Kayaking & Canoeing the Maquoketa River
Iowa paddling guide
- 124 mi
- River mapped
- 33
- Boat launches
- 11
- Campgrounds
- 3
- Counties
The Maquoketa River is one of Iowa's designated water trails, tracing roughly 124 mi through Delaware, Jackson and Jones Counties. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or tubing, this guide maps every public boat launch and access point on the Maquoketa River, the campgrounds nearby, and the live gauge readings you need to plan a safe day paddling in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on the Maquoketa River
33 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Backbone State ParkDelaware Co.
- ▸Bailey's Ford ParkDelaware Co.
- ▸Boat RampDelaware Co.
- ▸Bridgeport Canoe AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Canton AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Chenelworth Canoe AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Damon Bridge Canoe AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Dundee AccessDelaware Co.
- ▸Dunlap ParkDelaware Co.
- ▸East River ParkDelaware Co.
- ▸Hartwick AccessDelaware Co.
- ▸Highway 136Jones Co.
- ▸Highway 52 AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Indian BluffJones Co.
- ▸Iron Bridge Canoe AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Joinerville ParkJackson Co.
- ▸Lindsey Bridge AccessDelaware Co.
- ▸Maquoketa City AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Maquoketa River AccessDelaware Co.
- ▸Millertown BridgeJackson Co.
- ▸Mon-Maq DamJones Co.
- ▸Morehead Canoe AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Pictured RocksJones Co.
- ▸Pioneer Road River AccessDelaware Co.
- ▸Quaker Mill DamDelaware Co.
- ▸Retz Wildlife AreaDelaware Co.
- ▸Royertown Canoe AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Schram Park AccessDelaware Co.
- ▸Shearer Wildlife AreaDelaware Co.
- ▸Spragueville AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Supples Bridge AccessJones Co.
- ▸Tirrill ParkDelaware Co.
- ▸Turtle Creek ParkDelaware Co.
Camping near the Maquoketa River
- ⛺Adirondack ShelterJackson Co.
- ⛺Backbone SP - South Lake CG
- ⛺Baileys Ford Park
- ⛺Buzzard RidgeJackson Co.
- ⛺Buzzard Ridge Campground
- ⛺Camp Courageous of Iowa
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Joinerville Park
- ⛺Pin Oak AccessDelaware Co.
- ⛺South Lake CampgroundDelaware Co.
Live Maquoketa River conditions
River levels change fast. Before you launch, check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Maquoketa River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Paddle more of Iowa
The Maquoketa River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.