Campgrounds and RV parks near Maquoketa, IA

Maquoketa sits in Jackson County in eastern Iowa, roughly a 35-minute drive from Dubuque and within reach of the Mississippi River bluffs. The area is best known for Maquoketa Caves State Park, which contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa, with approximately thirteen caves set among hardwood trees and high bluffs across 370 acres. RV travelers use the town as a base for cave hikes, river overlooks, and small-town stops along the Great River Road. Campground options mix state park units with private parks. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground is the closest reservable public option, while Bellevue State Park Dyas Unit Campground sits on bluffs above the Mississippi River and has 46 camping units, 31 with electrical hookups, plus modern restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dumping station. Private options in the broader area include Riverview Ridge Campgrounds, Palace Camp Ground, and Hoot Owl Hollow Campground. Most travelers plan around cave access, trail hiking, and Mississippi River activities. Groceries, fuel, and RV supplies are easiest to find in Maquoketa itself or in Dubuque to the north.

Iowa State Park sites, including Maquoketa Caves and Bellevue Dyas Unit, are booked through the Iowa DNR reservation portal on ReserveAmerica. The Maquoketa Caves campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations March 1 through November 30 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival, and reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance. At Bellevue, advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system, and half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the reservation portal for current stay-length rules, since Iowa State Parks apply minimum-night requirements for weekend and holiday stays during the busy season. Private campgrounds such as Riverview Ridge Campgrounds, Palace Camp Ground, and Hoot Owl Hollow Campground are booked directly with the operator.