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50 campgrounds and RV Parks near Dubuque, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Dubuque, IA
Coconut Cove RV Resort
Hazel Green, WI (4 miles away)
$$$$$
+8
Rustic Barn RV Campground
Cuba City, WI (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(68 sites)
+8
Rustic Barn Campground & RV Park
Kieler, WI (6 miles away)
Hoot Owl Hollow Campground
Dubuque, IA (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+4
Palace Camp Ground
Galena, IL (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(182 sites)
+8
Whitetail Bluff Campground
Cassville, WI (16 miles away)
+9
Riverview Ridge Campgrounds
Cascade, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(135 sites)
+10
Nelson Dewey State Park
Cassville, WI (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+3
Bellevue State Park Dyas Unit Campground
Bellevue, IA (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+6
Lake Joy Campground
Belmont, WI (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+12
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Maquoketa, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Vel Terra Campground
Elizabeth, IL (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Tables Showers Toilets Dump station Pet friendly Playground Grills Firewood General store Hiking
Campgrounds near Dubuque
Dubuque sits on the Mississippi River at the tri-state corner of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, giving RV travelers access to river-bluff campgrounds, wooded county parks, and family RV resorts within a short drive. The terrain is hilly and forested, unusual for Iowa, and most private parks concentrate along the corridors leading out toward Galena and the Great River Road.
Options close to the city include Coconut Cove RV Resort and Palace Camp Ground for full-hookup stays, along with Rustic Barn RV Campground and Rustic Barn Campground & RV Park for rural, farm-style settings. Hoot Owl Hollow Campground rounds out the choices with wooded sites suited to families.
Nearby public options are managed by different agencies: Iowa State Parks such as Bellevue and Maquoketa Caves use the Iowa DNR reservation system, which takes bookings up to 3 months in advance, and campsites become walk-in only from November 1 through March 31. Dubuque County parks including Swiss Valley Campground, Mud Lake Park, Massey Marina Park, and New Wine Park take reservations through the county's online portal, and Miller Riverview is city-managed.
Things to do around Dubuque
The Mississippi riverfront anchors most trips. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the Fenelon Place Elevator, and the Port of Dubuque are all walkable from the water, and paved trails along the levee suit bikes and strollers.
Day trips are easy: Galena, Illinois is roughly fifteen miles away, the Quad Cities are about ninety minutes south, and Wisconsin Dells sits under two and a half hours north. Swiss Valley Campground, run by Dubuque County, sits along Catfish Creek with a nature center and trout fishing on site.
Maquoketa Caves State Park offers wooded sites and cave-focused trails, while Bellevue State Park south of Dubuque includes trails and a butterfly garden in its Nelson unit. Kids typically gravitate to the caves, the river museum, and the elevator ride up the bluff.
Camping spots and RV parks near Dubuque, IA
When to visit Dubuque
- spring
March - May
57° / 36°F 88 mmParks reopen; river levels can run high
- summer
June - August
82° / 59°F 117 mmPeak season; book festival weekends early
- fall
September - November
61° / 37°F 68 mmBluff foliage peaks mid-October; cool nights
- winter
December - February
30° / 12°F 33 mmCold and snowy; most private parks closed
Dubuque experiences a humid continental climate, marked by a very large seasonal temperature contrast. Summers are warm and fairly wet, with the most precipitation arriving in June, and winters are cold and snowy, with January typically the driest month. Peak RV season runs from Memorial Day through early October, with July and August drawing the heaviest bookings around river festivals and county fair weekends.
Spring shoulder weeks in late April and May trade cooler nights for open sites and quieter parks, though rain and river-level swings can affect low-lying campgrounds along the Mississippi. Fall color typically peaks in mid-October across the bluffs, making late September and early October a strong window for cooler-weather trips.
Weekdays and shoulder months, particularly May, September, and early October, often have last-minute availability. Many private parks close or reduce services from late October through mid-April, and at Massey Marina water and modern shower and restroom facilities are typically closed from November 1 through May 1.
How to book campgrounds near Dubuque
For a smooth Dubuque RV trip, aim to book campgrounds two to three months out for summer weekends. Festival weekends and the Dubuque County Fair pull inventory early, so travelers targeting July or August should lock in dates as soon as calendars open.
Iowa State Parks including Bellevue and Maquoketa Caves use the Iowa DNR reservation system, with campsites reservable up to 3 months in advance. Dubuque County parks including Swiss Valley Campground, Mud Lake Park, Massey Marina Park, and New Wine Park take reservations through mycountyparks.com, and Miller Riverview is city-managed and books quickly for festival weekends.
