Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa, IA
More caves than any other park in Iowa, from walk-through passages to crawl spaces, linked by boardwalks in a wooded limestone ravine. Bring a headlamp; some caves close in winter to protect bats.
Maquoketa Caves State Park lies near Maquoketa in Jackson County in eastern Iowa (9688 Caves Rd.). According to the Iowa DNR, the park has about 13 caves, more than any other state park in Iowa. Some are easy to walk through; others are meant for experienced cavers who do not mind tight crawls.
Dancehall Cave is about 1,100 ft (335 m) long. Natural Bridge stands roughly 50 ft (15 m) above Raccoon Creek. About 6 miles (10 km) of trails link caves, overlooks and facilities, and tall limestone bluffs shape the park. The DNR recommends bringing a flashlight.
Important for planning: according to the DNR, the caves are closed every year from 15 November to 1 April to protect hibernating bats; check ahead. The campground has shady sites under pines, and reservations are required (online from March to November); it is closed from December to February. There are also simple hike-in sites.
- Nearest town
- Maquoketa, IA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.1174, -90.7780
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Maquoketa Caves State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 29 pitchesElectricityShowers
- Horseshoe Pond CampgroundMotorhome stopover7 mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 22 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Fillmore Recreation Area CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 18 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Central County Park CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 90 pitchesShowers
- Spruce Creek Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 85 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsWaste disposal
- Swiss Valley County Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 60 pitchesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Maquoketa Caves State Park?
Maquoketa Caves State Park is in Maquoketa, IA, at GPS 42.1174, -90.7780. It is about 21 mi from Bellevue.
Can you camp near Maquoketa Caves State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Maquoketa Caves State Park?
Maquoketa Caves State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Great River Road south: Dubuque to Hannibal.
What is there to see near Maquoketa Caves State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fenelon Place Elevator (27 mi), Galena Historic Downtown (27 mi), Field of Dreams Movie Site (30 mi) and Mississippi Palisades State Park (32 mi).
When is the best time to visit Maquoketa Caves State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)