Backbone State Park

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge Backbone is a beautiful place for a family picnic. Several open shelters and the auditorium may be reserved online through the park reservation system. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the stone lodge overlooking the lake may be rented for a number of events including family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings. The lodge may be rented online at park reservation system. Backbone Concessions handles the lodge operation. If you have questions about the lodge or cabins contact the concessionaire, Kelly Peterman, at 563-933-2273.

The modern two-bedroom cabins and renovated one-bedroom cabins are available and are equipped with heating and air conditioning. The two-bedroom cabins are available year round. The one-bedroom style cabins are available April through October. Renters must provide their own bedding and dinnerware.

There are 125 camp sites located in two campgrounds. The South Lake Campground contains 49 non-electric sites, 49 electric sites, 2 shower buildings, a playground and a dump station. The Six Pine Campground, near the west entrance of the park, contains 27 non-electric sites and provides pit latrines. 

Backbone has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, rocky staircases to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the "Devil's Backbone." During winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowmobile.

Backbone Lake is an impoundment of the Maquoketa River created by the CCC. Recreation on the lake includes swimming, boating, fishing and a concession stand for refreshments. A boat ramp is located near the southwest end of the lake. Motors are limited to electric only. A boathouse for renting boats, a swimming beach and concession stand are located near the southeast end of the lake. Anglers casting their lines in the lake may catch a variety of fish such as bass and catfish. Climbers and rappellers will find many challenging cliffs of rugged dolomite limestone throughout the park. The most popular rock escarpments to climb are located near the Backbone Trail.Climbers and rappellers must register at the park office.