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The best glamping sites in Maquoketa Caves State Park, IA

Name: Maquoketa Caves State Park
Address: Camping
Rating: 5

100% (5)

Take a hike, go spelunking, and learn about bats.

100% (5)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Maquoketa Caves State Park adventure.

Top-rated campsites near Maquoketa Caves State Park

#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

1. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

99%

(146)

16mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging

# About Welcome to our private **15-acre clothing-optional sanctuary**, located at our personal residence in eastern Iowa. One of the state's few private clothing-optional destinations, JTRidge offers a peaceful, natural setting where you can experience the freedom of clothing-optional recreation surrounded by woods, river bluffs, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're curious about your first clothing-optional experience or have enjoyed nudism for years, you'll find a welcoming, respectful environment where you can simply be yourself. Many of our guests—especially women seeking a peaceful escape—appreciate the opportunity to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy body-positive freedom without judgment or unwanted attention. We proudly welcome LGBTQ+ guests, solo travelers, couples, friends, and people of every background, body type, gender identity, sexual orientation, and experience level. Come alone or with those you care about—you'll be welcomed exactly as you are. Guests often tell us they appreciate the sanctuary's peaceful atmosphere and the chance to truly unwind without feeling watched, rushed, or judged. Here, you can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature at your own pace. Unlike large commercial campgrounds, JTRidge offers only a handful of secluded campsites, a private primitive cabin, and Day Passes. With very few guests on the property at any given time, you'll enjoy exceptional privacy, tranquility, and plenty of room to breathe. This isn't a campground filled with organized activities or noisy neighbors—it's a quiet retreat created for rest, reflection, and genuine connection with the outdoors. Our Day Pass is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, a peaceful lunch break, or simply a few hours away from everyday life. Stretch out in a reclining lounge chair, explore wooded trails, relax in a hammock, read beneath the trees, practice yoga, meditate, or simply bask in the sunshine. If you need assistance with Hipcamp's Day Pass booking process, we're always happy to help. For guests wishing to deepen their relaxation experience, **private bodywork sessions are available by appointment**. These personalized sessions are designed to complement your visit by encouraging relaxation, mindfulness, and greater body awareness. Sessions may incorporate guided stretching, relaxation techniques, energy-based practices, and intentional bodywork, always tailored to your comfort level. Clear communication, informed consent, and respect for personal boundaries are central to every session. As stewards of this special property, we're honored to share it with those who appreciate privacy, nature, and the freedom of a clothing-optional environment. Clothing is optional throughout the property, but nudity is never required. Many first-time visitors quickly discover how natural and liberating the experience feels, while others choose to remain clothed throughout their stay. Both are equally welcome. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the sanctuary at their own comfort level while respecting one another's privacy, personal boundaries, and individuality. Our goal is to foster a body-positive, inclusive atmosphere where every guest feels safe, accepted, and comfortable. As your hosts, we're committed to making every guest—especially first-time visitors—feel genuinely welcome and completely at ease. There is never any pressure or expectation beyond treating one another, the land, and the peaceful atmosphere with respect. Our hope is that you leave feeling refreshed, restored, and more connected to yourself and the natural world. Nestled along the scenic Wapsipinicon River, the sanctuary features mature hardwood forests, dramatic limestone bluffs, scenic hiking trails, open sunny spaces, and abundant wildlife. Listen to birdsong (the Merlin Bird ID app is a favorite here), watch cattle grazing peacefully in the neighboring pasture, cast a fishing line into the river, or simply enjoy the quiet rhythm of nature. As evening arrives, colorful sunsets give way to brilliant star-filled skies free from city light pollution. Gather around a campfire, listen to the gentle sounds of the river, read a favorite book, capture photographs of the landscape, or simply embrace the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. Looking for a little adventure? Launch your canoe, kayak, or tube in Olin and enjoy a scenic 3- to 4-hour float directly to our riverfront. Several Iowa state parks, fascinating caves, Iowa's only Presidential Library and Museum, and the Great Jones County Fair are all within a short drive, making JTRidge an ideal base for exploring eastern Iowa. Whether you're seeking peaceful solitude, quality time with someone special, or simply a place to unplug and recharge, we hope you'll discover that JTRidge is more than a place to camp—it's a place to breathe deeply, reconnect with yourself, and experience nature as it was meant to be enjoyed. We're always available if you need us and enjoy getting to know our guests, but we equally respect your privacy and personal space. Whether you'd like local recommendations, have questions, or simply prefer quiet solitude, we're happy to accommodate your style of visit. Many guests arrive expecting a one-time experience and leave already planning their return. We look forward to welcoming you to our peaceful corner of Iowa.

