BACKBONE STATE FOREST
Backbone State Forest is adjacent to the northeast corner of Backbone State Park, 4 miles south of Strawberry Point. Access to these 186 acres of pine plantations and upland hardwood forest is from a parking lot located just east of the north entrance to Backbone State Park. This parking lot is a convenient place to unload horses or snowmobiles. Although the area is not open to snowmobiling, sleds may be unloaded in the parking lot and ridden the short distance to the park entrance on the road or in the road ditch. Backbone State Park is open to snowmobiling.
The area is open to hunting, hiking, horseback riding and cross country skiing.
Backbone State Forest was acquired for the purpose of protectingthe watershed of the lake at Backbone State Park. Most of the land being farmed at the time of acquisition was planted to red, white, jack, and Scotch pine. The extensive trail system rose out of a system of fire breaks that were developed to protect these plantings.
Users should be aware that hunting and horseback riding are legal on Backbone State Forest but not on Backbone State Park. We have made every effort to plainly mark boundaries between the two areas.
Backbone State Forest, also known as Backbone State Park, is the first and oldest state park in Iowa, United States. It is located in Delaware County, approximately three miles south of the town of Strawberry Point. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sauk and Meskwaki.
In the early 1800s, European settlers began arriving in the region, primarily for farming purposes. The land encompassing Backbone State Forest was initially owned by several individuals, including the Murray, Beatty, and Miles families. In 1904, the state of Iowa started acquiring land in the area for conservation and recreational purposes.
The park's name derives from the unique geological formation known as "The Backbone," a narrow and sharply defined ridge of bedrock that extends for approximately 80 feet above the valley. This natural feature was shaped over millions of years through erosion and glacial activity.
In 1919, the Iowa Board of Conservation officially established Backbone State Park, making it the first state park in Iowa. Facilities such as a lodge, cabins, camping areas, hiking trails, and picnic areas were gradually developed over the years. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) also played a significant role in the park's development during the 1930s, constructing bridges, fire towers, and other infrastructure.
During the Great Depression, the park offered employment opportunities for local workers through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs. Backbone State Park played a vital role in providing recreational opportunities and an escape from the hardships faced by the local community during that time.
Backbone State Forest spans over 2,000 acres and offers numerous recreational activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and wildlife observation. The park continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a beautiful natural setting and preserving Iowa's natural heritage.
1. Backbone State Park: This is the oldest state park in Iowa and offers 125 campsites, including both electric and non-electric options. The campgrounds have modern restrooms, showers, a trailer dump station as well as picnic areas.
2. South Lake Campground: Located within Backbone State Forest itself, this campground has over 50 sites available for tent or RV camping with many offering electrical hookups.
3. Six Pines Campground: A more primitive option located on the east side of the forest that provides several walk-in tent sites without electricity but does offer pit toilets and drinking water access points nearby.
4. Richmond Springs Cabins & Camping Area: These cabins are nestled right next to Richmond springs stream providing beautiful views along with basic amenities like fire rings, grills etc.
5. Dundee City Park: Although not directly inside backbone state forest it's just few miles away from main entrance of park making it convenient place to stay while exploring area around.
6. Modern Cabin Rentals: For those who prefer some comfort during their outdoor adventures these fully furnished cabin rentals provide all necessary facilities such as heating/cooling system, kitchen appliances etc.