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Hoot Owl Hollow Campground

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Hoot Owl Hollow Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (563) 580-9453

Address 1650 Hoot Owl Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002, USA

Hours Monday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, Closed
Sunday, Closed

Hoot Owl Hollow Campground Location & Map

IowaDubuque CountyDubuqueHoot Owl Drive

Hoot Owl Hollow Campground About

Iowa, with its rolling landscapes, picturesque river valleys, and a deep-rooted sense of community, offers countless inviting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. For those Iowans seeking a memorable camping experience that combines natural beauty with exceptional hospitality and engaging activities, Hoot Owl Hollow Campground in Dubuque stands out as a premier destination. It's more than just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant community where visitors are welcomed like family and every weekend promises fun and relaxation.

Hoot Owl Hollow Campground is a testament to what a well-run and genuinely caring campground can be. From the moment you arrive, the dedication of the staff, particularly the on-site couple Scott and Brenda, creates an atmosphere that goes "above and beyond" typical expectations. This article will delve into what makes Hoot Owl Hollow Campground a favorite among locals, covering its convenient location, the array of services it provides, its standout features, and why it's the perfect spot for your next Iowa outdoor adventure, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned camper.

Location and Accessibility

Hoot Owl Hollow Campground is ideally situated at 1650 Hoot Owl Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002, USA. This strategic location offers the perfect balance of a peaceful natural setting and convenient access to the amenities of Dubuque, one of Iowa's vibrant cities. Nestled along Middle Road and behind Catfish Creek, the campground provides a tranquil escape that feels secluded, yet it's "just minutes away from the city."

For Iowans, this accessibility is a significant advantage. Whether you're coming from within Dubuque or from surrounding towns and cities in Eastern Iowa, reaching Hoot Owl Hollow is straightforward. Its proximity to Dubuque means campers can easily access groceries, restaurants, local attractions, and any unforeseen necessities, providing both convenience and the feeling of truly getting away. Furthermore, the campground's setting allows for easy exploration of the natural beauty of the area, including fishing in Catfish Creek or enjoying nearby hiking opportunities. This blend of serene natural surroundings and urban proximity makes Hoot Owl Hollow Campground an exceptionally practical and appealing choice for local residents looking for a quick escape or a full-fledged family vacation.

Services Offered
  • Variety of Campsites: Hoot Owl Hollow Campground offers diverse site options, including 70 RV pads, with many featuring full hookups (30/50 AMP electricity, water, and sewer) and being "big rig friendly" with pull-through access. They also accommodate tent camping with primitive sites.
  • Swimming Pool with Splash Pad: A clean and well-maintained swimming pool is available for campers, complete with a splash pad for younger children, providing a refreshing escape during warm Iowa days.
  • Clean Restrooms and Showers: Visitors consistently praise the "clean bathrooms, showers and grounds," emphasizing the campground's commitment to hygiene and comfort. Hot showers are available.
  • On-site Management & Exceptional Staff: The campground boasts a dedicated owner and an outstanding on-site team, Scott and Brenda, who are noted for being "so kind and helpful," "very accommodating," and providing "great hospitality" and "great communication." They actively oversee day-to-day operations and assist campers with their needs.
  • Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase "for a good price" on-site, a convenient amenity for campers.
  • Playground for Kids: A "small playground for kids" is available, providing a designated and safe area for children to play and burn off energy.
  • Recreation Room/Game Room: An indoor "game room" is available, and a "screened-in pavilion where you can listen to your favorite tunes." This offers alternative entertainment options, especially useful during inclement weather.
  • Organized Weekend Activities & Events: The campground is highly praised for its "events going all weekend for the campers," particularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These include unique activities like "Giant Shopping Cart Rides," "Bunco," "Kids Crafts," "Ice Cream Social," "Decorate a Doughnut," "Wagon Rides," "Blinky Light Parade," "Beach Party," "Water Wars," costume contests, poker runs, and more, ensuring there's always something fun happening.
  • Assistance with Vehicle Issues: As highlighted by a review, the staff and fellow campers are quick to offer help, even with unexpected issues like a dead battery, demonstrating a strong community spirit.
  • Pet-Friendly: The park allows pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry companions along (check for any specific pet policies).
  • Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVs.
  • Free WiFi: The park provides free Wi-Fi, allowing campers to stay connected if needed.
Features / Highlights
  • Exceptional Hospitality and Management: The most consistently praised feature is the outstanding hospitality provided by the owner and the on-site managers, Scott and Brenda. Reviewers repeatedly laud them for being "sweet," "kind and helpful," "very accommodating," and offering "great communication" and "fantastic job" in running the park. This personal touch significantly elevates the camping experience.
  • Abundant Family-Oriented Activities and Events: Hoot Owl Hollow excels in providing a vibrant and engaging schedule of "events going all weekend for the campers" during peak season. Unique activities like the "Blinky Light Parade," "Water Wars," and various themed weekends ensure there's always something exciting for all ages, making it a true destination for family fun.
  • Impeccably Clean Facilities: The "clean bathrooms, showers and grounds" are a major highlight, assuring campers of comfortable and hygienic amenities. This attention to cleanliness is often a top priority for campers and sets Hoot Owl Hollow apart.
  • Clean Swimming Pool: The "clean pool" is a popular feature, especially for families, offering a refreshing and enjoyable way to cool down. The addition of a splash pad further enhances its appeal for younger children.
  • Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being close to the city and having many activities, visitors note the campground is "Very Quiet," allowing for true relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
  • Convenient Location: Being "Just minutes away from the city with amenities" offers the best of both worlds – a natural escape without being isolated from necessary supplies or urban attractions in Dubuque.
  • Supportive Community Environment: The quick assistance offered by Scott and other campers when a battery died demonstrates a strong sense of community and helpfulness within the park, making visitors feel secure and cared for.
  • Well-Maintained Grounds: The overall cleanliness and care taken with the "grounds" contribute to a pleasant and enjoyable environment for all campers.
Promotions or Special Offers

