The Mississippi River corridor between Pools 11-22 features a mix of established campgrounds offering diverse camping options along the scenic waterway. Developed campgrounds include Wildcat Den State Park Campground, which provides primitive tent and RV sites with pit toilets and well water, located about 5 miles east of Muscatine. Shady Creek offers electric hookups along the riverfront with concrete pads and water access. Multiple camping areas throughout the region provide varied options from primitive tent camping to full-hookup RV sites, with several locations featuring cabins and glamping opportunities for those seeking additional comfort.
Many campgrounds in this stretch of the Mississippi River are managed by state agencies, county parks, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with camping seasons typically running from April through October, though some remain open year-round. Fairport State Recreation Area provides electric hookups, showers, and boat ramps for river access, while Wildcat Den offers more primitive facilities amid hiking trails and historic attractions. Weather patterns and river levels can significantly impact camping conditions, especially during spring when rainfall may cause localized flooding. Proximity to railroad tracks affects several riverside campgrounds, with train noise mentioned in multiple reviews. A visitor to Shady Creek noted: "Only negative was that there is a train track real close and a lot of crossings, so you will hear a lot of close train horns and they go deep into the night/morning."
Riverside camping represents the primary draw for many visitors to this region, with multiple developed campgrounds providing direct access to the Mississippi. Campers consistently praise the riverfront views at locations like Shady Creek, where concrete pads and electrical hookups create comfortable bases for river activities. Several reviews highlight the historic attractions near Wildcat Den State Park, including the Pine Creek Grist Mill, Melpine School, and numerous hiking trails featuring sandstone cliffs and spring wildflowers. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area accommodate various camping styles, with many offering boat ramps and fishing access. A review of Wildcat Den mentioned: "Wildcat Den State Park is somewhat of an unknown gem. Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa."
$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."
$14 - $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."
$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. "
$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."
"Stayed the night here driving to PA. Very welcoming, you have to enter in gate 5, set up your tent site(towards the back near the woods) then pay $20."
"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."
$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."
$35 - $50 / night
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
"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"
$24 / night
"Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park."
$17 - $36 / night
"CG has new septic lines and walking paths! Sites have upgraded lanes, pads."
"Sites offer: tables, fire rings, hard drive through pads, electric, water, showers/RR, play areas, horse shoes, trails, and 2 cabins adjacent to CG. Overflow/visitor parking."
ScoutThe campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
GuideGood spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
TravelerWe really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
Traveler30 for full hook up. Need a a longer water house as double spigots are every few sites. Firewood at the office. Good location convenient.
ScoutI would give it a zero if I could. Uneven pads for camper, right next to interstate and loud, neighbors so close it is unreal. Do not believe the pictures online posted those are campsites for permanent seasonal campers in the back. I was told the cost was $650 a month then charged $718 on my card. Campers are placed tongue to the back of your neighbor in front of you camper. so if one wants to move out you have to pack up your camper and move yours to a temporary spot for a couple of days so they can get out then pack up your camper again and move it again. They broke the contract doing that with us so instead of signing a new contract on a new spot we went ahead and went to another campground. Owner (which you never see, never picks up phone or has an office you can go to) continually tries to charge my credit card a large sum of money because she is mad. Update three weeks later still trying to charge my credit card various amounts. We didn’t even complete the whole month we paid for and did not ask for a refund for the days not stayed so technically they owe us money. Also you are not allowed to have any mail sent to you if renting monthly' and there was a lot of trash and illicit drug use going on in the campground.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
TravelerThis campground is a great location along the river in Clinton. There is a Thomas Dambo troll within walking distance. There is a small playground on site and a ton of things to do on the riverfront: pool, skate park, outdoor gym, restaurant, marina, Showboat, etc.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
GuideSite 12. June 11. Good for a night if driving I-80. Nice view of the river from this site. It had rained and there were many puddles making tent camping impossible, so I didn't bother setting up my "mandatory" tent and slept on the cot in my SUV. Standing water, so mosquitoes were active. This campground caters to RVs. Trains at night are loud. Bring ear plugs. Restrooms were old and not clean. I had stayed here before a few years ago, and they were very clean, so it just depends on the host.
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 camping offers concrete pads at many sites, providing stable foundations during seasonal river fluctuations. Railroad tracks run parallel to the river throughout this stretch, with trains passing at regular intervals both day and night. Most campgrounds in this corridor sit at elevations between 580-630 feet above sea level, which positions them above typical spring flood stages but still requires monitoring during heavy rainfall periods.
Paddling and boat rentals: At Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, jon boats and pontoons on Lake George. "Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away," notes James M.
World-class disc golf: Several courses available at county parks along the corridor, particularly at Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park with a challenging 24-hole course. "Park has many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds," says James M.
Fishing and shore access: Direct Mississippi River fishing access available at multiple locations. "Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park," notes a visitor to Fairport State Recreation Area, which maintains two boat ramps for river access.
Historic sites exploration: Several 19th century structures dot the region, including the Pine Creek Grist Mill. "Excellent spring wildflowers, historical grist mill and schoolhouse," comments James M. about the attractions at Wildcat Den State Park Campground.
