Bellevue State Park
00 review24668 Hwy. 52, Bellevue, Iowa, 52031, United States
Bellevue State Park
$16.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$16.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $16 for electric hook-ups to $22 for gravel back-in sites. Private showers are free.
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About this campground
Perched high above the mighty Mississippi River, Bellevue State Park offers a captivating escape where dense forests meet dramatic river vistas. Wander through miles of winding hiking trails that lead you from shaded woodland paths to the enchanting Butterfly Garden, where native species dance among wildflowers. The South Bluff Nature Center serves as your gateway to understanding this remarkable ecosystem, offering interactive exhibits and panoramic views that will take your breath away.
The campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent-only sites, RV sites with hookups, and group sites. Some sites are first-come, first-served, while others require reservations.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the ancient Indian Mounds scattered throughout the park, sacred earthworks created by the Middle Woodland Culture between 500 B.C. and A.D. 1200. These mysterious formations stand as silent sentinels, offering a tangible connection to the indigenous peoples who first recognized the spiritual significance of this bluff-top sanctuary overlooking the Mississippi.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Midwest seasons at Bellevue, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the trails and temperatures that invite cozy campfire gatherings. As spring awakens the forest, summer arrives with warm, inviting days perfect for exploration, with temperatures climbing into the comfortable 80s. Each week brings its own unique weather story, from misty river mornings to golden sunset evenings.
ElevationYour camping adventure begins 250 feet above the Mississippi River, where the campground sits majestically atop towering limestone bluffs. This dramatic elevation provides not just stunning views, but a unique microclimate where cool breezes from the river valley meet the warmth of the sun-drenched plateau, creating the perfect natural air conditioning for summer camping.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of mixed hardwood forests where towering oaks and maples create a verdant canopy overhead. The park's limestone bluffs serve as nature's observation deck, while the distinctive drumming of Pileated woodpeckers provides a wild soundtrack to your adventures. Winter visitors are rewarded with the majestic sight of bald eagles soaring near Lock and Dam 12, where these magnificent birds gather to fish in the open waters below.
Geological RegionRising 250 feet above the Mississippi River, these ancient limestone bluffs tell a geological story millions of years in the making. From your clifftop vantage point, gaze out over the sprawling Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge, where the river's countless channels, backwaters, and islands create one of North America's most important migratory corridors. This unique geological positioning offers campers front-row seats to one of the continent's most spectacular river ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityBathrooms and showers are reportedly accessible, with proximity to campsites being an advantage for families with disabled members.
Sites SizeSites are generally small to medium-sized, with some being described as too narrow or sloped for larger RVs. Site #77, for instance, is a back-in site with a gravel pad.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to sparse tree coverage. According to a user, "You'll get to know your neighbors and their guests very well, even if you'd rather keep to yourself."
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid steep and sloped tent sites. Careful selection advised for larger rigs in the new pull-through sites as per Natalie Acheson review.
Best CampsitesSite #77 noted for spaciousness and gravel pad.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group sites are spacious but may have limited parking and uneven ground, as noted by one reviewer who mentioned sleeping on a slight incline.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIndividual small sites; some noted as steep or sloped in reviews.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available online.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites available as first-come-first-served. Review by Michael Smith mentions success at finding availability on Memorial Day.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. The Dyas Unit has nearly four miles of trails, while the Nelson Unit features a Butterfly Garden and a Nature Center. Winter activities such as eagle watching are also popular.
Hiking
There are over six miles of hiking trails across the park's two units. The trails vary in difficulty; for example, the Deer Trail is short and family-friendly, while the Bluff Trail offers scenic views of the Mississippi River. One user described the trails as 'unique and challenging at times.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available less than a mile from the park, including access to the Mississippi River. Specific details about fish types are not provided.Biking
Biking is possible within the park, with hilly paved roads noted as a feature by one reviewer.Boating
Boating opportunities exist less than a mile from the park, with a boat launch ramp provided within the facility.Wildlife viewing
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including bald eagles in winter. The Butterfly Garden attracts various butterfly species.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs are available at the South Bluff Nature Center, which includes displays of native animals and information about local history, though the center operates on an appointment-only basis.Winter Activities
Winter activities include bald eagle watching near Lock and Dam 12.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are possible, but specific details are limited.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsRailroad tracks near the river create noise disturbances at night, and steep inclines make tent camping difficult.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Dubuque (21 miles away): Includes hospitals and other emergency services.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility, but recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNear the Mississippi River, aquatic life visible in streams in the Dyas Unit.
Common complaintsSmall sites with limited space for privacy, steep inclines making tent setup challenging, delayed hot water in showers, and motion-timer lights in restrooms.
HostHosts are mentioned as friendly and helpful in multiple reviews.
Campground Map
24668 Hwy. 52, Bellevue, Iowa, 52031, United States
Driving directionsDyas Unit campground: Take Hwy 52 south of Bellevue 3 miles, turn right onto 429th Ave. which is a gravel road, then take first right into the park. The campground is located at the top of the hill on the left. Nelson Unit Park office, Butterfly Garden, Lodge, Nature Center: Located just off Hwy 52 on the southern edge of the city of Bellevue. Once you cross over the bridge, take an immediate right into the park.
Gravel road access for Dyas Unit; Nelson Unit easily accessible via Hwy 52 and located at the southern edge of Bellevue.Nearby places
Bellevue (3 miles, ~5 minutes drive), Dubuque (21 miles, ~30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Less than 1 mile: ATM/Cash Machine, antiquing, churches, fishing, fuel vehicles, river, town. Greater than 10 miles: marina, motels, water slides, hospital.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Bellevue State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has received mixed reviews. Positive comments highlight cleanliness, friendly staff, and scenic views. Negative feedback points to site layout issues, noise from nearby railroad tracks, and limited privacy.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Highlights include 'clean and crisp sites,' 'spectacular overlook of the Mississippi,' and 'friendly and helpful hosts.' The restrooms are frequently praised for their cleanliness and upkeep.
Common Concerns
Common issues include sloped and uneven campsites, sparse tree coverage leading to limited shade, and noise from nearby train tracks. One user specifically complained about shower design and the lack...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing extra lighting for restrooms at night, reserving sites in advance due to limited availability, and avoiding pull-through sites if using a large RV.
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews note issues with heat and limited shade, while winter reviews highlight the beauty of the park during bald eagle season. Spring and fall appear to offer the best balance of comfort and...
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Camper Quotes
- 'Some of the best facilities I've ever seen.'
- 'The overlook of the Mississippi is simply spectacular!'
- 'Be prepared to run the shower water for several minutes before any hot water comes...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #77 is a back-in site with a gravel pad and no water hookup. Sites 42 and 43 are described as sloped, making it difficult to use picnic tables or lawn chairs.
Accessibility Features
Families with disabled members appreciated the proximity of campsites to restrooms, but no detailed accessibility features were mentioned.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no specific issues were raised regarding pet policies or accommodations.
Last updated August 10, 2025