Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park, located in northeastern Iowa, has many great aspects that make it an ideal location for anyone looking to go camping or spending some quality time in the great outdoors. Whether you are looking to go on a solo trip, a getaway with friends, a romantic evening with someone special, or a mini-vacation introducing your family to nature, Backbone State Park has plenty of fantastic features and beautiful views.

For those that truly enjoy “roughing it”, there are 125 camp sites within the area of the park, with 49 electric options and 49 non-electric ones located in the southern portion of the state park, and 27 more camp sites located in the other portion of the park. There are two shower building located in the southern area campsites, thought the 27 campsites in the other area only offer latrines, so all levels of civilization are offered. These campsites are great for those looking to truly experience the great outdoors.

Backbone State Park also has cabins available for those who want a few more comforts of home while enjoying nature. There are both one bedroom and two bedroom cabins that are offered, so whether you’re going alone or with your family, there are options available. The cabins have both air conditioning and heat, to keep visitors comfortable no matter what the weather. The cabins are available all year long, which is a great option for those who want to enjoy nature in the winter, and partake in some of the winter activities that just can’t be done in the summer, like snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Hiking the trails of Backbone State Park is one of the most popular activities for visitors to do. There are twenty one miles of hiking in the park. One of the most popular hiking trails leads to the well known Devil’s Backbone, a truly beautiful location in the park, and one of the highest locations in all of this part of the state. The winter months provide opportunities for snowmobiling and cross country skiing for those looking for new adventures to try. There are also designated trails that are specially for mountain bikers. No matter what the interests are, there are activities that can meet everyone’s needs on Backbone’s trails.

Backbone Lake is another popular attraction that offers several different activities. There is a beach made out of part of the lake, and people of all ages will enjoy swimming in the water or lounging in the sun. Refreshments are available at a stand, so families don’t have to go back to their cabin or campsite if they get hungry. There are also fishing locations throughout the park around the lake, and many visitors enjoy trying their luck at fishing. Trout fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing at Backbone, though there are other types of fish that are also common in the lake. Boating is also very popular, and there’s a boat ramp in the lake along with boat rental. Kids of all ages enjoy renting a boat with their parents and getting an experience out on the water, and boat rides can also prove to be very romantic and intimate moments with your significant other or spouse.

Finally, for those who are truly daredevils, the rocky landscape at Backbone State Park allows for great climbing and repelling. For safety reasons, anyone wishing to pursue these types of things must register with the state park’s main office. Beginners shouldn’t start off at this state park, but should instead look for ways to learn from others before attempting the climbs at Backbone, but for those with experience climbing, they can find beautiful views and challenging paths all over the trails at this state park.

Those wishing to learn more about Backbone can learn more at http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/backbone.html or call 563-933-2273 for more information. Whether you’re looking for a summer vacation or a way to have fun during the winter, the wide variety of options offered at Backbone State Park will ensure you and everyone you’re with will have a great time.