Best Campgrounds near Keithsburg, IL

Camping near Keithsburg, Illinois centers around the Mississippi River, with several riverside campgrounds providing access to water recreation and fishing opportunities. Keithsburg Riverside Campground offers both tent and RV camping with boat-in access, while Big River State Forest Campground provides a more natural setting with forest surroundings. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground, located just north of Keithsburg, features cabins in addition to traditional camping options. These campgrounds serve as gateways to the Mississippi River recreation corridor, where campers can enjoy boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing along one of America's most significant waterways.

Most campgrounds in the Keithsburg area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with peak season running May through October. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Flooding can affect riverside campgrounds during spring, particularly after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage in Keithsburg proper and spotty reception in more remote camping areas. Many campgrounds require self-registration with payment at drop boxes. Railroad tracks run near several riverside campgrounds, creating periodic noise from passing trains.

The camping options around Keithsburg cater to different preferences, from RV sites with hookups to more rustic experiences. RV campers will find electric hookups, water access, and dump stations at Keithsburg Riverside Campground, which is big-rig friendly. Tent campers can choose from riverside sites or more secluded spots at nearby state forest land. According to campers, "The sunsets on the Mississippi were beautiful each evening," making riverside sites particularly desirable despite occasional train noise. Fishing is popular at most campgrounds, with boat ramps available for river access. Pet-friendly policies are common throughout the area's campgrounds, though leash requirements apply in most locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Keithsburg, Illinois (104)

    1. Keithsburg Riverside Campground

    5 Reviews
    Keithsburg, IL
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 374-9070

    "Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend."

    "Shower and head is a bit of a walk. There is a Convenience store I think circle K where people are quite nice ."

    2. Big River State Forest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Keithsburg, IL
    3 miles

    "This is an older campground with many hiking trails nearby at the state forest. It was wonderfully quiet during the week."

    3. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Oakville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 587-8181

    $15 - $30 / night

    4. Ferry Landing - Mississippi River

    2 Reviews
    Oakville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 794-4524

    "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects."

    5. Langwood Education Center

    5 Reviews
    Fruitland, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $99 - $194 / night

    "Campground Review: Surrounded by hardwood forests and native prairie, Langwood Education Center, located in rural Wapello, Iowa is the perfect spot for nature retreats, family gatherings, outdoor"

    6. Shady Creek

    17 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    24 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."

    7. Haven Hills Campground and Resort

    1 Review
    Keithsburg, IL
    11 miles
    Website

    $61 - $250 / night

    8. Big Hollow Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Sperry, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 985-2502

    $15 - $20 / night

    "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."

    "Vault toilets a short walk away. Campground host was very helpful. Inexpensive firewood. Enjoyed our stay here. Paid $10 for site."

    9. Louisa County Snively Access Campground

    1 Review
    Wapello, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 523-8381

    $12 / night

    "Spots are right at the water edge. Boat ramp available. Very steep, dirt lane to access campground. Questionable for an RV over 25’"

    10. Snively Access

    1 Review
    Wapello, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 523-8381

    "Snively Access Campground is located off of County Road X61 in Wapello, IA. The access road is a steep, well-maintained, gravel drive that takes you directly to Lake Odessa and the campsites."

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Recent Reviews near Keithsburg, IL

422 Reviews of 104 Keithsburg Campgrounds


  • 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

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay


Guide to Keithsburg

Camping spots near Keithsburg, Illinois focus primarily on riverside recreation along the Mississippi, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. Most sites in this area sit at elevations between 540-580 feet above sea level, placing them close to flood stage during heavy spring rains. The region receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually, with summer humidity levels often exceeding 80% from June through August.

What to do

Fishing access points: At Keithsburg Riverside Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "This campground is right on the river... All camp sits are evenly distributed. Decent amount of space between spots," notes Matthew K. The proximity to water makes fishing a convenient activity.

Kayaking on backwaters: Big River State Forest Campground offers access to Mississippi backwaters. According to Jeff F., "There is a little unkept fishing area on a back water on the Mississippi River." These calmer waters provide safer paddling conditions than the main channel.

Shooting range visits: Big Hollow Recreation Area features a dedicated shooting range next to the camping areas. As Travis R. points out, "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots... Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch."

Barge watching: Riverside sites allow for watching commercial traffic on the Mississippi. "The campground is right on the river... At night there is some parties going now but never too loud to be a problem," reports Matthew K. Barges typically pass throughout daylight hours, with less traffic after sunset.

What campers like

Waterfront camping: At Shady Creek, campers particularly value the riverside sites. "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi," shares Donna T. These premium water-view sites often book up months in advance.

Level concrete pads: Many campgrounds in the area feature poured concrete pads that stay level regardless of weather. Gary P. notes about Shady Creek, "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."

Budget-friendly options: Cost-conscious campers appreciate the affordable rates. Dave N. shares about Keithsburg Riverside Campground: "$17/night with water and electric, a great deal." Similarly, at Big River State Forest, campsites run only $8 per night according to Jeff F.

Clean facilities: Despite their rural location, campgrounds maintain clean restrooms. "The shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible," notes Coty G. about Keithsburg Riverside Campground. At Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground, Coty G. also comments it's a "Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river."

What you should know

Train noise: Railroad tracks run parallel to the river, creating noise at riverside campgrounds. David D. warns about Shady Creek: "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."

Flooding concerns: Spring flooding regularly impacts riverside campgrounds. Fred S. attempted to camp at Ferry Landing - Mississippi River but found "dirt road going in was submerged in deep mud holes after some heavy rain."

Limited cell service: Cell coverage varies significantly. Jeff F. notes at Big River State Forest Campground: "Cell service wasn't good, used WeBoost to get any internet." Stephanie D. reports at Shady Creek: "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service."

Shared water sources: Many campgrounds have limited water access points. Gary P. explains at Shady Creek: "Water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach."

Wildlife encounters: The Mississippi River corridor hosts diverse wildlife. James M. describes Ferry Landing as "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Big Hollow Recreation Area offers kid-friendly amenities. "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house," says Travis R.

Swimming options: Big Hollow Recreation Area features a beach area, though water quality varies. Lisa M. cautions: "The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you!"

Astronomy activities: Big Hollow Recreation Area includes star-gazing facilities. Lisa M. notes there's "even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!"

Easy access restaurants: Families appreciate nearby dining options. Coty G. mentions Keithsburg Riverside Campground is "Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station."

Local events: Coty G. shares that near Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground, "City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well," providing additional entertainment options for families.

Tips from RVers

Dump station locations: RVers should note which campgrounds offer dump facilities. Jeff F. points out at Big River State Forest Campground: "Water and dump station is available. No water or electric at sites."

Big rig access: Larger RVs have limited options in the area. Barbara P. warns about Shady Creek: "The road leading in was very rutted so take it slow."

Hookup availability: Hookup options vary widely between campgrounds. At Haven Hills Campground and Resort, chole C. appreciated the "helpful service from the owner as he helped us get settled in," noting they "can rent golf carts for the day!!!"

Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. As Dave N. shares about Keithsburg Riverside Campground, "There are another 20-30 sites (non waterfront)," but availability depends on seasonal flooding patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Keithsburg, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Keithsburg, IL is Keithsburg Riverside Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.