Camping – Page 2 – Our Family Reviews

Looking for the perfect spot to escape the everyday grind and enjoy the great outdoors? Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Eden Valley Refuge, just outside Maquoketa, Iowa, is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable camping experience. Offering RV sites, cabins, and primitive camping, this spot provides the ideal blend of nature and adventure.

RV Camping for Everyone at Eden Valley Refuge

For anyone seeking RV camping near Maquoketa, Eden Valley Refuge has 12 electric RV sites that are perfect for all types of campers. The sites are spacious and surrounded by natural beauty, giving solo travelers, couples, and families room to relax and recharge. The sounds of nearby Bear Creek add a calming backdrop to your stay, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Amenities to Make Your Stay Comfortable

No matter your camping style, convenience is key. Eden Valley Refuge has clean, heated bathrooms and showers across from the RV campground, so you can freshen up after hiking or relax in comfort. If you’re visiting in the colder months, the shower house is locked, but a quick call or text gets you the code for access.

Open All Year for Your Next Adventure

Planning an outdoor trip in the fall, spring, or even winter? Eden Valley Refuge is open year-round, so you can enjoy the beauty of Iowa no matter the season. During our April visit, the nights dipped to 40°F, but the sunny 55°F days were perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you love cool-weather camping or prefer warmer months, Eden Valley is ready for your next adventure.

RV Camping Near Maquoketa: Adventure Awaits at Eden Valley Refuge

Local Fun Near Maquoketa

One of the great perks of staying at Eden Valley Refuge is its close proximity to Maquoketa, just 10 minutes away. Grab a bite at Mega’s Café or enjoy a cold one at the Maquoketa Brewery after a day of exploring. If you’re looking for a fun night out, there’s even a drive-in movie theater 20 minutes away. Don’t miss the chance to grab ice cream at a nearby shop!

Cabins and Tent Camping Options

Not an RV camper? Eden Valley Refuge has something for everyone! Rent one of the two cozy cabins for $50 a night or set up at the primitive campground with 20 scenic campsites along Bear Creek. Whether you’re after the simplicity of tent camping or the comfort of a cabin, there’s an option to suit your style.

Tips for All Campers

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or trying it out for the first time, don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes and layers, especially if you’re visiting during the cooler months. The park’s trails are easy to explore and perfect for a solo adventure, a romantic walk, or a fun family outing.

We finally got a camper! Made by manufacturer Jayco, our new travel trailer is 21 feet long and features a bathroom with shower, a queen size bed, an excellent kitchen, dinette, and a couch. The kitchen features a microwave, 3 burner stove, oven, double well sink, fridge and freezer, lots of storage and enough counter space to prep dinner.

The model year is a 2014, and this purchase was off of Marketplace.

The camper RV sleeps 2-3 adults or 2 adults and 3 kids.

I’m the third owner of this travel trailer and the gentleman we bought it from install the bike rack on the back bumper which I’ll be removing as it seems completely unsafe! I certainly don’t want to be adding extra weight to the back of the trailer, which is just dangerous and would make sway more pronounced, while hauling down the highway.

Upgrades

One of the things I’m going to be installing right away, is a Friction sway control bar. This really helps with stabilizing the trailer when a semi passes or in high wind situations. I also found out that before leaving on each trip, I also want to check the tire air pressure on both the camper and the Ridgeline tires. Here’s a quote from the Honda Ridgeline Owners Forum at https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/posts/523937/

“A friction anti-sway bar will generally help, but you will find that there is always a “push” when you are passed by (or pass) a big rig. I find that if I limit my speed to 60 my gas mileage is better and my sway issues are less.”

The previous owner put in a lot of upgrades, including a new queen size mattress for my Kia, as well as a new water pump and a new toilet. He also installed an extra battery and an extra propane tank.

I was able to use the VIN to contact Jayco to ask about what options the original owner had installed upon purchasing. One of my favorite upgrades is the diamond plated from cover. Here’s all the upgrades:

Our StarCraft AR-One is 21 feet long and it’s also a widebody so there’s lots of room inside. There’s even a power awning and pass through storage in the front which is also accessible from underneath the queen size bed.

I pull the travel trailer with my 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL with factory upgraded towing package. The trailer weighs around 4.3k lbs loaded and 3.8k dry.

Here’s all the photos from the interior and outside.