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1860's Botanical Homestead

2. 1860's Botanical Homestead

97%

(179)

20mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

Happy to announce we’ve won "the best of" properties to visit in Iowa! We hope to keep striving and adding more amenities as we go! Thank you to our wonderful guests and hello to future guests! 👋🏽 Built in 1860 by its first caretaker botanist, this homestead was propagated over its many years of life and is busting at the seams with medicinal and edible herbs. We now run a flower farm and vegetable gardens on our homestead. If you’d like to learn about herbs or gardening/ homesteading, we love sharing our knowledge. If you’d just like some farm fresh eggs and enjoy your time alone amongst the songbirds, that's just fine too :) The property is built into the stone hillside allowing for breathtaking views but also stairs to get to the campsites. Please wear comfortable shoes (not flip flops 😉). If you have mobility issues property access will be difficult. Please no children under 5. !CLASSES! We run our small school/business: HOMESTEAD and HAMMER from the property and are bringing classes to YOU! Look in the "EXTRAS" for classes you can partake in on your visit OR for more information on what's included on class weekends check out our website below! Classes include, forAging wild edibles, mushroom identification, homesteading skills, soap making, forging metals and many more! Website: www.homesteadandhammer.com *For guest and host safety property managed 24-7 by video and security services*

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Wooded Retreat Tiny House

3. Wooded Retreat Tiny House

100%

(11)

20mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 1 site

Imagine this: a wooded creekside. Bird song and wildflowers. Campfire and starlight. Our 8' x 16' tiny house offers the essentials for a back-to-nature getaway without the trouble. We provide a full bed, cookstove, basic cooking and eating utensils, 2 gallons drinking water, outdoor eating area, firepit, and hammock. Bath facilities are on the rustic side including a shower bag and port-a-potty. Short hiking path into the woods and up to the meadow are marked. Creek stomping and fossil hunting are encouraged. Caves, state and county nature areas, canoeing and kayaking are all nearby.

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New Hope Farm

4. New Hope Farm

100%

(14)

20mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 1 site

This farm is ancestral land of the Sauk and Fox peoples and has been our home since 2001. It offers diverse natural beauty including fresh springs and the Tetes des Morts Creek, quiet woods on sloping bluffs, various songbirds and other wildlife. We tend a few sheep and a flock of 20 laying hens, a small orchard and large vegetable gardens. Our black Labrador retriever wanders around here freely. The tiny house is equipped with a camp cookstove with an extra propane bottle, cooking and eating utensils, press coffee pot, 2 gallons drinking water, full bed, rocking chair, writing table, woodstove for winter heat. It has a back porch and front deck with patio furniture. There’s a firepit with two Adirondack chairs. Firewood provided for $5/bundle.

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Vintage Spring Lake Campground

5. Vintage Spring Lake Campground

98%

(142)

34mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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 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. The lake is great to paddle but be aware there is a lot of plant life on the backwaters. (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) With this abundant plant life, shore fishing becomes challenging as the summer progresses. We offer canoe and kayak rentals as an option to get out on the lake. There is so much to do in the surrounding area: hiking and climbing at Palisades State Park, restaurants, bars and shopping in Savanna, "Troll hunting" in Clinton, IA, 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. *While is says maximum capacity 4, if you are a family with more kids submit a specific request. We can make exceptions for families camping with their children. *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. *please note you are Requesting the site not instantly booking. We will respond to your request ASAP and all requests are pending.

