4.4491 reviews
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Price
$20 - $30/night
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Interpretive center ...
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Unknown
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Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$20 - $30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Interpretive center ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Maquoketa Caves State Park
9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, Iowa, 52060, United States
Families and geology-curious campers who want to explore all 16 caves on foot will get full value here. Site #30 is the walk-in pick for shade and separation from the main loop crowd. Bring a headlamp and expect cool 50-55°F cave temps even in August heat.
Restroom cleanliness is a persistent problem, not a one-off complaint: mold, spiderwebs, and seasonal closures of showers come up repeatedly. If clean facilities are non-negotiable, the gap between expectation and reality here will bother you.
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Summer works best for cave exploration. Daytime highs reach the mid-70s to mid-80s, with the cool cave interiors providing natural air conditioning. Nights drop into the mid-50s to mid-60s. The interpretive center operates on summer weekends, and campground facilities run at full capacity. Expect crowds during peak times. Reviews consistently mention overcrowding in July and August. Spring brings active underground streams as snowmelt percolates through the limestone. Winter quiets down significantly. Bats hibernate deep in the caves, and some facilities close.
Summer is peak season; best for cave exploration and interpretive programs open weekends.
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Maquoketa Caves State Park offers a range of amenities including a children's play structure, modern restrooms, and shower facilities. The campground also has a dump station, potable water stations, and firewood available for a donation. Additionally, two open picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there are water hydrants throughout the campground. The park features an interpretive center open during the summer and by special arrangement, along with geological formations and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Pulled from per-site mentions in 91 reviews.
Site #30 is a secluded walk-in site frequently praised for its privacy.
Site #7 was described as level with crushed limestone, but challenging to back into for RVs.
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