Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Feeling adventurous? Have you driven all over Iowa in the summer sun in your rental RV and want to cool down a bit? Then, head underground and explore the caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park.
Long inhabited by Native Americans, settlers ‘discovered’ the caves in the 1830s and the land for the state park was purchased in 1921. The park infrastructure came together through the hard work of many Americans as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. These developments have helped the public access and enjoy the park to this day, and it’s a perfect stop on your RV camping trip across the Hawkeye State. Here is everything you need to know about these awesome caves and how to maximize your stay.
Grab your flashlight and explore the 13 caves available in the park—more than any other park in the state! The largest one, Dancehall Cave, was indeed used as a community dance venue many years ago. What makes this such a great stop for adventurous RV travelers is that you are allowed to explore the cave system on your own. You just need to attend a short program about minimizing the spread of White Nose Syndrome: a disease that harms native bats.
For your visit, you’ll want to wear some old and ragged clothes and proper hiking footwear. The inside of the caves can be rather jagged and slippery in spots. You might also consider bringing a helmet along if you plan on getting way back in all of the nooks and crannies.
Long before the caves were a tourist destination, Native Americans used them as shelter in prime hunting grounds. Numerous artifacts such as arrowheads, pottery, and primitive tools have been found around the site, suggesting that this was a long-term living situation for these early inhabitants. A number of exhibits at the interpretive center showcase some of these artifacts and help paint a picture of early life in the caves.
The center also has a few exhibits that discuss the geology of the cave system. Learn why the impressive stalactites are so purely white in color and how the natural erosion made this fascinating world underground.
Walk along six miles of trails above ground and take in the beautiful forest scenery. In the springtime, trails are dotted with superb displays of wildflowers. This colorful blast amongst the backdrop of forest greenery makes for some excellent photo opportunities.
The trails are also positioned to offer views of other impressive rock formations at the park. Catch a glimpse of the massive 17-ton balanced rock or marvel at the natural bridge that rises 50 feet above Raccoon Creek below.
One of the simplest, but sweetest pleasures in life is a little dinner ‘al fresco.’ The park features two large, covered shelters for picnicking pleasure – rain or shine. Whether it’s a charcuterie board and a little wine amongst the mature pines or a hamburger grill-out, you’ll be perfectly set up here.
Near the shelters, the kids can find a playground to keep themselves entertained as well. Enjoy your relaxing meal while the kids scamper around the slides and monkey bars.
Some RV parks can be a little much sometimes. During the busy times of year, these campgrounds can be at or near capacity and you can feel a little cramped and overwhelmed. Not at Maquoketa Caves.
The mature pine trees and bluffs offer a tranquil place to set up camp. The campground isn’t very large, and noise and commotion will be minimal.
Your best option for efficient cave exploration is staying directly at the campground within the park. There are 24 sites suitable for your rental RV. These are electric hookups only with 20/50-amp service. A dump station and shower facility are available, however. The sites are fairly large and can accommodate rigs up to 68 feet long. And, dogs on leashes are welcome.
Just 13 minutes southeast, Highway 62 RV Park is a nearby option. It’s quite small, with only eight sites, but this may be a selling point for folks who don’t care for the sprawling +100 site parks. The campground is quite close to the county fairgrounds, a winery, multiple museums, and a drive-in movie theater.
Sites are full hookup with 30- or 50-amp electrical service. You’ll also have a picnic table and fire ring at each site to enjoy some relaxing meals and share camping stories around the campfire after a day of fun.
The Lakehurst Riverside Campground is positioned right on the bank of the Maquoketa River, 11 minutes southeast of the caves. This campground is even smaller, with only six RV sites. This is a great choice for any group that enjoys fishing and paddling. You can simply walk down to the riverbank and cast a line or launch the kayaks.
The available RV sites provide electricity and water hookups and a fire ring. Be advised that there are no concrete slabs here. You will, however, find clean bathrooms with showers.
If you’re really looking for more amenities, you can drive a little further to Offshore RV Park 27 miles east. Offshore is larger (60 sites) and its key feature is its location directly on the mighty Mississippi River. Within a short distance, you’ll have access to a golf course, swimming pool, and a bowling alley.
Your site will be level and paved and offer full hookup access and a fire ring. Free Wi-Fi and shower facilities are also available. Sites #15-24 offer the best views of the river.
About 30 minutes to the northwest in the town of Cascade, Riverview Ridge Campgrounds offers a ton of fun on site. You’ll have direct access to 10 miles of hiking trails, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and river access for fishing or beach days. Visitors love renting tubes and floating on the Maquoketa River.
Choose from full hookup, water/electric-only, or no hookup sites. A camp store with all of the necessities was recently added for your convenience. There are multiple playgrounds for the children and the owners have also planted more than 1,500 trees to beautify the park.
As is the case with many smaller state or national parks, there are no dining options at Maquoketa State Park. You’ll have to venture into one of the nearby towns for prepared food or bring your own food in and enjoy the scenery at your picnic table.
The only option right outside the park is the Bluff Lake Catfish Farm which offers plenty of, you guessed it, catfish options. They also have a bunch of other standard American fare.
You’ll need to head seven miles into downtown Maquoketa for variety. Here, you’ll find a number of American chains, as well as some local BBQ, Chinese, coffee shops, bakeries, bars, and even an upscale wine cellar. There are also a few small-town cafés and diners that offer great American breakfasts. If you prefer to do your own cooking, there are also several grocery stores in town.
There’s nearly endless cave and river fun to be had at Maquoketa. You’ll be sure to return with stories of your intense cave excursions and fond memories of your lazy tube floats down the river afterwards. You won’t want to delay this trip; rent an RV and get exploring!