Geneseo Campground sits at the junction of the Rock River and Hennepin Canal in northwestern Illinois, approximately 650 feet above sea level. Tent camping areas include secluded spots with natural buffers, while electrical sites cater to RVs with 30 and 50 amp service. The campground season typically runs April through October, with peak visitation during summer weekends when temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Bike the canal trail: Access 72 miles of biking paths directly from Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA, where guests can explore the Hennepin Canal system. "This is our 3rd time visiting this KOA. We've yet to be disappointed! No traffic noise. Our site was across from the picnic area & we had a nice view of the lake," reports one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Cast for multiple species in the area's waterways. The Hennepin Canal and Rock River offer diverse fishing environments. "If you're reeling, you should expect to catch blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie," according to reviews of local fishing spots.
Historical exploration: Visit the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village at Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park, located a short drive from Geneseo. "Park offers pool, golf with concessions, Pride Lake for fishing/paddling, historical Pioneer Village," notes a regular visitor, providing context for a cultural day trip from your base camp.
What campers like
Private tent areas: Many campsites offer separation from neighbors. "The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade," explains a guest at Geneseo Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive consistent praise from campers in the Geneseo area. One visitor to Morrison-Rockwood State Park emphasized this point: "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated but these bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean!"
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention the generous spacing between sites. At Hickory Grove Campground, a visitor noted, "Sites were huge and not crammed into one another. They even allowed us to use their golf cart to check out the creek."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping brings variable conditions. At Prophetstown State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "We camped the last weekend in April and we loved it. The pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out. We couldn't hike as much due to some hunting still going on but we made due."
Mosquito management: Be prepared for insects, particularly near water. "Portable toilet-No TP. Great staff! Helpful. Pulled out privacy tent to remedy toilet concerns. Small flies or gnats quite annoying. Pretty, quiet, lush. Would worry about mosquitoes in late summer," warned one Geneseo-area camper.
Limited shade at some sites: Newer campgrounds may lack mature trees. A visitor to Woodside Campground noted: "Not much shade until trees grow. Park offers swim pool, golf, concessions, shelters, hike/bike/horse trails."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience. "We had site 57 which is in a loop which goes around a playground. It was great for the kids who could go play and the sites in this loop provide plenty of space and privacy," explained a visitor to Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Educational activities: Take advantage of nature centers near glamping sites. "This campground has an assortment of primitive and electrical sites. They also have cabins and canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife. Great place for the family," shared a guest at Rock Creek County Marina and Campground.
Rental options: Consider cabin glamping for novice campers. "Geneseo Campground offers 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they'll gladly rent you," explains a reviewer, highlighting the alternative accommodation options for families new to camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check campground maps carefully for pull-through availability. "Sites are small however pull through sites are 2x as big, but they cost a little more," notes a camper at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA, providing practical insight for larger rigs.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require adjustments. A visitor to Hickory Grove Campground observed, "This is a really nice campground with a lot of recent upgrades. Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade. I didn't check out the Porta potty set up for the tenters but hiked up to the building instead. Very clean!" commented a camper, noting the practical layout of facilities at Geneseo Campground.