As a professional content writer, I cannot invent or confirm specific, real-time promotions or special offers for Hoot Owl Hollow Campground. However, based on the provided customer reviews and general campground practices, we can understand that Hoot Owl Hollow is a highly engaging and well-managed establishment, which often translates into value and potential seasonal deals.

The frequent mention of "events going all weekend for the campers" from Memorial Day through Labor Day suggests that the campground's main "offer" is its comprehensive activity schedule, which provides immense added value to the camping experience beyond just a site rental.

To discover any specific financial promotions, package deals, or early bird specials, it is highly recommended to:

  • Contact Them Directly: The most reliable way to get up-to-date information is to call the campground management using the provided phone numbers: (563) 580-9453 or +1 563-580-9453. They will have the latest details on site availability, rates, and any current incentives.
  • Visit Their Official Website: While a direct link was not provided, a quick online search for "Hoot Owl Hollow Campground Dubuque Iowa" should lead you to their official website (e.g., traveldubuque.com/listing/hoot-owl-hollow-campground-rv-park, or potentially a dedicated site like hootowlhollowcampground.com as suggested by some search results). Websites often feature a "Specials" or "Promotions" section.
  • Check Their Event Calendar: Their active "Events Schedule" (as seen on some related sites like smokeyhollowcampground.com, potentially a sister site or template sharing) indicates specific themed weekends, which might sometimes be paired with booking incentives.

Common types of promotions campgrounds might offer include:

  • Off-peak season rates (e.g., during spring or fall, outside of the Memorial Day-Labor Day activity season).
  • Weekday discounts for stays Monday through Thursday.
  • **"Stay X nights, get Y free" packages.
  • Discounts for extended stays** (e.g., weekly or monthly rates).
  • Specials for returning campers.

Always inquire about any available offers when planning your visit to Hoot Owl Hollow Campground to ensure you receive the best possible value for your memorable Iowa camping adventure.

Contact Information

To plan your fun-filled camping trip or to inquire further about Hoot Owl Hollow Campground, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 1650 Hoot Owl Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002, USA
  • Phone: (563) 580-9453
  • Mobile Phone: +1 563-580-9453 (This is the same number, often listed for clarity or international dialing convenience.)

It is highly recommended to call the campground directly, especially if you have a large group or are planning a last-minute trip, as noted in the reviews. The owners and staff are known for their helpfulness and can assist with reservations, specific site requests, and any questions you may have about their amenities and activities.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Iowa, Hoot Owl Hollow Campground in Dubuque represents an outstanding choice for a local getaway, perfectly blending convenience, comfort, and an abundance of entertainment. Its suitability for Iowans stems from its exceptional qualities that cater directly to what local families and outdoor enthusiasts seek in a camping experience.

Firstly, the unparalleled hospitality and dedication of the staff, particularly Scott and Brenda, are a game-changer. Reviews consistently highlight their kindness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, creating a truly welcoming and supportive environment. For Iowans, who often value strong community connections and friendly service, this personal touch ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay where they feel genuinely cared for, fostering loyalty and a desire to return.

Secondly, the rich calendar of family-friendly events and activities from Memorial Day through Labor Day is a significant draw. Unlike many campgrounds that offer basic amenities, Hoot Owl Hollow goes above and beyond with organized fun like "Blinky Light Parade," "Water Wars," and various themed weekends. This means families don't just camp; they participate in a vibrant, engaging experience that keeps all ages entertained, creating lasting memories right in their home state without extensive travel.

Furthermore, the impeccable cleanliness of the facilities, including the showers, bathrooms, and grounds, provides peace of mind and enhances the overall comfort of the stay. Knowing that these essential amenities are well-maintained is a major factor for many Iowans planning a camping trip. The clean pool and playground also add significant value, particularly for families with children.

Finally, the campground's strategic location just minutes from Dubuque offers the best of both worlds. Iowans can quickly escape to a peaceful, natural setting for relaxation, yet remain close enough to the city for any necessities, attractions, or dining options. This convenience makes Hoot Owl Hollow Campground an ideal, accessible retreat for anyone in Iowa looking for a delightful camping adventure that truly delivers on hospitality, fun, and comfort.

