Backbone State Park - United States
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About Backbone State Park
RV quick facts for Backbone State Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Max RV length | Most electric sites accommodate rigs up to about 40 ft; check site-specific lengths at reservation |
| Full hookups | No full hookups; electric-only sites available in the modern campground |
| Dump station | Dump station on site in the modern campground area |
| Generator hours | Quiet hours 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; generators discouraged outside daytime hours |
| Cell service | Generally usable on major US carriers near the campground, spotty in deeper ravines |
| Road restrictions | Paved main park road; some secondary loops narrow with tight turns, use caution with long trailers |
| Reservation window | Reservations through Iowa State Parks (iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com), typically open up to 3 months in advance |
Featured RV rentals for Backbone State Park
Best time to visit Backbone State Park
Late May through early October is the best window for RV travel, when the modern campground is fully open, Backbone Lake is ice-free, and the swim beach and boat ramps are active. June and September tend to offer milder temperatures and lower humidity than peak July and August weekends, which book early for holidays. Spring shoulder season brings the trout stream and wildflowers but also muddy trails, while October delivers strong fall color across the hardwood bluffs. Winter visits are limited to day use and basic camping, as water systems and modern restrooms are shut down in freezing months.
Modern restrooms and water closed, winter camping limited to basic sites
Water systems off, plan for self-contained RV only
Modern campground typically still closed until mid-to-late spring
Campground reopens, trails can be muddy
Wildflowers peak, biting insects emerge
Thunderstorms common, book early for weekends
Peak season, beach and lake busy
Warm, humid, peak camping demand
Excellent shoulder-season camping
Fall color peaks mid-month
Water systems shut down late month, modern campground closes
Water off, winter camping only in basic sites
Things to do at Backbone State Park
- Backbone Trail to the Devil's Backbone ridge ModerateRV parking available
The Backbone Trail is a short but rugged hike along the narrow dolomite ridge that gives the park its name. It features exposed rock, steep drop-offs, and river views over loops of the Maquoketa.
- Richmond Springs and trout stream EasyRV parking available
Richmond Springs is a large cold-water spring that feeds a stocked trout stream running through the park. Anglers with an Iowa fishing license and trout fee can fish for rainbow and brown trout from the streambank.
- Backbone Lake boating and fishing EasyRV parking available
Backbone Lake is an 85-acre impoundment with a no-wake electric-motor restriction, ideal for kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats. Anglers target bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish from shore or boat.
- Swim beach and day-use area EasyRV parking available
The park's sandy swim beach on Backbone Lake is open in summer and offers a lifeguard-free swim area, picnic tables, and shelters. RV day parking is available in the main beach lot.
- CCC Museum and historic structures EasyRV parking available
The park preserves an extensive collection of Civilian Conservation Corps stonework, including cabins, shelters, and a dedicated CCC Museum. Exhibits explain the Corps' role in building Iowa's state park system.
- East Lake Trail loop EasyRV parking available
The East Lake Trail follows the shoreline of Backbone Lake through mature oak and maple forest. It is a relatively flat option compared with the ridge trail and connects the campground to the beach area.
- Backbone multi-use and equestrian trails ModerateRV parking available
The park includes more than 20 miles of trails, with designated sections for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A separate equestrian camping area provides trailer-friendly access.
- Rock climbing on the Backbone StrenuousRV parking available
The exposed dolomite cliffs along the Devil's Backbone are one of the few permitted climbing and rappelling areas in Iowa state parks. Climbers must follow posted rules and register as required by Iowa DNR.
Top Hosts near IA, United States
Paige was great to work with! She was very responsive and helpful. Camper was exactly as pictured.
Cassie H. - Aug 2025
We had a great experience renting from Paige and her husband. Everything went very smoothly! Their camper is beautiful and clean. Paige had a basket full of goodies for us upon arrival. Paige was very quick to respond to any questions on the app. Set up was quick and easy! I would definitely rent from them again!!
Kristin K. - Jul 2025
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RV Rentals Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park, IA, United States
How to get to Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park sits in Delaware County, Iowa, about 50 miles west of Dubuque via US-20 and IA-13, roughly 45 miles north of Cedar Rapids via US-151 and IA-13, and about 15 miles south of Strawberry Point. Most approaches use state highways IA-410 and IA-13, which are paved two-lane roads suitable for RVs, with no tunnels or major mountain grades, though some interior park roads are narrow and winding with tight turns near the Backbone ridge. Drivers should watch for low-hanging branches on side roads and avoid oversize rigs on unpaved service lanes. The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids (CID) and Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) are the closest commercial airports for fly-and-rent trips.
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
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- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
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- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability