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The South Lake Campground, which contains both electric and non-electric sites as well as two shower buildings, a playground and a dump station.
Backbone State Park was dedicated in 1920. It was Iowa's first state park and remains one of the most geologically unique. Backbone consists of 2,001 acres and is heavily wooded with a variety of tree species, predominantly oak and maple. Backbone is named for the steep and narrow ridge of bedrock cut by a loop of the Maquoketa River and forming the highest point in northeast Iowa - the Devil's Backbone. If you enjoy bicycling, boating, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, picnicking or if you want to take a walk back in time to the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps, this is the place for you.
Take some time to investigate the unique masonry work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), including dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster of rustic family cabins, beach building and boat house, an auditorium, bridges, roads, picnic shelters, restrooms and trails. In addition, take a nostalgic walk back in time by visiting the CCC Museum located just within the park's west gate. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and by special arrangement through the park office.
Ok so I moved here from Idaho. I didn’t realize it would be so hot at the end of June, do not recommend tent camping (even with a fan!) also, most of the lower area campground isn’t level for a tent, and the park ranger was difficult to deal with concerning moving our camp spot and having a ticket at the post. He drove by and woke us up (already knowing us and our situation) at 8am to tell us we didn’t put the ticket on the post. Of course I had previously asked twice and he told me to keep the ticket on me and inside the box near entrance. Ehh… whatever. Nice scenery. Beach still has sign warning about water conditions. Nobody was swimming in the daytime that I noticed. Both bathrooms including shower are minimal, don’t expect much there! The bugs weren’t terrible but finding wood to buy was! Only cash was accepted at nearby home selling firewood. Overall, Some cool history to check out- also enjoyed the cave and the springs. The spring water felt soooo good!! Also, we needed a special trout license so we weren’t able to fish for those and they are super small there anyways. I guess that’s what I get for moving to the Midwest! Might come back mushroom hunting but probably not to camp, swim or fish.
