State Parks near Dubuque, IA

Even though Apple River Canyon State Park is a smaller park at only 297 acres, there are still several activities to enjoy, including motorhome camping. Even if you don't own an RV, you can still spend a weekend at the state park campground. You can book an RV in Jo Daviess County and head over to the Apple River in northern Illinois.

Apple River Canyon State Park is just over three hours west of Chicago. Before pulling into the state park for a weekend of fun, stop into Stockton, only about 20 minutes from the park. You can stock your camper rental with supplies and necessities to ensure you're set for the entire time you'll be camping at …

Set in an ancient valley carved by the Maquoketa River, Backbone State Park immerses you in the natural beauty of the Hawkeye State. It's the oldest state park in Iowa and has been welcoming visitors since 1919. The 2,000-acre park is named after its unique geological features, predominantly the narrow "Devil's Backbone" ridge that slices through the valley and forms one of the highest points in Iowa. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, from woodland hikes and sun-dappled picnics to leisurely paddles and exhilarating rock-climbing routes. There's even a dash of history thrown into the mix, with rustic stone cabins and an absorbing museum recalling the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

At just three hours from …

In the southeastern corner of Minnesota, sits Beaver Creek Valley State Park, an underrated, often-overlooked gem. Fed by the “Big Spring” found upstream, the water is exceptionally clear and cold. The banks are lined by moss-clad stones and gnarled old oak, basswood, and walnut trees.

Once inhabited by Native American tribes that roamed this part of the state, the first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-1850s. Though they had intended to take advantage of the rich soil by creating farms, they found that the terrain was too steep and rocky, and thus Beaver Creek was preserved. Beaver Creek Valley State Park was officially established in 1937.

Surrounded by industrious farmlands growing a variety of crops ranging from …

With peaceful hiking trails, abundant native wildlife, and wonderful views of the Mississippi, Bellevue State Park is one of eastern Iowa's best camping destinations. Located just to the south of Bellevue, this 788-acre park actually comprises two separate areas.

The first area is the Nelson Unit, which is found just to the south of Bellevue. Home to a nature center, butterfly sanctuary, and hunting area, it offers plenty to entertain and excite visitors.

The second area of the park, the Dyas Unit, lies a couple of miles further south. It offers excellent hiking trails, beautiful river views, and a modern campground, so it's a wonderful spot to explore in a rental RV.

If you're planning to camp with an RV …

Although relatively small in size, Big Foot Beach State Park in Wisconsin has a lot to offer visitors and campers. The park is located on the banks of the huge Geneva Lake and offers both stunning views and a range of recreational activities.

Big Foot Beach State Park got its name from Chief Big Foot, who was an early Potawatomi leader in the area until they all were forcibly relocated in 1836. The park officially became a state park in 1949, and from then has continued to develop. Today, visitors can find a range of useful facilities while still maintaining much of its natural charm. Many people who rent an RV in Walworth County may also choose to explore the …

Big River State Forest is a multi-use outdoor recreational area near Oquawka that is used for timber resource education and supply. The forest was first established in 1925, although land acquisitions since then have increased its size substantially. In the past, there were stands of hardwood trees, but these have been cultivated and replaced with the much quicker growing pine species; part of the reason for this was to demonstrate how pine trees are much more commercially successful. As a result, many nearby landowners have followed suit and created pine tree farms that have achieved similar results.

The forest's headquarters area is home to a fire tower, a prominent landmark in the area, and an operational structure during peak fire …

Located right in the heart of west-central Wisconsin is Black River State Forest, covering a massive 67,000 acres. Two forks of the Black River flow through this forest, along with high sandstone abutments. For those campers without their own rig, and wishing to explore this amazing forest and the surrounding area, book an RV in Jackson County. Located near the city of Black River Falls, the forest is easily accessible from other close cities like Sparta and Melrose. On your motorhome camping trip to Black River State Forest, set aside plenty of time to explore the extensive trails of this rugged forest.

Established in 1957, much of the area was strongly influenced by glaciation. Once the glaciers …

Located on the largest hill in the southern half the state of Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park is an area that should not be missed on any visit to the area. The park covers 1153 acres, so there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy this scenic beauty. Visitors are able to get a glimpse of the rare American Bison who live in the park, and this alone draws people from miles around to rent an RV in Dane County.

Blue Mound State Park is mainly made up of an unusual prairie landscape, Sioux Quartzite Bedrock, which appeared blue to early settlers, and from which the park got its name. Due to its lofty position, the park offers …

Buck Creek Park is located in southeast Iowa, on the easternmost border of the giant Rathbun Lake. Buck Creek is located just nine miles north of Centerville, 36 miles from Bloomfield, and 35 miles from Ottumwa. This small park is known for its scenic beauty, picnicking, and fun lakeside activities.

Buck Creek Park is made up of hilly grasslands that run along the Chariton River Valley. It shares a border with the easternmost arm of Rathbun Lake and provides full access to the water. The campgrounds are open, grassy areas with a few deciduous trees speckled throughout.

If your motorhome camping trip takes you to Iowa, you’ll definitely want to consider Buck Creek Park. This is a …

Big, beautiful, and boasting a host of great activities for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, Buckhorn State Park has a whole lot to offer as a camping destination.

