📷 Craig Martin, CC0Backbone State Park
Dundee, IA
Iowa's oldest state park, built around a narrow wooded ridge of rock above the Maquoketa River, with trails along the cliffs and a clear lake. The Backbone Trail is short but rocky, so wear proper shoes.
Backbone State Park was dedicated on May 28, 1920, and is Iowa's oldest state park. It covers about 2,000 acres (810 ha) in Delaware County near Dundee. It takes its name from a narrow, steep rock ridge carved out of the bedrock by a loop of the Maquoketa River. The landscape belongs to the Driftless Area; the Silurian dolomite cliffs rise more than 80 feet (24 m) in places and are used for climbing.
In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps dammed Backbone Lake and built cabins, stone buildings, and trails, some of which are now protected as historic. About 21 miles (34 km) of multi-use trails are available, and camping is possible. Trout fishing takes place in Backbone Creek. For the short but rocky Backbone Trail, wear sturdy shoes. Allow two to three hours for the trail and lake; in fall, the foliage is a good reason to visit.
- Nearest town
- Dundee, IA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.6017, -91.5557
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)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Twin Bidges Park CampgroundsCampsite14 mi from Backbone State Park · 44 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Veteran's Memorial Park CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Backbone State Park · 44 pitchesElectricityShowersToilets
- Fontana County Park CampgroundsCampsite18 mi from Backbone State Park · 54 pitchesElectricityShowersToilets
- Lake Shore RV Resort & CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Backbone State ParkMotorhomes
- Elkader City Park CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Backbone State Park · 100 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Klocks Island City Park CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Backbone State Park · 20 pitchesElectricityShowersToilets
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Backbone State Park?
Backbone State Park is in Dundee, IA, at GPS 42.6017, -91.5557. It is about 26 mi from Guttenberg.
Can you camp near Backbone State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Backbone SP - South Lake CG, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 38 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Backbone State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Field of Dreams Movie Site (26 mi), Pikes Peak State Park (34 mi), Effigy Mounds National Monument (39 mi) and Fenelon Place Elevator (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Backbone 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)