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RWH Farm

6. RWH Farm

100%

(16)

38mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 21 sites · Tents, Lodging

This is a 150 year old working farm, which has seen seven generations. We are happy to share a four acre wooded area. There isn’t any electricity Whether you are a first time or experienced camper wanting to sleep outdoors. We have the perfect spot for you to rest, relax, and recharge while camping under the stars surrounded by trees in a four acre wooded area located on a quiet country road within a vast working farm in the heart of Jo Daviess, County. Listen to the sounds of nature white spotting a variety of wildlife. Watch the sunrises, sunsets, comets, meteor showers, sometimes the northern lights, and the full moon rising over the hills. Watch the leaves turn color in autumn. We offer three types of sites: basic Glamping, preset tent, and rustic. Check out the descriptions of the sites to see which site is for you. Limited sites - first come basis. We try to make each site as secluded as possible.. There are firewood stations throughout the sites with attached fire extinguisher. We are creating a gravel trek around the sites with two entrances and gravel parking planned be completed by 2028. We are working on flushable outhouses and possible showers. Children’s play area by 2027. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available on the farm property. There is a private lake three miles from the sites - see details under extras. We are located ten miles from the Wisconsin border and villages with their unique shops and museums. 20 minutes from Galena, 45 minutes from the Mississippi River and Dubuque. Iowa. Three hours from Chicago. DNR - department of natural resources have properties a mile north of the farm with nice trails to walk near the Apple river, which is stocked twice a year for fishing tournaments. As well as the Boy Scout campgrounds located nearby. Locals have caught crayfish and swam in the Apple river, we are unfamiliar with current spots. People have tubed and canoed down the Apple river. There are numerous state parks within driving distance for hiking, sight seeing, eagle watching etc. Immerse yourself in the vast history of the area. Again we encourage you to come rest relax and recharge in this peaceful spot.

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Linden Camprground

7. Linden Camprground

96%

(763)

44mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We bought the farmette with much work outside and home interior remodel to complete. We slowly turned the property into our family oasis. We neighbor a pasture with cows. There are free range chickens running around during the day. Geese greet us every evening and morning at the pond...as do the many bullfrogs. Occasionally you'll hear the coyotes, but they keep their distance. The stars shine peacefully and the sunsets are picturesque (most afternoons). The pond is a great place to swim and fish. The hillside is a nice walk for exercise or take the easier route and sit under the great oak tree in the other pasture. Campsites are off the road, behind our main home. You won't find a sign...we keep it simple. We allow pets at the sites for a $5 per pet/per night. If you would like to bring a pet, please add the Pet Fee which is listed on the Extra during the booking process. We have firewood available for sale, $5.55/bundle. This is located in the Extra section during the booking process. Lastly, there is free range chicken eggs available for purchase, $3.50/dozen. This is also located in the Extra section during the booking process.

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Coconut Cove RV Resort

8. Coconut Cove RV Resort

100%

(6)

31mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 13 sites

If you are looking for a Wisconsin camping experience unlike any other, Coconut Cove RV Resort in Hazel Green is the place for you. This resort-caliber campground overlooks the mighty Mississippi River, providing breathtaking views and a large variety of fun activities and amenities to enjoy. From our tropical-themed beachfront tiki bar to our floating aqua adventure park, Coconut Cove has exciting features for people of all ages. Located on Bluff Road in Hazel Green, WI, you’ll find that getting to Coconut Cove RV Resort from Dubuque, Rutledge, Jamestown, Louisburg, and other surrounding areas is a breeze. Whether you need a “day-cation” or a vacation, come see for yourself why Coconut Cove is the place to be.c

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River Lodge

9. River Lodge

34mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 1 site

The River Lodge at Wide River Winery is a spacious three-bedroom home with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Guests are invited to the winery to sample our award-winning wines and to select a complimentary bottle to enjoy during their stay. A Bluff Trail is available for hiking, and guests may tour the vineyard and winery to see where it all happens. Dogs are welcome to stay for an additional fee. Please provide detailed information regarding the number of pets and guests in your party. The space The home features three bedrooms: The master suite has a king bed and an adjoining bathroom. The second bedroom has a queen bed. The third bedroom has two twin beds. There is also a second full bathroom located in the hallway. Guest access Guests have use of the entire house, including the front terrace overlooking the Mississippi River and the back terrace, which features a charcoal Weber grill. Other things to note We have a strict no smoking policy.

