Concrete pads line the banks of the Mississippi River at this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service campground, where RV sites accommodate rigs up to 99 feet with electric and water hookups. The campground operates from April through October, charging $14-26 per night with reservations available through the season.
Most sites face the river directly, with some offering open water views while others look out over backwater areas thick with water lilies during summer months. Roger W. notes specific waterfront sites: "On water or clear view- some of best: Open water: 69, 68, 67, 65, 60, 59, 58." Sites closer to the entrance road back up to wooded areas but lose the water views. A separate grassy area accommodates tent campers, though reviewers mention these sites require carrying gear from parking areas.
The river setting brings abundant wildlife including turtles, birds, muskrats, and fish, making this a solid base for anglers. A boat launch sits within the campground, providing direct access to the Mississippi's backwaters. The paved Great River Trail connects to nearby towns for cyclists, while a shorter trail loops through the campground itself. Vault toilets serve each loop, with a central shower house and dump station available.
Insects present the main challenge, particularly during humid summer periods when biting flies and mosquitoes can be intense. Stacie H. recommends bringing "a screened canopy if you want to enjoy the outdoors without swatting bugs all the time." The problem varies by site location and weather conditions, with some areas near the main river experiencing heavier insect pressure than backwater sites.
Campers wanting a different experience can check Spring Lake Campground for a more wooded setting away from the river's edge.
Description
Overview
Thomson Causeway provides the unique experience of island camping on the great Mississippi River and it's well worth a try! The western edge of the recreation area offers visitors an unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 3.5 miles from shore-to-shore. Here, campers can enjoy memorable views of the river and the valley, and partake in plenty of great water activities.
Recreation
Popular activities include fishing, hiking, hunting,__biking and boating. Common fish species include the channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, large mouth bass,__and northern pike. The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes beside the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank.
Facilities
Of the 125 reservable campsites, 120 have electric hookups and 5 campsites do not have electric hookups and are for tents only. Campsites in the Hickory, Potters South, and Potters North camping loops have water available at each individual campsite. Thomson Causeway provides the comforts of modern camping, including drinking water, an accessible flush toilet, electrical hookups, shower house and boat ramp, while still providing visitors with an authentic outdoor experience. This park also offers 2 reservable picnic shelters for day use.
Natural Features
The campground is built mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Slow moving water on the eastern edge of the main recreation area creates a rich environment in which wildlife and fish abound.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (563) 362-8839 or call (815) 259-3628 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
Head northbound along the river to see the Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature Preserve or the Mississippi Palisades State Park. Visit the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center and Fulton's Dutch Windmill. Or watch a minor league baseball game at the Clinton Lumberkings stadium.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundThomson Causeway is located in Illinois
Directions
Take IL State Route 84 to Thomson, Illinois. Turn west onto Main Street, then turn south onto Lewis Avenue.
Address
PO Box 398
Thomson, IL 61285
Coordinates
41.9516667 N
90.1108333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/28/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/28/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/28/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/28/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/28/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 52 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 11 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 15 min from Rockford, IL
- 1 hr 46 min from Janesville, WI
