The Mississippi River waterway system heavily influences camping options near Colona, Illinois, creating access to diverse shoreline environments for outdoor recreation. Most campgrounds in this region experience seasonal variations with peak capacity in summer months and limited facilities from late October through April. The Hennepin Canal also provides alternative water access at several camping locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River offers direct river access for anglers. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer. Access along river for fishing. Railroad runs nearby can be loud," reports James M. The campground provides electric hookups that accommodate larger rigs.
Canal exploration: Geneseo Campground sits directly on the Hennepin Canal with rentals available. "Right on the Hennepin Canal. RV, tent, Cabins, and Yurt camping. The couple that run this campsite are so sweet! Pedal bikes for kids (and grown ups), a spray ground, and more!" notes Elizabeth R. The canal offers 72 miles of biking trails alongside paddling routes.
Wildlife viewing: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground features educational opportunities through its nature center. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore," writes Jeff and Linda L. The center includes displays of native wildlife including aquariums with local fish species.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: At Shady Creek, campers appreciate the quality of the camping surfaces. "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one. Electric was 30/50 at each site and water was dispersed through out the park," says Gary P. Sites include both back-in and pull-through options with varying proximity to the Mississippi River.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities despite high usage. "The bathrooms are very clean, but no hot water after telling the host twice," notes Karla N. about Fishermans Corner. At Cedar River Campground, a reviewer mentions, "Great for relaxing and enjoying a camp fire. Great location. Right on the Hennepin Canal. Not far from town. Everyone was nice and very clean shower house."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to highways, many campers report peaceful experiences. "This was a nice quite campground. Great for relaxing and enjoying a camp fire," shares Ann C. about Geneseo Campground. Sites positioned farther from railroads and highways receive the most positive noise-level reviews.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near multiple rv sites near Colona, Illinois. "Railroad runs nearby can be loud," mentions James M. about Fishermans Corner. Another camper notes, "Only negative was that there is a train track real close and a lot of crosses, So you will hear alot of close train horns and they go deep into the night/morning."
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons vary significantly. "Some sites are right on the river w/ views - worth it to try to get those," advises Sarah C. about Shady Creek, which operates May 2 to October 26. Geneseo Campground operates April 1 to October 31 with 72 sites.
Bug activity: Low-lying areas near water experience insect pressure. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," warns James M. about Rock Creek County Marina. Mosquitoes increase after rainfall and during summer months in backwater areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Multiple camping areas include child-friendly recreation. "They had a great fireworks display for the fourth. Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again," writes Jenny about Cedar River Campground, which features a playground, pool and mini-golf.
Canal activities: The Hennepin Canal provides safe paddling opportunities. "Great place to camp! Right on the Hennepin Canal," shares Elizabeth R. about Geneseo Campground. Rental equipment available at several locations eliminates the need to transport personal watercraft.
Nature programs: Ferry Landing - Mississippi River offers more primitive camping with educational opportunities. "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests," notes James M. The location requires more self-sufficiency than established campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Water access limitations: Water hookup configurations vary across rv campgrounds near Colona. "Water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach," reports Gary P. about Shady Creek. Planning ahead with filled tanks helps address this limitation.
Site sizing considerations: Campground layouts differ significantly for larger RVs. "Sites are close together: gravel pads, onsite: water, firewood, fire pit, tables, food nearby, playground adjacent, near Highway 30," notes James M. about Porth RV Park. At Fishermans Corner, "The sites have electric, water to fill your tanks with dispersed throughout the campground, and a dump station."
Cell reception quality: Mobile service varies significantly. "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service," reports one camper. Areas closer to Interstate 80, including Interstate RV Park, typically offer better connectivity than more remote Mississippi River locations.