Riverfront campsites: Campers consistently mention the appeal of riverside spots. "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay," notes Donna T. about her stay at Shady Creek.
Level concrete pads: Many campgrounds feature poured concrete pads that stay stable during wet conditions. At Clarks Ferry, "Beautiful clean campground right next to the Mississippi River, lots of Maple Trees, level concrete pads. Lots of people this weekend, but very quiet," reports Michi P.
Hiking opportunities: Trails range from easy shoreline paths to more challenging bluff climbs. "Really loved this campground. Been traveling from Chicago and this was the perfect peaceful site. Price is great $9 it's reservable and walk ins. The forest walk is incredible," notes brigitte T. about Wildcat Den State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Despite being rural locations, many campgrounds maintain high standards. "Very clean sites and restrooms. Showers available as well. Most are pull through sites but each one has a view of the Mississippi River," says Lisa B. about Buffalo Shores County Park.
Train noise impacts sleep: Railroad tracks run close to virtually all river campgrounds in this stretch. "The spots are spaced out and angled nicely. Good view of the river. Has a nice handicap accessible dock. Very clean and well kept. The trains are noisy, other than that very quiet," explains Steve B. about his stay at Clarks Ferry.
Seasonal facility limitations: Water systems often shut down in colder months. "The campground is open year-round but they shut of the water spigots around the end of October (depending on the weather)," notes a review of West Lake Park.
Reservation requirements vary: Some sites require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "Make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick! The campground even has a military spot!" advises Kimberly W. about Shady Creek.
Boat traffic creates wakes: Barges and recreational boats create regular disturbances along shorelines. At Buffalo Shores County Park, "Amazing campground. Short walk to the beach. All sites are 50 and 30 you just show up pick a site and go to the office. Camp host stays on site," reports Matthew K.
Multiple playgrounds available: Most county parks include play structures for different age groups. "This campground is probably the smallest of the four in the area, plus the spaces don't feel crammed together, so you do get a more relaxed feel. There are two playgrounds - one message for smaller kids and one mostly for bigger," shares Lisa H. about Clarks Ferry.
Swimming options with supervision: Several locations offer designated swimming areas during summer months. "CG offers standard sites with electric, tables, fire rings, hard pads, dump station, water. Entry station has host, firewood. There is a playground area with shelter across entry station along with a use fee boat ramp," notes James M.
Fishing for beginners: Shoreline access makes fishing possible without boats. "The campsites are great. The hosts are warm and welcoming also very helpful. Birds were migrating to the north and flying very close to the river. It was awesome to watch," says Elida L. about her stay at Clarks Ferry.
Bathroom accessibility: Look for campgrounds with multiple facilities. "I liked their bathroom/shower house setup, which I had not seen before (but may not be too unusual). Instead of the standard men's/women's sides, there were four separate rooms, each with toilet, sink, and shower. It helped a lot with helping young kids shower!" explains Lisa H.
Water hookup limitations: At Cedar River Campground, "We had a water hook up by us but did not realize that we couldn't use it. Got scolded by the Park Ranger and told it was a no no," reports Stephanie D.
Pad size variations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "Spots are close, but level. Sewage located well to rear of most campsites, so back way in. Great staff, prices are wonderful. Water is clear and tasteless so good for filling my tank," advises Gena B. about West Lake Park.
Off-season value: Shoulder season camping offers better availability and quieter experience. "We came to the area to visit the John Deere factory and other Davenport/Moline attractions (and found there is lots to do in the area). We did not have a reservation and showed up on a Saturday but figured since it was a cold rainy weekend in late October we wouldn't have a problem finding a site," notes a visitor to West Lake Park.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds maintain dump stations even when water systems are winterized. "Electric was 30/50 at each site and water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach. All in all we still very much like this park. With the geezer pass we paid $10 for a primo spot (#14)," explains Gary P.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Mississippi River campgrounds in Pools 11-22?
Campgrounds along Mississippi River Pools 11-22 offer varying levels of amenities. Riverview City Park provides water and electric hookups, a dump station, riverfront access, walking paths, and proximity to restaurants. Marr Park features water and electric sites, clean facilities with flush toilets, paved walking trails, natural areas, and playground equipment. For those who prefer more basic facilities, Sandy Beach Camp offers clean restrooms with showers, sinks, and toilets, plus convenient boat ramp access. Some campgrounds like Little Bear Campground provide full hookups with fire rings and picnic tables, while others like Linder Point Campground offer a more secluded experience. Many locations throughout the region maintain shower houses, dump stations, and potable water access.
Where are the best camping spots along the Mississippi River Pools 11-22?
Several excellent camping options exist along the Mississippi River in Pools 11-22. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River offers waterfront sites perfect for anglers and is located along the Great River Trail. Wildcat Den State Park Campground provides a more rustic experience with 19 non-electric sites surrounded by trees, offering picnic tables and fire rings in a peaceful setting. Other noteworthy options include Buffalo Shores County Park near Buffalo with boat-in access, and Fairport State Recreation Area Campground near Muscatine which accommodates both tent and RV campers. For campers seeking riverside views with convenient access to town amenities, Riverview City Park provides electric and water hookups with a river walking path.
Which is the most popular campground near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 is Shady Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
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