Backbone State Park, an Iowa State Park

BACKBONE STATE PARK

BACKBONE STATE PARK
347 129th Street
Dundee, Iowa 52038

Phone: 563-924-2000
Reservations: 877-427-2757
Email:

Backbone State Park

View from the Backbone

Backbone State Park
© Copyright 2007-2010 Benjamin Prepelka All Rights Reserved

website

Backbone State Park
© Copyright 2007-2010 Benjamin Prepelka All Rights Reserved

website

Backbone State Park
'Photographer by Robert Gruhn'
© Photographer by Robert Gruhn

Backbone State Park
'Brilliant Colors'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

Fall colors along the Maquoketa River taken from my kayak at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Reflections of Fall Colors'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

Fall view from my kayak at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park
'Trail Along the Bluffs'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

East Lake Trail at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Winding River'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

East Lake Trail view, near main lookout at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Limestone and Sunlight'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

East Lake Trail at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Climbing the Bluffs'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

Limestone bluffs near main rock climbing area at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Rush of Water'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

Fresh water spring at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Path of Brilliant Colors'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

East Lake Trail at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'The River Far Below'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

The Loop area past the Backbone trail at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Bluffs of Backbone'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

Limestone bluffs near main lookout taken from my kayak at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Colors on the Water'
© Photos taken by Connie L. Chase at Backbone State Park.

Limestone bluffs near main lookout taken from my kayak at Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park
'Creek at Backbone'

Backbone State Park
'Cliffs at Backbone'

Backbone State Park
'Cabin 8 Front'

Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park
'Cabin 8 from the side'

Cabin 8 seen from the front of cabin 10.

Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park
'Cabin 8'

Downhill looking uphill.

Backbone State Park

The boat docks seen from the boat launch at sunrise on a foggy morning.

Backbone State Park

Below the spillway.

Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park
'East Gate'

Early on a foggy morning.

Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park
'Deer in the park'

Backbone State Park

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

Day-UseFishingyes

Hiking Trailyes

Swimming Beachyes

CampingPrimativeyes

Electric Sitesyes

Full Hookup Sitesyes

WinterActivitiesyes

Cabins

The modern two-bedroom cabins and renovated one-bedroom cabins are available and are equipped with heating and air conditioning. The two-bedroom cabins are available year round. The one-bedroom style cabins are available April through October. Renters must provide their own bedding and dinnerware. The cabins can be reserved for a fee through the Internet at www.reserveiaparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-IAPARKS.

Camping

There are 125 camp sites located in two campgrounds. The South Lake Campground contains 49 non-electric sites, 49 electric sites, 2 shower buildings, a playground and a dump station. The Six Pine Campground, near the west entrance of the park, contains 27 non-electric sites and provides pit latrines. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Area Accommodations

Mississippi River Lodge - Thomson, IL

BBs / Inns

Located right on the banks on the Mighty Mississippi River between Savanna and Thomson Illinois. Our location has one of the most awe-inspiring views of the Mississippi River around.

Web Site: http://www.mississippiriverlodge.com

Savanna - Savanna, IL

Hotels/Motels

Located just 30 minutes from Galena and 2 hours from Chicago, Savanna is a great place for renewal and regeneration. We invite you to browse through our web-site and plan your getaway today.

Web Site: http://www.visitsavanna.com

Carroll County Tourism - Carroll County, IL

Hotels/Motels

You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.

Web Site: http://www.gocarrollcounty.com

Accommodation Availability Calendars


	click here to search are reserve.....


	click here to search are reserve.....

Get directions
to this park:

Nearby Parks

Backbone State Forest

Bixby State Park

Brush Creek Canyon State Park

Cedar Rock State Park

Picnicking

Backbone is a beautiful place for a family picnic. Several open shelters and an auditorium may be reserved for a fee through the park office.

A stone lodge overlooking the lake may be rented through the park concessionaire at 563/933-2273. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it is very popular for family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings.

Trails

Backbone has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, rocky staircases to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the "Devil's Backbone." During winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowmobile.

Bicyclists can pedal through scenic splendor and explore the park on these designated trails; Barred Owl, Bluebird, East Lake and West Lake. Mountain bikes must stay on the trails.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

July 16 Paradise in Iowa by Mark - California

Backbone State Park is a true treasure for all to enjoy.

October 7 Great park needing attention!!!! by Andy

Backbone is a great place and i have lived here my entire life and over the last decade it is starting to decay due to violent floods and poor government funding please help this beautiful park

April 30 I must go there again! by Zorro

While visiting my wonderful family in Iowa, they took me to Backbone State Park, I fell in love with that place. The last time was 3 years ago, and I am visiting my family again this yr and I told them I got to go back, and they will take me. Love the unique environment comparing to where I am from, Southern California! Sure am looking forward to spending the day mediating there this summer!

March 27 An pleasant surprise in the heart of IA by Corey J

I was married in Backbone State Park after only a single visit to checkout the venue. I was extremely pleased to find such a jewel hidden in plain sight around the surrounding corn fields.

August 18 God did this park right!!! by Mary P- Omaha

You are driving east on some little road through the corn fields, and suddenly you see a patch of trees. As you enter the park you are suddenly in a mini Grand Canyon with rocks, streams and rivers. God did it right with this park, oh and those guys who work there do a great job too!!!

March 22 Family Fun by Michelle

It is alway fun a Backbone.It is soothing to feel the sand between my toes and see my children having fun.

March 21 Family Fun by Michelle

It is always fun at Backbone.My family loves to catch the fish and see them swim away from us.My child is having a birthday soon and Backbone is her favorite place.

February 12 favorite park for fishing and fun by Carl & Nancy

the Christmas in July camp wkend has become a family reunion and annual event for our family from southeast Iowa. Thanks for all the work it takes and we will see you this year as well!

September 1

I used to live in Strawberry Point and my family has rented a cabin for Thanksgiving for the past 10 years. It is FABULOUS! I would recommend this park to anyone!

May 23 Backbone by Jules

My family and i have been going to backbone for generations and we love it more and more every year!!!! thank you for all the great memories! we hope to make many more!

May 11 the most relaxing vacations

we have been to bakebone state park for three years and it is the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations I look forward to it every year

May 5 Amazing cabins by Harlan Thomas

Every year my family, my friends and I go to Backbone State park. We rent the Cabins for 3 days and 2 nights. I love hiking and fishing. In the summer I love boating. I wish I lived out there.

Area Campgrounds

MorWood Campground & Resort LLC
1865 150th Street
Hazleton, IA

Area Resources

Savanna - Savanna, IL

Tourism

Located just 30 minutes from Galena and 2 hours from Chicago, Savanna is a great place for renewal and regeneration. We invite you to browse through our web-site and plan your getaway today.

Web Site: http://www.visitsavanna.com

Carroll County Tourism - Carroll County, IL

Tourism

Web Site: http://www.gocarrollcounty.com

View
Photo Gallery

Share Your
Backbone State Park
Photos
(click here)

Weather Forecast, (52038)