Located less than 15 miles southeast of Necedah in the heart of Wisconsin, this 8,000-acre park offers something to keep just about everyone happy. Situated on the shores of Castle Rock Lake, where the Wisconsin and Yellow River meet, the park is well-known as a great boating, fishing, and swimming destination. But with pretty hiking trails, hunting, and winter sports activities also on offer, you'll need to stay awhile to experience everything the park has to offer.

Happily, Buckhorn State Park also boasts a 68-site campground where you and your camper …

Devil's Lake State Park is located in southern Wisconsin, between the towns and cities of Madison, Wisconsin Dells, and Baraboo. The park was constructed as part of the early 1930s and ‘40s Civilian Conservation Corps movement and stands as one of Wisconsin’s largest state parks. The state park lies on the northern shoreline of Devil’s Lake, the main attraction for many of the sate park’s visitors. This giant natural lake and the picturesque scenic beauty of the park makes it an ideal place to take an RV rental. Accessing the park with a rental RV is made even easier with both Highway 12 and Highway 113 running along its western and eastern fringes.

Rent a camper near …

In Sauk County, just a few minutes away from Baraboo, is the largest, most popular state park in Wisconsin: Devil’s Lake State Park. This 9,200-acre park is just 35 miles away from the state capital, Madison, and 12 miles away from the town of Merrimac. The park's vast RV camping area makes an excellent stopover or vacation destination.

The primary attraction here is Devil’s Lake. Before Devil’s Lake formed, this area was filled with gorges. During the last ice age, a glacier covered the eastern end of the Baraboo Hills. This created two natural dams which altered the flow of the ancient rivers, leaving a large body of water within the hills — what is now Devil's Lake. …

Effigy Mounds National Monument is located near McGregor, Iowa, less than a mile from the mighty Mississippi River. The monument is a collection of mounds that were part of a culture that transcended individual tribes and is considered to be an archeological treasure providing insight into Native American culture. These mounds were not constructed for burial purposes, as many of the tribes continued to build circular mounds for burial. The Effigy Mounds Culture utilized hills in the shape of animals such as deer, bison, and turtle, among others. Archeologists believe that the mounds may have been created to honor seasonal events, to mark territory or for other purposes, but their actual purpose is still unknown.

Today the monument is …

Iowa is packed with scenic state parks. In southeastern Iowa, you’ll find a unique gem of a park. Geode State Park is located 20 minutes west of Burlington, 25 minutes south of Mount Pleasant, and a stone’s throw north of West Point. This 1,640-acre park attracts hikers, water enthusiasts, and wildlife viewers from all over.

In 1937, Geode State Park became part of the Iowa State Park system. The area had always been a beautiful picnicking spot for locals. Then, after a group of citizens raised some money and purchased the land, they donated it to the state park system. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the park to be what it is today. It took 14 …

Northeast Iowa is shaped by the Mississippi River Valley, which gives it a landscape that's slightly different than that of the rest of Iowa, but equally gorgeous. George Wyth State Park is located midway between Cedar Falls and Waterloo, just west of Dubuque. It's part of the National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary and is a relaxing escape from city life.

In 1940, nearly a decade after President Roosevelt’s New Deal was set into motion, the Josh Higgins Parkway was established. Josh Higgins was a popular radio personality in the 1920s and '30s. Sixteen years later in 1956, the park was renamed George Wyth State Park after J. George Wyth of Cedar Falls. George was a conservationist who helped shape …

With more than 5,000 acres of steep bluffs, scenic valleys, and picture-perfect lakes, Governor Dodge State Park is one of the largest state parks in Wisconsin. Located just to the north of Dodgeville, it's easily accessible from Madison and is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway (or something a little longer).

When you visit Governor Dodge State Park you can hike along 40-odd miles of trails, swim and fish in two man-made lakes, indulge in a host of winter sports, and just enjoy the serenity of nature. And with two campgrounds and more than 260 campsites available, the park is perfect for RV camping.

So, why not find yourself a rental RV near Governor Dodge State Park and …

The Great River Bluffs State Park lies along the border of Wisconsin and Minneapolis, on the banks of the Mississippi River that marks a natural boundary between the states. Although somewhat off the beaten path, the park is easily accessed via Highway 61 or Interstate Route 90, with approaches from Rochester and Minneapolis.

Recognized as a state park in 1976, the area was originally known as O.L Kipp State Park, a nod to a man who was integral in building the Minnesota highway system. In the late ‘90s, the park was renamed after the prominent geological formations found there; its steep buffs rise 500 feet above the river, creating narrow valleys and unique ecosystems.

It is conveniently located between …

Green River State Park near Harmon has 2,565 acres of untouched natural beauty for campers and outdoor adventurers to explore. Don't worry if you don't own a camper — search for an RV rental in Lee County, then plan a getaway to the state park RV campground.

Chicago sits only about two and a half hours to the east of Green River State Park. Drive over to Amboy and stock up on supplies before setting up camp at Green River State Park. Amboy is about 20 minutes northeast of the park and a great place to pick up a few last-minute essentials for your rental RV.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, located near West Branch, is a monument to one of the most renowned American presidents to hold the office. The monument is located near the center of West Branch, the small town where Hoover spent his early childhood until being orphaned at the young age of 9. Hoover left the town soon after and would not return until his retirement when he chose to celebrate his many accomplishments in his place of birth. There are a large number of attractions for you to see, including his simple birthplace cottage and his burial site, marked with a Vermont white marble headstone.

Camping with an RV near Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is your best bet …