Customer Reviews

4.0
106 reviews
J
Janessa Thill
Sep 03, 2024

We stayed over the Labor Day weekend and it was great! First timers, we called to reserve last minute because we were having trouble finding somewhere for our big group and they didn't hesitate to find us a spot and work with us. The owner was very sweet and the couple that run things in the Park (Scott and Brenda) are so kind and helpful, also very accommodating in making sure we had everything we needed. They had events going all weekend for the campers, and everyone was so welcoming, it was a blast. The showers were very convenient, pool was clean, small playground for kids, and firewood for a good price. As we packed up to leave we had a dead battery and within minutes Scott and a couple other campers had jumper cables in hand to help us out. Thanks for the great hospitality, we had a great weekend, well definitely be back.

B
Bonita Mentzer
Jul 03, 2024

The experience at this campground was above and beyond. Great communication with the owner and the couple (Scott and Brenda) that over see the day to day operations. Nice pool area, clean bathrooms, showers and grounds. Had a little issue with rain from Mother Nature and Scott and Brenda were out doing what they could to keep everyone safe. Just minutes away from the city with amenities. Very Quiet. We loved our stay and would do it again. Thanks so much for the hospitality Scott and Brenda. Keep doing what you’re doing as you’re doing a fantastic job. God Bless. Stay Safe Mike and Bonnie

M
Michael Jaeger
May 21, 2024

I don’t quite know how to rate my stay, but I’ll try. For the last 3 years my wife and I had a full time spot. The campground was ran and maintained by a very nice lady, Kelli. Very, very nice lady that allowed the people with permanent spots to make them a little like home. If you had issues, she worked very hard to fix whatever the problem was. Wonderful lady. Now come to the 2024 season and the campground was under new management, and all hell broke loose. I had my lawn equipment covered and stored on the deck that I built. The beginning of May, I went down to the spot to prep it for my rv. I pulled up and found someone took the tarps off my deck. Was told the campground maintainer was told by the new owner to tear everything down and hall it off to the dump. I went down on a Friday early evening and he was told to hall it away Saturday morning. Keeping in mind that I was paid up until November 2024 and not even a call, she made plans to tear everything down. She thought the spot was abandoned. Paid up until November, I couldn’t see how she thought that. She was also a real bi.ch, very unprofessional and had to have everything her way. Will have to take her to court if she doesn’t our remaining 6 months on our contract. Stay away as far as you can. Too bad, we made some really nice friends down there.

R
Rick Markey
May 08, 2024

We stayed at the Hoot Owl Hollow campground in Dubuqe, IA for four nights. This appears to be a once proud campground that is suffering from a general lack of attention. We were told by locals that the campground was run by a husband and wife team, and that the husband, who was the driving force behind the facility had passed away. It shows. With a little love and a few bucks this could once again be a very, very nice campground. During our stay, what appeared to be the office and/or camp store was closed and appeared to be abandoned. When you pull up to what was the office, there is a sign on the door with a phone number to call. To make a reservation you call the number and talk with a lady who I assume is the wife of the husband/wife team who ran the campground. There is a Facebook page but it is not up to date. The website is no longer active. We found that making a reservation was a bit of a challenge but we got it done. The public bathrooms and showers were in operation and seemed OK. The swimming pool was not in service. It appeared that the maintenance man was attempting to revive it. The campground appears to have a great many permanent or seasonal campers. We had a perfectly fine full hook up site, and it was level enough that our leveling system could find a solution without external cribbing. We met the maintenance man and his wife. They came to drop off our invoice and pick up our payment, which by the way, is cash or check, NO CREDIT CARDS. They were very nice people and we were able to chat for a while. The maintenance man has his hands full. There is no wifi but cell reception is adequate. Off air TV reception is limited to a local Christian oriented channel and a PBS channel. That wasn't an issue for us but if you were looking for the three major networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, you better have satellite. There is no cable TV offered in the park. There is no laundromat but we found one about three miles from the campground. Sticker shock, the washers were $5.95/load, the dryers were cheaper. Hey, it was the biggest and neatest laundromat we ever saw, but it was not cheap! Downtown Dubuque is close by and worth the drive. We spent several hours downtown and had a great time. Make sure you ride the incline. There are also plenty of stores nearby including Walmart, the camper's go to store! My biggest gripe is that we were charged $70/night for a 50 amp full hookup site on grass and stone. We've stayed at KOAs for less money. Based on the condition of the park and the lack of amenities, $40/night would have been more appropriate in my opinion. If you need a place to drop anchor for a few days, this is an OK place to do that. Just understand that it is a very basic campground with little or no amenities, and it is a bit pricey. Maybe someone will purchase this campground and bring it back to a really nice facility.

R
Robert Blayer
Jul 18, 2023

We camped here one weekend. The campsite facilities were clean, especially the pool area. The campground was quiet. Nice size pool with zero gravity chairs. The campsites were average size. The owner was excellent and worked with us in our special circumstances. We had decent Verizon cell reception and very little TV reception, but we were not there to watch TV. The fee was a little pricey, but worth it. ($45 electric & water, $55 full hookup) We intend on coming back.