Backbone State Park

About Backbone State Park

Iowa's first state park, dedicated in 1920 and named for the narrow bedrock ridge the Maquoketa River carved — the Devil's Backbone, the highest point in the northeast. Trout water, dolomite cliffs for climbers, cabins and 21 miles of trail.

Things to do

• 🥾 Hiking
• 🛶 Paddling
• 🏊 Swimming
• 🎣 Fishing
• ⛵ Boating
• 🐦 Birding

Amenities & facilities

• 🏕️ Campsites
• 🚿 Showers
• 🚻 Restrooms
• 🛖 Cabins
• 👥 Group Sites
• 🛝 Playground
• 🚤 Boat Ramp
• 🚐 RV Dump Station
• 🌿 Nature Center
• ♿ Accessible Facilities

RV / campsite hookups

• 🔌 Full Hookups (Sewer/Water/Electric)
• ⚡ Electric & Water
• ⛺ Primitive / No Hookups

More Iowa state parks with cabins · full RV hookups · swimming

Contact

🎒 Gear up for Backbone State Park

Popular gear for what this park offers:

• Tents
• Kayaks
• Fishing rods
• Binoculars
• Hiking boots
• Water shoes
• Life jackets
• RV surge protector
• Bug spray
• Coolers
• Sleeping bags
• Camp chairs
• Camp stoves
• Lanterns

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Nearby state parks

• Volga River State Recreation Area
• Cedar Rock State Park
• Nelson Dewey State Park
• Pikes Peak State Park
• Wyalusing State Park
• Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area