Private campgrounds including Coconut Cove RV Resort, Rustic Barn RV Campground, Rustic Barn Campground & RV Park, Hoot Owl Hollow Campground, and Palace Camp Ground typically take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites.
What to expect on the ground
Expect hilly terrain and narrow rural roads once outside the city grid. The bluffs create steep grades on some approaches, and drivers of larger rigs should map routes in advance rather than trusting default GPS.
Hookup levels vary. Private parks near Dubuque generally offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer, while state and county parks tend to provide electric sites, sometimes with a shared dump station. Massey Marina, for example, offers 50 amp electric and water hookup sites with a trailer dump station on site. Several campgrounds sit directly along the Mississippi for scenic views and water access.
Cell coverage is reliable in and near the city but drops in the wooded valleys west and south. Mosquitoes and gnats are common near the river in mid-summer, so screens and repellent belong on the packing list.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Dubuque, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Dubuque, IA?
RV rental in Dubuque is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Mississippi River bluffs. On RVezy, you'll typically find travel trailers starting around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes from about $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A options ranging $250 to $400 per night. Hosts set their own nightly rates, so weekday bookings, multi-night discounts, and shoulder-season trips in May or September often unlock the best deals. For a cheap RV rental in Dubuque, filter by travel trailers with delivery included and skip the cost of a tow vehicle. Pro tip: booking three or more nights frequently triggers automatic weekly discounts from owners.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Dubuque%2C%20IowaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Dubuque?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Dubuque, Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal-use recreational vehicles, which covers virtually every motorhome and travel trailer on RVezy. You'll also need to be at least 25 years old, and RVezy verifies your ID right inside the platform during booking, so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. Visiting from outside the U.S.? An International Driving Permit paired with your home license works perfectly. Most first-time renters are surprised by how simple it is to be on the road in under an hour.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsIs RV rental insurance included when I rent an RV in Dubuque?
Yes, every RVezy booking in Dubuque includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the Great River Road with real peace of mind. The protection plan helps cover damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose the coverage level that fits your comfort zone during checkout. Coverage is built specifically for peer-to-peer RV rentals and provides meaningful financial protection beyond what most personal auto policies offer for a borrowed motorhome. Pro tip: if it's your first time renting an RV, choosing a higher-tier protection plan adds just a few dollars per night and lets you focus on enjoying the Mississippi River views, not worrying about a stray branch in the campground.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change? Can I cancel my Dubuque RV rental?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy applies a clear, platform-wide cancellation policy (hosts don't set this themselves), which includes a money-back grace period right after booking so you can lock in your dates without stress. If something major happens, like severe Iowa weather or a family emergency, RVezy's support team is available to help you sort things out. Refund outcomes depend on how far out from your trip you cancel and the circumstances involved, and the full policy is detailed in the RVezy Help Center before you confirm. Pro tip: book early to secure the best rigs along the Mississippi, knowing the cancellation policy gives you flexibility if life shifts.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Dubuque RV trip?
Yes, plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rentals in Dubuque. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see rigs where owners welcome four-legged co-pilots, sometimes with a small cleaning fee. Dubuque is a great basecamp for dog-loving travelers: Mines of Spain State Recreation Area has leashed-dog trails through restored prairie south of town, and the Heritage Trail (a 26-mile rail-trail from Dubuque to Dyersville) is perfect for long morning walks. Mud Lake Park north of the city even has a dog-friendly riverfront stretch. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet rules and ask about nearby vet clinics, MedVet Dubuque on John F. Kennedy Road offers 24/7 emergency care if needed.
cityofdubuque.org/378/ParksCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Dubuque?
Yes, RV delivery in Dubuque is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers. Many local hosts will drop the motorhome or travel trailer right at your campsite at Miller Riverview Park, Swiss Valley Campground, or Mud Lake Park, level it, connect water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. That means you skip the highway driving entirely and start your vacation in vacation mode. Just filter listings by Delivery and check each host's delivery radius and per-mile fee. Pro tip: delivery is a game-changer for families with kids or anyone nervous about backing a trailer into a bluff-side site, you literally show up, unpack the cooler, and start the campfire.
