The best campgrounds near Dubuque, Iowa with climbing

Looking for an outdoor adventure near Dubuque, Iowa? Look no further than Flutterby Farm (203 reviews), Brye Cabin and Bad Axe Camping (65 reviews), and Breakaway Stables (58 reviews) to see what other campers have to say. Plus, you'll find popular amenities like cooking equipment, potable water, and campfires to make your stay comfortable. And with activities like whitewater paddling, surfing, and wind sports nearby, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. Don't wait, book your climbing adventure now!

98% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds

this photo shows where you will go to turn to the peninsula, lake boat launch on right, go past the RV and turn right after the power pole to enter peninsula road

Looking for an outdoor adventure near Dubuque, Iowa? Look no further than Flutterby Farm (203 reviews), Brye Cabin and Bad Axe Camping (65 reviews), and Breakaway Stables (58 reviews) to see what other campers have to say. Plus, you'll find popular amenities like cooking equipment, potable water, and campfires to make your stay comfortable. And with activities like whitewater paddling, surfing, and wind sports nearby, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. Don't wait, book your climbing adventure now!

98% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Vintage Spring Lake Campground

98%

(125)

43mi from Dubuque · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Savanna, IL

Spring Lake Campground was est. in 1943. This “vintage campground” has provided a place for families to relax in nature and make memories for generations. The lake is a backwater Mississippi River wildlife and fish refuge, so there is always something to see and learn about. The Great River Bike Trail runs right through, so bring your bike! It’s a beautiful ride from the campground to nearby Savanna, IL. We rent kayaks and canoes through September here as well. (The lake closes for all boat traffic Oct 1 to provide a refuge for migrating birds during duck hunting season,. If you enjoy birding, plan a trip during October) There is so much to do in the surrounding area: hiking and climbing at Palisades State Park, restaurants, bars and shopping in Savanna, museums and more. But enjoying a peaceful time at the campground, having a bonfire, watching the sunset on the lake and seeing the stars at night is really what it’s about. True old school camping, enjoying the wildlife sanctuary. Instead of pavement, we have trees. Our best amenity is nature! Get outside, unplug and relax. *We DO allow small campers on the peninsula like teardrops and Scamps but no generators please. *We ask that our campers please arrive before dark to find their site and set up to avoid disrupting other campers. It gets really dark! We do not have street lights so people can see the stars.

2. Relax near the Mississippi

91%

(23)

45mi from Dubuque · 5 sites · RVs · Prairie Du Chien, WI

3. RWH Farm

100%

(15)

30mi from Dubuque · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging · Stockton, IL

Rich history in this property. A section of land was purchased from the railroad in 1866. The farm was established in 1872. The rest of the property was purchased land from neighboring farms as the family grew. Our family has seen six generations born and raised on this land in the past 150 years. American Indian tribes use the land for their burial ground ceremonies. Elders from a Wisconsin tribe came to the farm through the 1960s to trek the land and perform a ceremony to honor their ancestors. Many arrow heads were found in the fields of the land. The American Indians told stories of how the little spring fed creek running through our land was a small river flowing towards the Apple River which flows into the Mississippi River. The Apple river is located one mile north of the farm. In 2001, the land hosted a small budget film crew for the scenes and setting of the 2002 film “Stray dogs” with Genevieve Turner. Camping under the stars surrounded by trees with the sounds of nature. Spotting variety of wildlife. Watching the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the moon rising over the hills. Classified as “D” for dry camping or boondocking. Upgrades will be made available with interest. For more info about how to check out campendium.com. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available at the campsites. There is fishing in the apple river. There is a private lake three miles north of the sites - we offer passes for a fee for fishing and swimming at the beach or pool.

4. Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

100%

(48)

17mi from Dubuque · 1 site · Tent, RV · Galena, IL

Learn more about this land:A peaceful respite with a breathtaking view of the Galena and Mississippi River valleys. The secluded campsite is situated on a high point on Pilot Knob that overlooks the entire valley with 180 degree views to the South, West and North. The tent site is a flat 20'x20' spot next to a Birch tree, fire ring and table; plenty of room for two tents and a car or two. In the foreground is a natural field with small Cedar trees, Scrub Oak, Sumac and prairie grasses where deer often eat and bed. The site is situated on about 25 acres - plenty of space to take a walk through the fields. Further out are natural woods, and in the distance is the entire Mississippi River valley South to Bellevue, IA and North of Dubuque, IA. Sunsets are absolutely breathtaking from this vantage point.

