Best Campgrounds near Illinois City, IL

Campgrounds near Illinois City, Illinois concentrate along the Mississippi River with several developed facilities offering views of the river and varied access points. Shady Creek, an Army Corps of Engineers campground, provides electric hookups, boat ramps, and river access with level concrete pads that accommodate both tent and RV camping. Nearby Loud Thunder Forest Preserve operates three distinct camping areas including White Oak Campground with electric sites, Riverview Campground for tent and RV use, and Indian Meadows offering more secluded, primitive tent sites. Most facilities in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically open from April or May through October, though some like Buffalo Shores County Park operate year-round.

Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the area, particularly for weekend stays and river-facing sites during summer months. The region experiences typical Midwest seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters that limit camping opportunities. Many facilities close completely during winter months, though fall camping offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Cell service varies by carrier, with several visitors noting spotty coverage at riverside locations. Road access is generally good with paved entrances to most developed campgrounds, though some primitive areas may require more careful navigation. As one camper noted about Indian Meadows: "If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some sites are more open, others are like a nature playpen."

The Mississippi River dominates the camping landscape, providing scenic views and recreation opportunities that campers consistently mention in reviews. Riverside campgrounds like Shady Creek receive particularly strong ratings for their proximity to the water. "Beautiful campground along the Mississippi River. Well maintained and very courteous camp host," reported one visitor. Several campgrounds feature boat ramps allowing direct river access, making them popular with anglers and boaters. Train noise affects some riverside locations, with tracks running parallel to the river and campgrounds. More secluded experiences can be found at the forested sites within Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, where Lake George offers paddling opportunities in a quieter setting. Public shower facilities and restrooms receive mixed reviews across locations, with cleanliness varying seasonally and by facility.

Best Camping Sites Near Illinois City, Illinois (116)

    1. Shady Creek

    17 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 419-0857

    $14 - $26 / night

    "We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "

    "Still a two hundred foot walk and I am there.
    Very clean. I was next to a vault toilet did did use it for a quick #1. Clean and did not have any foul smell.

    Level cement pads."

    2. Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 263-4337

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees."

    "Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa. We've been here in all four seasons and each one provides a different landscape."

    3. Clarks Ferry

    11 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 419-7594

    $25 - $26 / night

    "Great campsite close to the bathrooms for an affordable price."

    "Just off Highway 22 and runs along Mississippi River and railroad tracks. Shady sites, showers, 50 amp service, fish cleaning station, playground, and small amphitheater for naturalist programs. "

    4. Riverview Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    8 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    5 miles
    Website

    "The sites are very close to each other. The sites at Riverview and Silva both seemed smaller."

    "Good campgrounds with trails including equestrian options, and water! Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away."

    5. Buffalo Shores County Park

    10 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $22 - $25 / night

    "Nice beach walk and next to a small town. Came in December to find they close the campground for the season but there’s lots of small lots to park overnight."

    "Short walk to the beach. All sites are 50 and 30 you just show up pick a spot and go to the office. Camp host stays on site. Nice sized playground for kids. Plenty of room around campers."

    6. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    17 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 787-0665

    "Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."

    "I had fun nice little get away from every one nature is everywhere compared to city I love it"

    7. Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

    11 Reviews
    Davenport, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $27 / night

    "The host is on site plus a park ranger was frequently driving around to check on things. We were there on Labor Day weekend and everyone quieted down in the evening."

    "This campground is located in West Lake Park about 5 miles from downtown Davenport. There are two campgrounds – Summit and Park Terrace. "

    8. Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    5 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 263-4337

    $20 / night

    "Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park."

    9. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 795-1294

    $14 - $32 / night

    "Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."

    "Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."

    10. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve- White Oak Campground

    2 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 795-1294

    $20 - $26 / night

    "Sites are standard with shaded areas, Lake George near by offers fishing, paddling, boat rentals, bait, ice, firewood. Showers/rr at cg."

