower identification along spring trailsFall foliage viewing in hardwood forestsPhotography of scenic overlooks and waterfalls

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites early for northeast Iowa destinations like Backbone, Pikes Peak, and Yellow River State Forest, as these fill quickly during peak fall color season—booking opens six months in advance through the Iowa DNR system.
  • 2Bring layered clothing even in summer, as temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees in shaded valleys and cave systems at Maquoketa.
  • 3Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are essential for rocky Driftless Area trails, while a headlamp or flashlight is mandatory for cave exploration.
  • 4Download offline trail maps before arriving, as cell service is unreliable in remote areas, and consider GPS devices for backcountry routes in Yellow River State Forest.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in Iowa

Hiking Campgrounds in Iowa FAQ

We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in Iowa based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in Iowa. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Iowa. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

Popular Iowa Campgrounds Book Fast

The best hiking campgrounds in Iowa book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

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Yellow River State Forest
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