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, winding through Delaware, Jackson and Jones Counties. This guide maps 33 public boat launches and access points and 11 nearby campgrounds on the Maquoketa River, plus the live USGS gauge readings you need to plan a safe day kayaking, canoeing or tubing in Iowa.

A popular way to paddle the Maquoketa River is to put in at Dundee Access and take out at Highway 52 Access — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.

🗺️ Open the live paddling map

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

runnable

Maquoketa River: 1,460 cfs, 12.0 ft — runnable.

Yes — right now the Maquoketa River is runnable at 1,460 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:15 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.

Typically runnable between about 120 and 4,500 cfs. Treat readings above 4,500 cfs as dangerous high water and below 120 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.

Source: USGS Maquoketa River near Maquoketa, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:15 AM CT. Live readings are provisional — always confirm on the map before launching.

River levels change fast. 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.

Maquoketa River paddling FAQ

Is the Maquoketa River safe to paddle right now?
Yes — right now the Maquoketa River is runnable at 1,460 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:15 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
Where can I put in and take out on the Maquoketa River?
A popular run is from Dundee Access to Highway 52 Access. In all, the Maquoketa River has 33 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
How long is the Maquoketa River?
About 124 mi of the Maquoketa River is mapped for paddling across 3 Iowa counties, with 33 access points to build shorter day trips.
Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Maquoketa River?
No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.

Rivers to paddle near the Maquoketa River

Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:

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.