Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds, Maquoketa, IA

Are you an Iowan seeking a tranquil and well-maintained camping experience, where the beauty of nature meets the comfort of thoughtful amenities? Look no further than **Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds** in Maquoketa, Iowa. This "perfect campground," as described by delighted visitors, offers a refreshing escape from the everyday, providing a serene environment right alongside the picturesque Maquoketa River and its impressive dam. It's a place where you can truly unwind, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories with family and friends.

Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds is more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a destination renowned for its friendly hosts, J.C. and his wife, who ensure a welcoming atmosphere and uphold the campground's respectful rules. Whether you're an avid angler hoping for a great catch, a family looking for spacious green areas for kids to play, or simply someone who appreciates a clean and well-kept outdoor space, Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds caters to a variety of preferences. With its stunning views, comfortable facilities, and a general absence of pesky insects, it's quickly becoming a beloved spot for local Iowans to return to time and again.

Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds is conveniently located in **Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA**. This prime spot places it directly by the Lakehurst Dam and alongside the beautiful Maquoketa River, offering stunning waterfront views and direct access to aquatic activities. Maquoketa, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Maquoketa Caves," is a charming city in Eastern Iowa, known for its natural attractions and welcoming community.

The campground’s accessibility is a significant advantage for Iowans looking for an easy escape. It is situated in a location that feels secluded and immersed in nature, yet remains readily reachable from various parts of the state via well-maintained roadways. Its proximity to Maquoketa means that campers are never too far from essential services, grocery stores, local dining options, and other conveniences should they need them during their stay. This balance of natural tranquility and practical accessibility makes Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds an ideal choice for both short weekend getaways and longer, more immersive camping trips.

Upon arrival, guests will find the layout designed to maximize the natural beauty of the river and dam, providing a picturesque setting for your campsite. The ease of finding the location and the smooth approach contribute to a relaxed start to your camping adventure, allowing you to quickly settle in and begin enjoying the surroundings.

Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds prides itself on offering essential services that enhance the camping experience, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests. The focus here is on providing well-maintained facilities and a friendly environment. Here’s a closer look at the services you can expect:

Well-Maintained Campsites: The campground offers spacious and green sites suitable for various camping units, including tents. These sites are thoughtfully laid out to provide a comfortable base for your outdoor activities.
Clean Restroom Facilities: A consistent highlight in guest reviews is the impeccable cleanliness of the campground's restrooms. Campers praise the availability of "hot showers" and "very clean, well taken care of" facilities, which are crucial for a comfortable camping experience. Porta-potties are also conveniently located near tent sites.
Fire Rings: Each tent site (and presumably RV sites as well) comes equipped with a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires, cook meals, and create that quintessential outdoor ambiance.
Firewood Sales: For added convenience, firewood is available for purchase directly at the campground at a fair price. This eliminates the need for campers to transport their own wood, ensuring a ready supply for campfires.
Friendly and Understanding Hosts: J.C. and his wife are repeatedly praised as "great people & hosts" and "extremely nice and very understanding." Their personal touch and dedication to ensuring a positive experience for all guests, even those with "yapper" dogs, contribute significantly to the campground's welcoming atmosphere. They actively uphold campground rules to ensure a respectful environment for everyone.
Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground welcomes dogs, with reviewers noting that their "dogs loved it." While specific rules regarding leashes or waste disposal should always be confirmed upon arrival, the general pet-friendly nature is a significant service for those who wish to bring their furry companions along.
Event Pavilion Booking: Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds features a pavilion that is available for event bookings. Described as "a wonderful place for all types of events," this service provides a convenient option for family reunions, gatherings, or other special occasions right within the campground setting.

Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for campers in Iowa:

Stunning Maquoketa River and Dam Views: A primary highlight is the beautiful, scenic view of the Maquoketa River and Dam. This picturesque backdrop enhances the natural beauty of the campground, providing a serene and captivating environment for relaxation and enjoyment. Being "right next to the river and below the dam" offers a unique vantage point.
Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: For anglers, the campground is a dream come true, boasting "great fishing" right from its banks. The location below the dam creates an ideal environment for various fish species, making it a popular spot for fishermen.
Remarkable Lack of Pests: A significant and highly praised feature is the reported "absolutely ZERO issues with gnats or mosquitoes or pests of any kind" during multiple-day stays. This is a rare and invaluable benefit for any outdoor enthusiast, allowing campers to fully enjoy their time without the annoyance of insects.
Spacious, Green Sites: The campsites are described as "spacious" and "green," offering ample room for campers to spread out and enjoy their privacy. This contrasts with more cramped campgrounds and contributes to a relaxed and comfortable experience.
Dedicated and Friendly Hosts (J.C. & Wife): The personal touch of J.C. and his wife, the campground hosts, is consistently highlighted as a major asset. Their friendly demeanor, helpfulness, and commitment to maintaining a respectful and enjoyable environment contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere and are a strong reason for repeat visits.
Well-Maintained and Clean Environment: Beyond the immaculate restrooms, the overall campground is noted as "very clean, well taken care of." This attention to upkeep ensures a pleasant and inviting space for all visitors.
Open Space for Kids to Explore: The campground offers "plenty of space to explore & play," including room for activities like baseball or tag. This makes it an ideal destination for families, ensuring children have ample room to burn off energy and enjoy the outdoors safely.

While specific, publicly advertised "Promotions or Special Offers" for Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds are not extensively detailed, the consistent positive feedback regarding their "fair price on sites and firewood" suggests a commitment to providing good value to their guests. Often, campgrounds that prioritize direct relationships with their campers, as J.C. and his wife clearly do, might offer more personalized or unadvertised incentives for return visitors or extended stays.

Repeat Visitor Loyalty: Given that many campers express a desire to "definitely be going back again," it's common for such beloved campgrounds to offer informal or formal loyalty benefits to repeat customers. It's always worth mentioning if you're a returning guest when making a reservation.
Off-Season Rates: While open from March 1st to November 30th (based on general Maquoketa Caves State Park info, which might be a related area), campgrounds often have lower rates during shoulder seasons (early spring or late fall) when demand is slightly reduced. Inquiring about these periods could lead to savings.
Group Rates for Pavilion Bookings: If you're considering booking their event pavilion for a larger gathering, it's highly probable that special package deals or discounts might be available for combined camping and event facility rentals. Direct communication would clarify any such opportunities.
Word-of-Mouth Value: The strong positive reviews act as a powerful form of promotion, indicating that the campground's value lies in its consistent quality and friendly service rather than frequent discount codes. The "fair price" mentioned by customers itself is a form of ongoing value.

For the most current information on pricing, availability, and any potential special offers, it is highly recommended to contact Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds directly. The hosts, J.C. and his wife, are known for their helpfulness and can provide accurate details for your planned visit.

For inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds, you can reach them through the following contact information:

Address: Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Phone: (319) 480-3965
Mobile Phone: +1 319-480-3965

The friendly hosts, J.C. and his wife, will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have and help you plan your next memorable camping experience by the Maquoketa River.

For Iowans seeking an authentic and enjoyable outdoor experience, Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds is an outstanding choice that truly caters to local preferences. Its prime location on the Maquoketa River, with stunning views of the dam, offers both serene beauty and excellent fishing opportunities right in our backyard. The spacious, green sites provide ample room to relax, a stark contrast to more crowded options, ensuring a peaceful retreat even when the campground is bustling.

What truly sets this campground apart for locals is the personal touch of its hosts, J.C. and his wife. Their reputation for being "great people & hosts" who genuinely care about your stay creates a welcoming and respectful atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. The reported absence of gnats and mosquitoes is a significant comfort for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors in Iowa during the warmer months. Whether you're planning a quiet fishing trip, a fun family outing with plenty of space for kids to play, or simply a clean and comfortable place to unwind, Lakehurst Riverside Campgrounds embodies the best of Iowa camping, making it perfectly suitable for our community.