Maquoketa Caves State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located seven miles northwest of the city of Maquoketa, Maquoketa Caves State Park showcases some of the most unique geological landmarks in Iowa. The park is home to 13 natural limestone caves that visitors can enter and explore. Linked by hiking trails, the caves are thought to have once been home to ancient native peoples. Many archaeological artifacts such as pottery, primitive tools, and stone points have been found inside the caves. The closest major city to Maquoketa Caves State Park is Dubuque, with the smaller towns of Charlotte, Baldwin, and Monmouth also right nearby.
Spring 34-71 F
Summer 62-85 F
Fall 39-70 F
Winter 0-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Maquoketa Caves State Park
There is nothing quite as enjoyable as a camping vacation with your family or friends. An RV allows you to travel without leaving the luxuries that you enjoy at home. Maquoketa Caves State Park offers RV camping on state-maintained land. If you don't have your own RV, check out the rentals on RVshare. They have many models and sizes to choose from.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park offers RV camping in the natural setting of the state forest. Wildlife is often sighted near the campsites. Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash.
RV sites: 24
Electricity: Yes, 30 amp
Sewer: No
Water: Yes
Dump Station: Yes
Showers: Yes
Laundry: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Lakehurst Riverside Campground
Located right on the banks of the Maquoketa River, Lakehurst Riverside Campground is veteran-owned and family-friendly. With just six RV sites, the campground has a very relaxed, at-home feeling. Campers can chill out at their campsite or take a canoe or kayak down the river. Kids will love the wide-open spaces with plenty of room for baseball or tag. Contact Lakehurst Riverside Campground for reservations.
RV Sites: 6
Electricity: Yes
Sewer: No
Water: Yes
Dump Station: Yes
Showers: Yes
Laundry: No
Wi-Fi: No
Other amenities: Canoe, kayak, tubing, play area
Deep Creek Campground
Deep Creek Campground is located in the heart of Charlotte, Iowa, inside a county park. This recently developed campground does not accept reservations. There are 15 first-come, first-served sites close to local shopping, restaurants, sports fields, and playgrounds.
RV Sites: 15
Electricity: Yes, 50 amp
Sewer: No
Water: Yes
Dump Station: No
Showers: Yes
Laundry: No
Wi-Fi: No
Other amenities: Playgrounds, picnic shelters, on-site restaurant
What to Do at
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Inside Maquoketa Caves State Park
The most popular activity at Maquoketa Caves State Park is spelunking, aka cave exploration. Visitors can enter any of the 13 caves on the property, but some of them are very small and will not be suitable for larger adults or those with claustrophobia. An interpretive center is open every weekend from April 15 through October 15 with park service professionals describing the formation and uses of the caves. The park has six miles of hiking trails over rough terrain.
Outside Maquoketa Caves State Park
Eastern Iowa offers plenty for visitors. Inside the town of Maquoketa, you'll find several museums and heritage centers that celebrate the growth of industry and transportation. Two large shopping malls and many boutiques and gift shops are located within an hour's drive. For foodies, the restaurant choices are varied, and they all serve equally delicious food.
Restaurants
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm and Restaurant
At Bluff Lake Catfish Farm and Restaurant, a picturesque location on the lake gives diners a spectacular view while they enjoy a wonderful meal. All-you-can-eat catfish dinners are the favorite, but the restaurant also offers family-friendly burgers, chicken tenders, and many other items. The menu is very affordable, with all you can eat meals starting at just $14.99. The gift shop sells Bluff Lake t-shirts, locally grown flowers and baskets, and plenty of locally grown and handcrafted items.
Type: Seafood, American
Location: 9301 95th Ave., Maquoketa, IA 52060
La Casa de Pancho
Authentic Mexican favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos coexist with American favorites like potato skins and hot wings at this charming Mexican restaurant. The decor is cultural and inviting. The Arroyo family, owners of La Casa de Pancho, are charming and strive for excellent customer service. Affordable, tasty food with quick service is the business model for this restaurant.
Type: Mexican
Location: 100 N. Main St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
City Limits Family Restaurant
This vintage restaurant offers huge portions of food at very reasonable prices. Local favorites are the meatloaf and the chicken. Breakfast is served all day long. Friendly staff and quick service make this a favorite meal spot.
Type: American
Location: 906 S. Main St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Shopping
Farmers Creek Antiques
This high-end antique store offers shoppers quality home furnishings and gifts. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting. There are also many made-in-Iowa items on display.
Location: 144 S. Main St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Moore Family Farm
A young couple from Maquoketa started out with a few dairy cattle, and now, they run a successful dairy and retail store selling specialty products, including cheddar cheese made from the milk of their own dairy cows. Customers can visit the small shop on Platt Street to purchase cheese, ice cream, yogurt, cheese curds, and specialty meats. There are also some handcrafted and consignment items available in the store.
Location: 901 W. Platt St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Dubuque Farmers Market
The Dubuque Farmers Market offers fresh produce, florals, baked goods, and craft items over a three-block area. Over 200 vendors peddle their wares every Saturday throughout the summer months. No pets are allowed in the farmers market.
Location: 1069 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Sightseeing
Jackson County Historical Museum
The 22,000 square foot Jackson County Historical Museum shares the rich history of Jackson County, including the Maquoketa area. Exhibits preserve the legacies of local men and women who helped build the town and the industries around the town.
Location: 1212 East Quarry St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Hurstville Interpretive Center
With indoor and outdoor exhibits and activities, Hurstville Interpretive Center is part museum and part discovery center. Hiking trails, a fishing pond, and a frog pond are just a few of the outdoor activities guaranteed to educate and entertain your little ones. A clear, enclosed beehive and live snakes teach the value of local reptiles and insects. Many children's educational programs take place throughout the year, including ski lessons in the winter.
Location: 18670 63rd St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Field of Dreams Movie Site
Baseball lovers and movie lovers alike will want to visit this iconic location where Kevin Costner delivered his amazing performance as Ray Kinsella, who builds a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield. Visitors can tour the Kiszella house, spend a night in the house, and even rent the field for a private event. If you are in the area, the Field of Dreams Movie Site is well worth the stop.
Location: 28995 Lansing Rd., Dyersville, IA 52040
How to Get to
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves Stata Park is seven miles northwest of Maquoketa. From Maquoketa, travel north on Highway 61. Turn west onto 428/Caves Road. From there, turn west onto 98th Street. The entrance to the park will be on your right.
Entering Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
The Maquoketa Caves State Park area is popular not only for the caves but also for recreational boating and fishing. The state park campground fills up quickly, but with plenty of other campgrounds in the area, you can enjoy everything the region has to offer, especially when you book an RV through RVshare. Be sure to take plenty of photos and share them with us at [email protected] Don't forget to tag RVshare on your social media posts about the trip too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park sees warm, damp summers and very cold winters. Temperatures during the summer reach into the 80s, and there is frequent rain. The area sees a fair amount of snowfall during the winter.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including raccoons, squirrels, deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Bird species are also abundant, and visitors can often spot owls, sandpipers, ducks, and geese.
Pets, including dogs of all sizes, are allowed in Maquoketa Caves State Park. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must ensure they remain controlled. It's also the responsibility of owners to clean up after their pets.
There is a campground with RV sites in Maquoketa Caves State Park, and visitors can choose either electric or non-electric sites. The campground also features restrooms and showers. Each campsite must be reserved prior to arriving.
Visitors with disabilities can enjoy the park’s accessible campground. However, the trails in the park are not accessible. Visitors with disabilities may also find it difficult to explore the caves themselves as many areas are steep and slippery.