Public campgrounds near Dubuque

South Lake Campground

43mi from Dubuque · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

100%

(3)

Six Pine Campground

45mi from Dubuque · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Backbone State Park

Stories from the community

The site at end of the peninsula overlooking Spring Lake.

Eric

October 2025

14 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great place to visit to watch the bird migration! Calm, quiet, clean, and relaxing. Had a great time!

R

Rhiannon

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Always such a great stay - Danika and her husband take such pride in their business and campground. Highly recommend.

M

Meg

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

The view and birds on the lake are amazing! Very private at the r d if the peninsula.

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

Perfect spot to camp right outside Galena! Perfect getaway for some roughing it camping! We'll definitely come back again. Thank you for providing such a beautiful piece of property to stay on.

Sunset view over the Mississippi River Valley.

S

Steven

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

A really unique view, extremely peaceful, and safe and clean spot

C

Cade

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great, quiet, and comfortable campground. The host was super friendly and welcoming. This was a great spot to tent for a quick night but also would be fun for a couple days.

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I had an awesome time here. The campground is well maintained and Danika was a great host. Will be returning soon.

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Serene and peaceful campsite. Danika is awesome. She brought me firewood and made sure everything was okay. I will definitely be returning.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Very nice host with an outdoor shower , boat ramp, canoe rentals

G

Gabriel

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

This is exactly the kind of spot you hope to find when camping in Galena. The land feels almost beyond words. You’re perched on a hill with trees at your back and a sweeping view of the Mississippi Valley in front. The sunsets here rank among the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been chasing them for 44 years across the world. The experience is completely private. A locked gate secures the property, and once I closed it behind me I felt wonderfully alone. There’s a sturdy iron table with chairs, a flat rock, and a great stone fire ring. I set up a hammock between two trees and had a clear view of the valley right from it. You’re far enough from town to escape Galena’s buzz, but close enough to pop back for firewood or supplies. Darcee was a pleasure to communicate with and very kind about accommodating my changing needs before the trip. I left feeling deeply grateful and rejuvenated. This place is a true gift.

A lovely shaded water front site on the peninsula.

A

Abby

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

We loved camping here! Danica and James were so helpful, and they even offered us to switch to a different site that was unoccupied which had a better lake view. We loved the camp store, and they were stocked with essentials that were helpful in case we forgot anything. We plan on returning since we had so much fun!

D

Dean

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Danika was an exceptional host who went out of her way to make my son, dad and me feel welcome. The camp site was clean, well maintained and pictureseque. I was also surprised by the facilities which included canoe rentals, an outdoor shower (which was actually quite pleasant) and a cooling house with games and icecream inside! Overall a very pleasant stay.

M

Madison

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great view, great campsite, great hosts, would recommend!

Brenda

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to RWH Farm

We really enjoyed staying at Joan’s and jean’s! The farmhouse has everything you need games, basketball, a full stocked kitchen! We enjoyed being in a rural area and looking at the stars. Joan and Jean were super nice and helpful with everything. We enjoyed seeing the cows so close! And teddy the dog who hanged out with us and was super friendly and adorable 🥰

P

Patrick

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I really enjoyed myself camping with my dog at Danika and Jame’s land! They were both very good hosts. I was able to stargaze around the fire after watching a long beautiful sunset. While in my tent at night, looking over the water, I could stargaze from there also. The sites are spread out enough that you can have privacy also. I always like being able to pull my car right up to the site also.

A

Amanda

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

Beautiful views, private and quiet. Will definitely come back.

M

Madison

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Loved tenting here! Definitely a great place, access to water and porta-potties were easy, loved the view of the lake, owners were super helpful! Helpful to know if you're going that there are train tracks nearby and a train ran through both nights we were there in the middle of the night. You can hear car traffic and other distant trains as well, but it's not too bad. But really we loved our stay here and would come again!

New parking pad and side walk for your convenience

A

Antoine

August 2025

Group trip

1 night at RWH Farm

We loved our stay at this peaceful countryside ranch! The setting was absolutely gorgeous, with rolling fields and farm animals adding to the charm. The fully renovated ranch was cozy, comfortable, and beautifully maintained, blending modern amenities with a quaint, rustic feel. We came to stargaze for the Perseid meteor shower, and the clear, dark skies made for an unforgettable night under the stars. It was the perfect spot to relax, unplug, and enjoy the quiet. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a serene getaway.

Nick

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

5 nights at Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

We all loved the seclusion and the views of the nearby valley! The stars were so bright! It's close proximity to town and shopping was a huge plus! The only downside were the flies and mosquitos, but a few traps from Walmart solved that issue! Overall we had a great time! I would look forward to staying here again