dubuquecountyiowa.gov/186/Camping-and-FacilitiesHow far can I drive on a Dubuque RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You've got serious range from Dubuque, and yes, many hosts on RVezy offer generous mileage allowances or even RV rental with unlimited mileage. A typical daily mileage cap runs 100 to 150 miles, with extra miles available at a small per-mile rate that's listed transparently on the booking page. From Dubuque you can easily reach Galena, IL in about 25 minutes (15 miles), Madison, WI in 2 hours (95 miles), the Quad Cities in 90 minutes, Chicago in roughly 3 hours (180 miles), and Wisconsin Dells in under 2.5 hours. Pro tip: if you're planning an RV road trip from Dubuque up the Great River Road to La Crosse and Wisconsin, ask the host directly for a flat-rate weekly mileage package, many will gladly bundle it.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Dubuque, IA?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in Dubuque. Miller Riverview Park and Campground sits right on the Mississippi with concrete pads, electric hookups, and unbeatable barge-watching just minutes from downtown. Swiss Valley Campground, run by Dubuque County, offers wooded sites along Catfish Creek with a nature center and trout fishing. Mud Lake Park, six miles north, has full hookup sites and a marina with boat launch. Just across the river, Rustic Barn Campground & RV Park in Kieler, WI gives you tri-state views, and Massey Marina Park sits five miles south on Mississippi River Pool 12. Pro tip: book Miller Riverview as early as February for July weekends, the riverfront sites fill fast for the America's River Festival.
dubuquecountyiowa.gov/186/Camping-and-FacilitiesWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip in Dubuque?
The sweet spot for a Dubuque RV trip is mid-May through mid-October, with late September delivering jaw-dropping bluff foliage along the Mississippi. Summer highs sit around 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (June through August), with warm river breezes and frequent thunderstorms, perfect for full-hookup sites with air conditioning. Spring (April to May) brings 60s and blooming wildflowers at Mines of Spain, while fall (September to October) offers cool 50s to 70s and the legendary Driftless Area color show. Winters are genuinely cold, often dipping below 20 degrees Fahrenheit with snowfall averaging 37 inches per year. Pro tip: time your trip around the Dubuque County Fair in late July or the Catfish Festival in June for full local flavor.
weather.gov/dvn/climategraph_month_image_table_dbqI've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting in Dubuque?
You'll do great, first time renting an RV is exactly who RVezy is built for. Every host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving tips, hookups, slide-outs, the generator, water systems, and dump procedures so nothing is a mystery. Dubuque is actually a forgiving place to learn: outside the historic Bluff Street area, the city has wide streets, US-20 and US-61 are flat four-lane highways, and rural roads toward Galena and Maquoketa Caves have light traffic. You can also filter for smaller Class B campervan rentals in Dubuque or compact travel trailers that drive almost like a regular SUV. Pro tip: choose a delivery-included listing for your first trip so you can skip the drive entirely and just learn the systems on-site.
iowadot.gov/mvd/motor-vehicleWhat happens if I break down during my Dubuque RV trip?
You're covered, 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every RVezy booking, so help is just a phone call away whether you're on US-20 west of Dubuque or camping near the Maquoketa Caves. Roadside support handles flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to the nearest qualified service center. Your host is also reachable directly through the RVezy app for quick troubleshooting (most issues are smaller than they seem, think tripped breakers or a finicky water pump). For serious mechanical work, Dubuque has several full-service shops along the Highway 151 and US-20 corridors. Pro tip: snap photos of the RV's systems during your walkthrough so you have a quick reference if a warning light comes on.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityCan I take my Dubuque RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Cross-state travel is encouraged. Dubuque sits at the tri-state junction with Wisconsin and Illinois, so you'll likely cross a state line within minutes of leaving town. Travel anywhere in the lower 48 is generally fine as long as you stay within the host's mileage and trip-length terms. Travel into Canada may be permitted depending on the host and the protection plan you choose, message the owner before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance and protection coverage do not extend there. Pro tip: a classic loop from Dubuque runs north along the Great River Road through Prairie du Chien, WI to La Crosse and back, about 250 miles of pure Mississippi bluff scenery.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for in Dubuque?
Plan smart and fuel won't blow your budget. Class B campervans get around 18 to 22 mpg, Class C motorhomes typically run 8 to 12 mpg, and larger Class A motorhomes land at 6 to 10 mpg. Towable travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle, expect a 20 to 30 percent drop from its normal mileage. Iowa gas prices typically sit slightly below the national average, and you'll find easy RV-friendly fueling at the Kwik Star and Casey's stations along US-20 and Dodge Street in Dubuque. Pro tip: top off in Iowa before crossing into Illinois, where fuel taxes push prices noticeably higher, that small detour can save $20 to $40 on a fill-up.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground around Dubuque?
