Backbone State Park

Check before you go

Park Alerts & Notices

For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.

Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

Dedicated in 1920 as Iowa’s first state park, Backbone State Park is one of the most geographically unique locations in Iowa. The steep and narrow ridge of bedrock from the Maquoketa River forms the highest point in northeast Iowa - The Devil’s Backbone - giving the park its legendary name. 

Take a walk through history by checking out the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum, explore the rugged 21-mile multi-use trail system or fish in some of Iowa’s best trout streams. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or just wanting to get outdoors for the day, Backbone State Park has something for everyone.

Plan Your Visit

• Hike through the 21-mile trail system and venture along twisted and windblown cedars up rough, rocky staircases. In the winter, explore the park’s snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. Avid mountain bikers can trek through the picturesque trails of Barred Owl, Bluebird, East Lake and West Lake.
• Rock climb up the rugged dolomite limestone cliffs, offering many challenges for climbers and rapellers throughout the park. Check out Backbone Trail for some of the most popular climbing spots. Please register at the park office before climbing.
• Fish for trout in Backbone’s clear, quick flowing stream fed by Richmond Springs. Backbone is known for its exceptional trout fishing, and anglers looking for their “secret spot” can enjoy a variety of shady and universally accessible trails along the stream. The sidewalk and concrete parking lot along the trout stream are ADA accessible.
• Boat on Backbone Lake and enjoy refreshments from the beach concession stand. Visitors can rent boats at the boathouse and a boat ramp can be accessed near the southwest end of the lake. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boats can be rented from the park’s concessionaire.
• Stay overnight in one of Backbone’s popular 4-season cabins, or camp in one of Backbone’s campgrounds. Non-electric and electric sites are located in the South Lake Campground along with two shower buildings, a playground and a dump station. Both shower buildings and the campsite in the South Lake Campground are ADA accessible. Near the west entrance lies The Six Pine Campground, featuring non-electric sites and pit latrines. Campsites and year-round cabins can be reserved through the online reservation system for Backbone State Park.
• Reserve a picnic shelter for a leisurely meal or family gathering. The Stone Lodge overlooks the lake and can be rented for family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings. The historic outdoor auditorium is also available for large gatherings and reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Backbone State Park.
• Learn about the history of Backbone at the Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum near the park’s west gate. The museum offers an interesting and informative look into the dedicated work of the CCC in Iowa State Parks.
  • Hours of operation: The museum is open from mid-May to mid-October, Fri, Sat, Sun from noon to 4pm or by special arrangement by contacting the park office.

Concessions

Concession operation is available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and open each day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The beach concession may be closed at 4 p.m. after August 10 of each year. Concession services include: 

• Fishing license sales
• Snack-type food (pop, ice cream, candy, etc.)
• Convenience store items (ice, charcoal, etc.)
• Souvenirs
• Boat rentals (rowboats, canoes, paddleboats, etc.)
• Bait
• Firewood
• Video game rental, TV/VCR/DVD rentals and movie selections for cabin renters
• Cabin and beach lodge check-in and check-out, and cabin and beach lodge rentals based on availability.

Amenities at a Glance

• Outdoor Auditorium; ADA accessible
• CCC museum; ADA accessible
• Beach lodge; ADA accessible
• Concessions
• Boat rental
• Boat ramp
• Trout fishing
• Trails
• Playground
• Day-use lodge (2)
• Picnic shelters (5)
• Modern/non modern restrooms
• Showers; ADA accessible
• Deluxe family cabins ; ADA accessible
• Modern family cabins ; ADA accessible
• Electric campsites
• Full hook-up campsites
• Non-electric campsites
• Tent-only campsites
• Youth group only campsites
• Dump station

Explore the Park

• Backbone State Park map and flyer
• Backbone State Park campground map