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Recent Reviews near Illinois City, IL

534 Reviews of 116 Illinois City Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground - Members Only

    Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

    This is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

    To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10(member) or$20(non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

    As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts– we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T;(2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from– where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord;(3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptables, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and(4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    Nice Break

    We are headed to North Carolina and needed a break from the back-to-back travel days. This campground was clean and quiet while we’re were there. We did stay from Monday to Wednesday so it might be busier on the weekends.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    Happy Camping!

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

    Nice modern cabin along lake

    Cabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge


Guide to Illinois City

Campsites near Illinois City, Illinois are situated along the upper Mississippi River basin where visitors can access both the main waterway and smaller connected lakes. The area features relatively level terrain with wooded areas interspersed between riverside locations. Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited winter availability, though a few facilities like Buffalo Shores County Park and Park Terrace at West Lake Park remain open year-round with reduced amenities during cold months.

What to do

Disc golf at West Lake Park: The park features a challenging course that attracts enthusiasts from across the region. "Park has many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds," notes a camper at Park Terrace Campground.

Historical sites at Wildcat Den: The park offers more than just camping with its preserved structures. "Park has historical sites, Pine Creek running through, wooded/limestone cliff trails, shelters, and campsites," writes a visitor to Wildcat Den State Park Campground. Another camper highlights that the park includes "historical grist mill and schoolhouse."

Boat rentals on Lake George: Visitors can experience paddling without bringing their own equipment. "Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away," reports a reviewer at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. For those seeking seclusion, another camper mentions, "Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."

What campers like

Spacious campsites at Shady Creek: The sites provide ample room for comfort. "Really enjoyed our stay, sites are large and staggered so you aren't staring at your neighbors and can enjoy the views," reports one visitor to Shady Creek. Another camper adds, "Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites."

River watching opportunities: Many campers value observing river traffic. At Clark's Ferry, a camper notes, "I like it because you can see the barge traffic on the river. I have camped here on more than several occasions." Another reviewer adds, "Birds were migrating to the north and flying very close to the river. It was awesome to watch."

Quiet woodland settings: For those seeking a more secluded experience away from the river, Indian Meadows at Loud Thunder provides isolation. "Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen," writes one camper.

What you should know

Train noise impacts many riverside sites: Railroad tracks parallel the Mississippi River and affect several campgrounds. At Clark's Ferry, a camper warns, "The one thing to know is the train comes by about every hour behind the campsite and blows its horn at the two crossings adjacent to the campsite. This happened through the night and was extremely loud." Another notes, "If it weren't for the trains going by constantly, it would be a five star place."

Reservation requirements vary by location: Some parks operate on a first-come basis while others require advance booking. At Shady Creek, a camper advises, "Make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick!"

Limited cell coverage: Service can be unreliable, particularly in wooded areas. One Shady Creek visitor reports, "Cell service was poor for T-Mobile," while another mentions, "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Some campgrounds offer better facilities for children. At Buffalo Shores County Park, a camper shares, "Nice sized playground for kids. Plenty of room around campers," making it suitable for families with active children.

Swimming areas with amenities: During summer months, certain parks offer supervised swimming. At Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA, a visitor mentions they have a "nice pool" and another notes that the campground is "great for kids" with "plenty of activities."

Educational opportunities: Some parks provide learning experiences alongside recreation. Wildcat Den features historical buildings while rangers at several parks offer programs. One camper at Loud Thunder mentions the area includes "naturalist programs" at their small amphitheater.

Tips from RVers

Electric and water hookup details: Some campgrounds have limitations on utilities. At Shady Creek, an RVer cautions, "Water was dispersed throughout the park, but often too far for a hose to reach." Another notes that the campground offers "electric 30/50 at each site."

Pad construction and leveling: RV campers appreciate the concrete pads at several sites. One camper at Shady Creek observed, "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one," making setup considerably easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Illinois City, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Illinois City, IL is Shady Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

What parks are near Illinois City, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Illinois City, IL that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Coralville Lake.