South Lake Campground: A Perfect Getaway in Iowa

59 reviews

129th St, Dundee, IA 52038, USA
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South Lake Campground Introduce

South Lake Campground is a charming destination nestled in the heart of Iowa, offering a perfect blend of nature and convenience for travelers seeking outdoor adventures. Located at 129th St, Dundee, IA 52038, this campground provides a serene environment surrounded by lush trees and scenic landscapes. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, South Lake Campground offers a variety of accommodations to suit every camping style, including RV sites and tent-only areas.

South Lake Campground is part of the larger Backbone State Park, giving visitors direct access to hiking trails, fishing spots, kayaking routes, and beautiful beaches. The park's natural beauty, combined with its rich history, makes it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to explore the area's wildlife, enjoy the cool spring water, or simply relax in nature, South Lake Campground has something for everyone.

Accommodations: The campground offers both RV sites with full hookups and tent-only areas, ensuring flexibility for all types of campers. The sites are spaced out, providing privacy while still being close enough to enjoy the shared amenities.
Amenities: South Lake Campground provides basic facilities like restrooms, showers, and laundry services. While the facilities are minimal, they are clean and functional, meeting all essential needs for a comfortable stay.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing in trout streams, kayaking on South Lake, and exploring the nearby caves and springs. The park also offers opportunities for mushroom hunting, history exploration, and wildlife observation.

South Lake Campground is particularly popular among those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The mature trees and dense forest provide shade and a sense of seclusion, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. However, visitors should be aware that some areas may not be fully level, especially for tent camping, so it's advisable to check site conditions in advance.

Customer feedback highlights both the positive and negative aspects of the campground. Many guests praise the beautiful setting, proximity to trails, and the opportunity to experience nature up close. One visitor described it as "one of my favorite campgrounds in Iowa," noting the serene atmosphere and direct access to Backbone State Park's amenities. However, some guests have mentioned challenges with site leveling, ticket policies, and limited facilities. Despite these minor inconveniences, most visitors leave with positive impressions, often planning to return for more outdoor adventures.

South Lake Campground is a hidden gem in Iowa, offering a unique mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and peaceful camping options. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, this campground provides an excellent base for exploring the Midwest's diverse landscapes. So pack your bags, head to Dundee, IA, and start your adventure at South Lake Campground!

Location

Iowa Delaware County Dundee 129th Street

Customer Reviews

4.0

59 reviews

Danie Parsons

Jul 15, 2023

Ok so I moved here from Idaho. I didn’t realize it would be so hot at the end of June, do not recommend tent camping (even with a fan!) also, most of the lower area campground isn’t level for a tent, and the park ranger was difficult to deal with concerning moving our camp spot and having a ticket at the post. He drove by and woke us up (already knowing us and our situation) at 8am to tell us we didn’t put the ticket on the post. Of course I had previously asked twice and he told me to keep the ticket on me and inside the box near entrance. Ehh… whatever. Nice scenery. Beach still has sign warning about water conditions. Nobody was swimming in the daytime that I noticed. Both bathrooms including shower are minimal, don’t expect much there! The bugs weren’t terrible but finding wood to buy was! Only cash was accepted at nearby home selling firewood. Overall, Some cool history to check out- also enjoyed the cave and the springs. The spring water felt soooo good!! Also, we needed a special trout license so we weren’t able to fish for those and they are super small there anyways. I guess that’s what I get for moving to the Midwest! Might come back mushroom hunting but probably not to camp, swim or fish.

Candace Fagerlind

Oct 29, 2023

One of my favorite campgrounds in Iowa. It's big but is really tucked into the woods. Beautiful mature trees and wildlife. You can find some pretty large spots here, but some are closer together, especially the ones with electric. And it's right at Backbone State Park with direct access to some awesome hiking trails, fishing kayaking, beach, trout streams, etc.!

Linda Fischer

Jul 20, 2021

Nice clean campground. Backbone State Park is a great place for hiking, kayaking, & fishing. Also had lots of wildlife, deer, eagles, & birds of all kinds. Will definitely come back and enjoy a vacation here again.

Nick Chill

Aug 15, 2021

The South Lake Campground, at Backbone State Park, is a beautiful campground with modern amenities, and positioned close to park attractions. The sites have spacious options, helping the campground feel calm even when full. The restrooms are very clean and bright, and the upkeep on the facilities is regular. You'll be thankful if you choose Cabo near the restrooms with a private bathroom and shower in one lockable room. Even better, the showers are free to use. Firewood was not available on the campground on August 14th, 2021. Instead, we had to drive 5 miles to Strawberry Point. Camp hosts are close by and ready to help.

ja berg

Jul 15, 2022

Semi clean single stall bathrooms with flush toilet and shower. Since showers in with toilets can get dirty with use but cleaned everyday. Good stay. Some sights close to neighbor. Would stay here again. Can reserve some sights and some are first come first serve.

James Scheuch (Little Jimmy)

May 25, 2025

This Campground was great, very clean and well maintained. Shower house and bathrooms were checked once a day by DNR and keept clean, there is a on-site host to help with questions you may have. Had a great 5 day stay