For a smooth Dubuque RV trip, aim to book campgrounds 2 to 6 months out for summer weekends. Iowa State Parks like Bellevue State Park (south of Dubuque) and Maquoketa Caves State Park use the official Iowa DNR reservation system, which opens bookings 3 months in advance. Dubuque County parks (Swiss Valley, Mud Lake, Massey Marina, New Wine Park) take reservations through the county's online portal. Miller Riverview is city-managed and books quickly for festival weekends. Pro tip: weekdays and shoulder months (May, September, early October) almost always have last-minute availability, and Swiss Valley stays open year-round, making it a reliable backup if your first choice is full.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/CampingWhat are the local driving conditions like around Dubuque?
Driving in and around Dubuque is mostly straightforward, with a few quirks worth knowing. The city sits on dramatic Mississippi River bluffs, so downtown streets like Bluff Street and Fenelon Place are steep, narrow, and best avoided in larger Class A motorhomes. Stick to US-20, US-61, and US-151 for easy four-lane travel, and use the Julien Dubuque Bridge to cross into Wisconsin. Winter (December to March) can bring ice and lake-effect snow, so most renters stick to April through November. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk on rural roads near Maquoketa Caves and Mines of Spain. Pro tip: download the Iowa 511 app for real-time road conditions, it's a lifesaver during sudden Midwest thunderstorms.
hb.511ia.org/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Dubuque?
Dubuque-area campgrounds are well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Most sites offer 30 or 50 amp electric hookups, with full hookups (water, electric, sewer) available at Rustic Barn, Mud Lake Park, and Miller Riverview. Dump stations are standard at county parks like Swiss Valley and Fillmore Recreation Area, and the City of Dubuque also operates a public dump and fresh water fill near Miller Riverview Park. You'll typically find clean restrooms with showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and Wi-Fi at most private parks. Pro tip: Iowa DNR allows potable water fill-ups at many state park campgrounds for a small fee even if you're not staying, handy if you're boondocking nearby at Mines of Spain.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/State-Park-CampgroundsWhat's actually inside the RVs I can rent in Dubuque?
You'll be impressed, RVs listed for Dubuque are personal vehicles, so they come fully outfitted for real trips. Expect real beds (queen or king in many rigs, plus convertible dinettes and bunks), a full kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, sink, and cookware, an indoor bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control, and seatbelted seats for travel. Many motorhome rentals in Dubuque also include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, propane grill, camp chairs, and a generator for off-grid power. Wi-Fi hotspots and solar panels are common upgrades on Class B campervans. Pro tip: check the listing's amenities list and ask your host if linens, towels, and a starter kit (toilet paper, dish soap) are included, many bundle it free.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Dubuque%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available for Dubuque RV rentals?
Hosts in Dubuque offer plenty of optional add-ons to customize your trip. Common extras include bike racks, kayak or paddleboard rentals (perfect for the Mississippi backwaters), portable generators, propane refills, linen and kitchen packages, outdoor patio mats, and even pre-stocked groceries. Pickup is usually at the host's home in or near Dubuque, and many hosts offer delivery to Miller Riverview, Swiss Valley, or your hotel for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies are listed clearly on each listing page, typically 100 to 150 free miles per night with reasonable overage rates. Pro tip: if you're planning a family RV trip in Dubuque with multiple activities, bundle a bike rack and a generator up front, it's almost always cheaper than adding them mid-trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Dubuque%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. You pay directly through RVezy with a credit or debit card at the time of booking, no cash exchanges with the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV type), which protects the host against major damage and is released back to your card after the trip ends, assuming the RV is returned in good shape. The renter protection plan you choose during checkout helps cover incidents that go beyond the deposit. Pro tip: do a quick photo walkaround with your host at pickup and drop-off, it documents the RV's condition and almost always supports a smooth, full deposit refund after your Dubuque adventure wraps up.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Dubuque during winter?
Yes, and a winter Dubuque RV trip can be magical if you plan smart. Several hosts keep their rigs available year-round, especially four-season travel trailers and Class C motorhomes with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and reliable furnaces. January temperatures often drop into the teens and single digits Fahrenheit, so you'll want to camp at a park with shore power and winterized water, Rustic Barn Campground & RV Park in Kieler stays open year-round and offers winter-ready full hookups. Use bottled water for drinking and keep the propane tanks topped off. Pro tip: winter brings spectacular bald eagle viewing at Lock and Dam No. 11 right in Dubuque from December through February, a bucket-list wildlife experience most summer visitors miss entirely.
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