The Mississippi River backwaters near Pools 11-22 provide unique camping terrain with riverine forests and wetland ecosystems spanning both Illinois and Iowa shorelines. Summer humidity levels frequently exceed 80% in this region, creating lush vegetation but also supporting active mosquito populations from May through September. The area's campgrounds range from primitive riverside spots to full-service facilities with direct water access at elevations between 580-650 feet above sea level.
What to do
Water exploration opportunities: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provides equipment rentals for experiencing the Mississippi backwaters. "They have canoe/kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," notes Jeff and Linda L. Their Eco Tourism Center serves as both an educational resource and equipment rental hub.
Fishing access points: Areas along the Cedar River offer productive fishing with multiple species available. At Cedar River Campground, "seasonal cg along the Cedar River with camp store, ice, wood, propane, showers/restrooms. Has playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access too," explains James M. Many sites feature direct river access for shore fishing.
Educational nature programs: The environmental centers in Scott County parks offer structured wildlife learning experiences. At Rock Creek County Marina and Campground, visitors appreciate "an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," according to Chris F. Naturalist programs run regularly during summer months.
Hiking trail networks: The interconnected trail systems around Scott County Park provide multiple terrain options. One reviewer at Wilderness Campground highlighted that "a ton of the best hiking trails converge at this CG, so if you're tent camper and want to be located right in the thick of nature, while having direct access to prize hiking above just about anything else, then this is your haven."
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Modern bathroom facilities receive consistent praise across several properties. At Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA, campers appreciate the maintenance standards: "Clean bathrooms & showers. We didn't use the pool, but it looked nice. Easy on/off the interstate," reports Cynthia K. Recently renovated facilities feature private shower rooms.
Riverine ecosystem access: The unique bottomland forests and backwater areas create distinctive camping environments. A visitor to Rock Creek County Marina described it as having "plenty of sites, boat landing, kayak/canoe rentals, naturalist programs, nature center with native animals including large fish aquarium, cabins, park store and kitchen, shower house, pontoon river cruises."
Wooded privacy: Tree cover in select campgrounds offers natural separation between sites. At Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park, campers find "plenty of secluded sites with seasonal host, firewood, playground, RR/showers, trails." James M. notes that the park's natural features create more private camping experiences than nearby alternatives.
Family recreation amenities: On-site activities keep children entertained without leaving camp. According to Steve T. at Cedar River Campground, "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be a fun break from the norm." Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds, game areas, and structured recreation opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Low-lying areas near the Mississippi experience periodic flooding that can affect campground access. At Rock Creek County Marina, James M. advises to "watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest." Sites closer to the river have elevated flood risk during spring high water periods.
Weather variability: Late summer storms can impact camping areas with downed trees or trail closures. At Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground, visitors noted "Lots of intense trails to explore but some tree were in the way due to a past storm." Seasonal maintenance may not immediately clear all storm damage.
Reservation systems differ: Some properties require phone reservations while others use online systems. At Little Bear Campground, Stuart K. observed: "No reservations online: you have to call or Facebook-message Mike for a spot, which works until your cell signal doesn't." County parks typically use centralized reservation systems while private campgrounds vary.
Campground layout considerations: Open versus wooded sites present different experiences regarding privacy. One camper compared Woodside Campground with others in Scott County Park, noting it is "somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever." Site selection should match your preferred camping style.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Incorporate wildlife learning programs into your stay. At Rock Creek County Marina, families appreciate that "they also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed. The grounds are on backwaters of the Mississippi so there are boat ramps, docks, and areas to fish."
Activity planning: Schedule structured recreation between outdoor exploration. Cedar River Campground earns praise from families like Jorge F. who shared, "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."
Shade requirements: For summer camping, prioritize tree cover for heat management. The contrast between campgrounds is significant - at Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa, James M. notes: "Not much shade until trees grow. Park offers swim pool, golf, concessions, shelters, hike/bike/horse trails." Newer campgrounds often have less mature tree canopy.
Bathroom proximity: Consider campsite location relative to facilities when traveling with young children. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground receives praise for accessible facilities: "Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it." Sites nearest bathhouses fill quickly during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring additional setup effort. Marc W. at Camelot Campground noted: "The campground itself needs some repairs done to the gravel roads as there were several paths that had very deep ruts that needed to be leveled out. Maybe something they will be addressing in the spring."
Hookup variability: Verify specific utilities before booking as service levels differ by campground and season. At Geneseo Campground, RVers have access to "59 pull-thru and 12 back-in slots" with Stuart K. noting the "full and partial hook-ups offering 30/50 electric amp, water & sewage hook-ups." Some campgrounds disconnect water service during colder months.
Access route considerations: Large rigs require attention to approach roads and site dimensions. Matthew K. reported that Camelot Campground is "pretty big lots of full time campers. Camp ground is open year round. Have lots of different options if your ten camping or have an rv. They do have very nice cabins on site and a decent sized pond where the campground goes around."
Strategic positioning: Select sites based on planned activities and facility needs. Dan B. found that at Camelot Campground, the location worked well: "Fantastic campground. Facilities were well maintained and the staff was great! Traveling with 3 younger kids and they enjoyed all the activities."
