State Park

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Jackson County, IowaAbout 319 acresEstablished 1921

Notice: Maquoketa Caves State Park: Cave Closure — details

Status
Open (per official listing)
Entrance fee
Not posted
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Statewide rule — see below
Camping
Yes
Official site
iowadnr.gov(563) 652-5833

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Current alerts 3

Water quality Maquoketa Caves State ParkWater Off: All modern facilities in the park, including the shower building have closed for the season on October 19 2026. They will reopen on April… (more)

Water Off: All modern facilities in the park, including the shower building have closed for the season on October 19 2026. They will reopen on April 15 2027. (Posted 10/19/26)

Posted by the park 2026-10-05. Official alert

Partial closure Maquoketa Caves State Park: Boardwalk ClosureBoardwalk Closure: A section of the boardwalk is closed between Hernando's Hideaway and Up-and-down. Please do not enter this area! (posted 6-12-26)

Posted by the park 2026-06-12. Official alert

Closure Maquoketa Caves State Park: Cave ClosureCave Closure: The caves in the park are closed every year from November 15 until April 1, as they serve as a hibernaculum for overwintering bats.… (more)

Cave Closure: The caves in the park are closed every year from November 15 until April 1, as they serve as a hibernaculum for overwintering bats. (Posted 8/29/25)

Posted by the park 2025-08-29. Official alert

Overview

Public Lands Institute - Maquoketa Caves State Park -
Public Lands Institute - Maquoketa Caves State Park -. Photo: Public Lands Institute. CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication)

Maquoketa Caves State Park is a 319-acre park in Jackson County, about 7 miles northwest of Maquoketa.

Visitors come for historic sites and hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, and showers.

Pets

Privately owned animals must be on a leash of max six feet or confined; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds; most cabins/yurts are pet-free.

Statewide rule from Iowa's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Camping
Required
Booking system
Iowa State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
Phone
1-877-427-2757

Camping reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Maquoketa Caves State Park, and 100 percent of campsites are reservable and a reservation is required.

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
Campsites
Enjoy camping among beautiful pine trees in the newly upgraded campground, or choose one of the primitive hike-in sites. Camping reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Maquoketa Caves State Park, and 100 percent of campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations March - November and is closed December - February. Occupy one of the two picnic shelters or bring your children to the playground structure located between the campground and picnic area. The historic CCC shelters were constructed in the 1930s and often…
—Standard electric campsites; Walk to/non electric campsitesShowers—
Camping details from the park

Enjoy camping among beautiful pine trees in the newly upgraded campground, or choose one of the primitive hike-in sites. Camping reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Maquoketa Caves State Park, and 100 percent of campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations March - November and is closed December - February. Occupy one of the two picnic shelters or bring your children to the playground structure located between the campground and picnic area. The historic CCC shelters were constructed in the 1930s and often serve as are a meeting location for the park’s summer nature programs. The two shelters are not reservable and are available on a first come first serve basis.

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Things to do

Historic sites and toursCampingHiking

Trails

Hike the six-mile trail system linking the caves and scenic overlooks throughout the park. Trails provide access to caves and park facilities while weaving through the rich landscape. Highlights of the park include the “Natural Bridge” standing 50 feet above Raccoon Creek and the 17-ton “Balanced Rock.” Enjoy camping among beautiful pine trees in the newly upgraded campground, or choose one of the primitive hike-in sites. Camping reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Maquoketa Caves State Park, and 100 percent of campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations March - November and is closed December - February.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Playground
  • Visitor center
  • Nature center or museum

Camping

  • RV camping
  • Electric hookups
  • Group camping

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Outdoor conditions can change quickly or be unique to a park. If you have specific accessibility questions or concerns, please contact the park directly and staff will be happy to help. Bathrooms: Accessible, modern restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, at the Lower Shelter/Park Store, and at the Picnic Shelter Area. Accessibility at Major Park Attractions: Caves: As naturally rugged areas, the caves and access routes are steep and uneven, with potential impediments such as rocks and tree roots. Surfaces may be slippery and can require the need to stoop or climb long, winding staircases. Experience the caves virtually through the PBS Road Trip Iowa feature on the Maquoketa Caves: https://www.pbs.org/video/maquoketa-caves-state-park-orl8vm/ Lower Shelter/Park Store: Located in the heart of the park near the cave entrances, the Lower Shelter/Park Store is accessible and has accessible parking, routes and a modern restroom nearby. Visitor Center: Accessible parking and restrooms can be found near the park entrance at the Visitor Center, which is open seasonally and run by volunteers. Hours are typically 9 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Trails: The trail system at Maquoketa Caves is not accessible due to steep inclines, rocky terrain, and staircases. Additional Accessible Features: • Picnic Areas: Accessible restrooms are located between Shelters A & B. There is an accessible route leading to Shelter B. • Campground: The shower and restroom building is fully accessible, and site #25 has some accessible features.

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
9688 Caves Rd.
Maquoketa, IA 52060
Nearest town
Maquoketa — about 7 mi northwest (straight line)
Coordinates
42.1202, -90.7659
Phone
(563) 652-5833
Email
Maquoketa@dnr.iowa.gov

Google Maps directionsApple Maps

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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