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Sun Retreats Rock River

10. Sun Retreats Rock River

100%

(1)

49mi from Maquoketa Caves State Park · 236 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Sun Retreats Rock River, formerly known as Sunset Lakes Resort, provides a premiere camping experience in Hillsdale, Illinois. At this award-winning resort, campers can set up their RV on our new seasonal sites with concrete pads and patios. You can also stay in one of our fully furnished two-bedroom vacation cottages. Cool off in our huge outdoor swimming pool, or stay active with outdoor recreations like a gem mining, basketball, horseshoes, tennis, and our rolle bolle court. Our pet-friendly campground also features a dog park for your four-legged family members. You'll find exciting attractions in The Quad Cities including riverboat cruises on the along the Mississippi River, just 15 minutes away.

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Noniy

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

We really enjoyed our stay on the homestead! Jessica has carved out such a beautiful piece of the hillside. I'm glad we stayed in the bunkie, gave us a nice oasis from the rain. I really enjoyed the workshops she offers. Held my first chicken and learned so much about them. Who knew chickens had so much drama? Their the best reality TV show. Thank you for all the foraging knowledge as well. This was such a unique stay.

jennifer

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Linden Camprground

Such a fabulous place. Went down with the family and stayed in the camper. Everything you need for cooking is provided which was awesome. Great pond for fishing and swimming. I think my kids turned into fish. Two awesome turkeys to hang around with. With definitely be going back again.

Eagles Nest overlook allows you to see all the birds soaring high and watch the wildlife walking the woods below. Quiet and peaceful spot to relax!

Matthew

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

The eagles nest cabin was beautiful, peaceful, quiet and very nice to sleep in with a great view of the property below

Judith

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

My friend and I felt very relaxed and comfortable here. The host (Jessica) is very welcoming and we felt at home right away. The house and gardens are very cool, lots of flowers blooming this time of year, nice touches throughout. The Bunkie was clean, quiet and cosy and had everything we needed for our one-night stay. We enjoyed sitting by the fire pit when we got back from dinner. Even though the house is on the outskirts of town, it was very quiet. I would absolutely stay here again.

Melissa

July 2026

With pets

1 night at 1860's Botanical Homestead

I had a short but restful stay here during a roadtrip. It has a charming flow and I definitely would stay again, with time to explore.

Sam

July 2026

With pets

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

Very beautiful homestead. Jessica is a very gracious and accommodating host.

Deshauna

July 2026

Weekend Trip to #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

We had such a peaceful stay! When we arrived, we were immediately greeted and lovingly shown around the property. You can tell that there was so much love and positivity in every pocket of air. We stayed at the Eagle’s Nest, which was very private and had a wonderful view. To our delight there were hammocks inside too :). We loved the cows, birds, and frogs as well. We will definitely be back. Thank you for sharing your corner of paradise.

You have the whole private area past the cabin. Please park down on the end in that space.

Patrick

July 2026

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great Hipcamp spot! The facilities were clean and welcoming, the lake was beautiful, and having canoe and kayak rentals available was a huge plus. Very kid-friendly and a great place for families. We had a wonderful stay!

Curio

June 2026

Weekend Trip to #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

We stayed in the Cabin, and, after being helped to settle in and given the tour, spent 2 days in the most pleasant and relaxing setting I've seen in years! Scott was very accomodating, and the property is very well maintained. Just make sure to bring plenty of bug spray. The mosquitoes weren’t awful, until after a brief rain when the wind died, at which point we had to retreat to the cabin to avoid being ravenously dined on 😅 9/10, if you like nature, camping, don't mind the lack of powered sites, and aren'tparticularly shy, then head to JT Ridges, you won't regret it!

