🌤 Weather at Bellevue State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–71 °F | 59–85 °F | 29–76 °F | 12–34 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Bellevue L&d 12, 1 mi away, elevation 603 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Bellevue State Park — 300-foot Mississippi River bluffs, a one-acre butterfly sanctuary, and two distinct park units just south of Dubuque.
Bellevue State Park gives you the classic Driftless-edge experience: stand on a 300-foot limestone bluff and watch barges work through the Mississippi below, then wander a garden where more than one hundred planted plots are designed for a single purpose — feeding butterflies. Established in 1928, the park spreads 788 acres across two separate units along U.S. Highway 52 at the river town of Bellevue, about 25 minutes south of Dubuque.
The two-unit layout is what makes Bellevue unusual. The Nelson Unit sits at the immediate south edge of town, on top of the bluff — this is where you’ll find the overlooks, the South Bluff Nature Center, and the famous Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies. The Dyas Unit, two miles farther south, is the quieter half: the campground, about four miles of wooded foot trails, scenic overlooks, and a stream where beavers keep rebuilding their dams.
What Makes This Park Unique
Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies
A one-acre garden with over 100 separate plots, each planted with flowers that feed caterpillars and nectar-hungry butterflies — with walking paths and a central pond. Peak season is mid-to-late summer.
300-Foot Mississippi Bluffs
The Nelson Unit sits atop a limestone bluff with sweeping views of the Mississippi River valley and the river town of Bellevue directly below.
South Bluff Nature Center
An enclosed nature center in the Nelson Unit, open seasonally with summer programming — a good first stop with kids.
Two Parks in One
Bluff-top overlooks and gardens in the Nelson Unit; camping, beaver dams, and four miles of quiet trails in the Dyas Unit two miles south.
Things to Do
Hiking: The Nelson Unit packs four short trails into the bluff top — one leads to the main Mississippi overlook, one winds past Native American burial mounds, one crosses a restored prairie to the butterfly garden, and one passes an old limestone quarry. The Dyas Unit adds about four miles of wooded foot trails with overlooks and wildlife viewing along the stream.
Wildlife & birding: The Mississippi flyway makes this a strong birding stop in spring and fall migration; bald eagles winter along the river, and the butterfly garden peaks from July into September. Watch for beaver activity along the Dyas Unit stream.
Picnicking: Both units have picnic areas and shelters — the bluff-top tables in the Nelson Unit come with the best view in Jackson County.
Camping
The campground is in the Dyas Unit: 46 sites, 31 of them with electrical hookups, plus modern restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Like all Iowa state parks, sites are reservable online through ReserveAmerica with a 3-month booking window. Entry to the park itself is free — Iowa charges no day-use or vehicle fees.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | FREE — no day-use or vehicle fees |
| Size | 788 acres (two units) |
| Established | 1928 |
| Camping | 46 sites (31 electric), Dyas Unit |
| Nature Center | South Bluff Nature Center (Nelson Unit, seasonal) |
| Location | U.S. Highway 52 at Bellevue, Jackson County, Iowa |
| Official Info | Iowa DNR – Bellevue State Park |
Getting There
Both units sit on U.S. Highway 52: the Nelson Unit at the south edge of Bellevue, the Dyas Unit two miles farther south. From Dubuque, it’s roughly 25 minutes south along the Great River Road — one of the prettiest short drives in eastern Iowa. From the Quad Cities, allow about 75 minutes north via US-67/US-52.
Nearby Parks Worth Combining
Pair Bellevue with Mines of Spain State Recreation Area at Dubuque’s southern edge (25 minutes north) for a full day of Mississippi bluff country, or head 40 minutes southwest to Maquoketa Caves State Park for Iowa’s best cave hiking. The Iowa state parks guide has the full picture.
Facts verified against Iowa DNR and public records, July 2026. Entry is free; camping fees and seasonal hours are set by the Iowa DNR — check the official park page before your trip.
⛺ Camping at Bellevue State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 46 sites — Camping is available only at the Dyas Unit (not the Nelson Unit): 30 standard electric sites (20/30/50 amp), 9 walk-to sites, 5 standard non-electric sites, and 1 full hook-up site. Modern restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dump station. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed at standard campsites. |
| Reservations | 100% reservable; book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 563-872-4019. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival; check-in 4:00 p.m., check-out 3:00 p.m. Cancellations 30+ days out receive a full refund; within 30 days, refunds are limited to weather or documented emergencies. |
| Special sites | RV/equipment length 30-62 feet; pull-through sites 025-027 accommodate 32 feet. One youth-group-only site. Two open shelters overlooking the Mississippi River available for reservation. No equestrian or boat-in sites. |
| Season notes | Campground open April 1 - October 31, closed November 1 - March 31. |
Camping questions about Bellevue State Park
Can you camp at Bellevue State Park?
Yes. Bellevue State Park has 46 campsites. Camping is available only at the Dyas Unit (not the Nelson Unit): 30 standard electric sites (20/30/50 amp), 9 walk-to sites, 5 standard non-electric sites, and 1 full hook-up site. Modern restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dump station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Bellevue State Park?
100% reservable; book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 563-872-4019. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival; check-in 4:00 p.m., check-out 3:00 p.m. Cancellations 30+ days out receive a full refund; within 30 days, refunds are limited to weather or documented emergencies.
Are pets allowed at the Bellevue State Park campground?
Pets allowed at standard campsites.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bellevue State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Bellevue State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Bellevue State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
