Who’s ready for some family fun in the fresh Iowa air? Visit the oldest campground in Iowa and make some summer memories this year.
Backbone State Park was founded in 1920. It’s the oldest state park in Iowa, and it’s absolutely beautiful. You’ll find it in Dundee, in the northeastern part of the state.
Backbone State Park Address: 1347 129th Street, Dundee, IA, 52038
The park covers 1,415 acres and consists of three different areas: the Cabin-Bathing Area, the Picnicking, Hiking, and Camping Area, and the Richmond Springs Area. You’ll want to stay several nights so you can explore them all.
Hrishikesh Gore/Google
South Lake Campground and Six Lakes Campground offer more than 75 non-electric sites under the shady trees. Pitch your tent here and enjoy the grassy area. The site includes a fire ring and picnic table.
Iowa State Parks
Bring your RV and stay in one of the 49 standard electric sites. These pretty sites include 30-amp electricity, and level, 60-foot-long spaces for your trailer or motorhome.
Iowa State Parks
If you’d rather sleep in a bed at night, check out the adorable cabins here. You’ll find 12 modern cabins to choose from.
Lynn Ripperger/Google
Each modern cabin is outfitted with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including heat and A/C, a full kitchen, bath with shower, and comfy bed and futon. These cabins accommodate up to four guests.
Iowa State Parks
If you’re brining more than four people along, stay in one of the four deluxe cabins. These larger cabins sleep up to 11 guests.
Iowa State Parks
Deluxe cabins are larger than the modern cabins. They have two bedrooms and all the same amenities.
Iowa State Parks
During your visit at Backbone State Park, you’ll want to explore some of the 21 miles of hiking trails.
Lizz Epp/Google
Richmond Springs feeds the creek that runs through the park, and it’s full of trout. Drop your line in and catch some dinner!
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The kids will enjoy burning off some energy on the playground, and the whole family will enjoy canoeing on the lake, rock climbing, and bird watching.
Backbone State Park/Facebook
At the end of the day, roast marshmallows and tell campfire stories. Are you ready to make some memories this summer?
Gena Hayward is a photographer in Chicago,IL./Getty Images
For more information and to reserve your campsite or cabin, visit the Backbone State Park website. If you’re looking for more great ways to enjoy Iowa’s natural beauty overnight, check out this wonderfully cool houseboat.
Backbone State Park
Address: 1347 129th Street, Dundee, IA, 52038
Hrishikesh Gore/Google
Iowa State Parks
Lynn Ripperger/Google
Lizz Epp/Google
Mojo Risen/Google
Backbone State Park/Facebook
Gena Hayward is a photographer in Chicago,IL./Getty Images
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