Chris

June 2026

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

The Bunkie is a perfect weekend landing spot. The cabin has everything you need and a bonus of petting Toast. Jessica was a gracious host and the property is historically beautiful. Also don’t miss visiting Bellevue, it was such a peaceful walk with dinner along the river.

John

June 2026

With pets

Weekend Trip to Linden Camprground

This is a great place! Camper was plenty big enough for the 6 of us. Great views! The two turkeys walking around were a bonus.

Luke

June 2026

Weekend Trip to Coconut Cove RV Resort

It was a fun place with all the water activities and nice tiny house! Perfect for wat we needed. We definitely will be back and be bringing the kids this time!!

Chris

June 2026

With pets

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

Phenomenal and such a unique place to stay. Bellevue is terrific and nearly everything is within walking distance. Bellevue and Maquoketa Caves State Parks are out of this world for hiking. Jessica is an outstanding hostess and made us feel welcome immediately.

Robert

May 2026

Weekend Trip to #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

Scott and Kimberly were wonderful hosts. They made us first time naturists feel very comfortable and welcome. My wife has always said she did not want to give naturism a try but once we got there she was willing to. All because of the comfortable nature of our hosts and the property. We loved it so much we have already booked 2 more trips this summer

Full size bed with featherbed and down comforter.

Daniel

May 2026

Weekend Trip to New Hope Farm

Everything was wonderful. It was a very cozy stay and we loved being on the New Hope Farm with Mary and Rick. They are such nice people and we enjoyed visiting with them and exploring their property, especially the woods and meadows and springs. The cabin was just what we needed, very comfortable and with the basic necessities for glamping that made it ideal. We hope to keep coming back and to experience all the seasons there.

Justin

May 2026

With pets

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

We arrived late and left early in the morning, but wish we could have spent more time here. Jessica was friendly, communicative, and helpful. A bonus was getting to pet Toast, the house bunny.

Ann

April 2026

With pets

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

What a beautiful room story stay in, perfect for a weekend get away. I loved waking up to the sounds of birds, and looking out into the hillside in the morning. The proprety is so fun to walk around and admire all the beautiful colors from flowers.

Erik

December 2025

2 nights at New Hope Farm

Finding a place to unwind from urban jungle is hard to find, especially during the dead of winter, but Mary's cabin is a golden nugget just accross the Mississippi. I had a wonderful time at her Wifi free cabin, as it allowed me to read books, relax, and disconnect from my regular hustle. Mary's cabin is cozy and comfortable. With the firestove, it warmed my body and warmed my soul. I am glad to have found her cabin. I will be returning to Mary's cabin either in a warmer time or back again for another wintry retreat. Also being greeting by their dog, Cleo, is a wonderful delight in the morning. Thank you again Mary for your hospitality. I hope to talk to you again.

margaret

November 2025

1 night at 1860's Botanical Homestead

I wish we could have stayed a bit longer. The town was lovely; the room was sweet; the property was fascinating; and Jessica could not have been kinder. I’d love to stay there again if I get the chance. Highly recommend.

Lucille

November 2025

Weekend Trip to New Hope Farm

This was a perfect, off the grid cozy stay. It was pretty chilly while we there, but we were still able to see a variety of birds and wildlife!

Reviews for Maquoketa Caves State Park Campgrounds

100%

5 ratings · 2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

16 ft campervan ·

Maquoketa Caves Campground

Was only there one night, but wish i could've stayed longer. Very nice campsite. Decent space between sites, so feels decently private without being remote. Showers were clean and warm. The trail to the caves is beautiful and really cool to explore. It was my first time out and camping in my car. All in all, I had a great time.

Recommends

· October 2017

Maquoketa Caves Campground

The caves alone are worth a visit, and camping was fantastic. I went with a group of five of my best friends. Although it rained, the hiking was spectacular—we found a few really great hidden water spots. This was also the first time I ever had a pizza sandwich cooked over the fire. It changed my life. Haha! <3