Campgrounds along the Mississippi River near Pools 11-22 in Illinois provide access to 195 miles of waterway. The region features multiple Corps of Engineers and county-managed facilities offering riverside camping with varying amenities. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall months deliver milder temperatures between 55-75°F with less rainfall than summer's frequent thunderstorms.
What to do
Disc golf course access: West Lake Park offers a challenging course described as "world class" by visitors. "Park has many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds," writes James M. about Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park.
Pontoon rentals: Lake George at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve provides boat rentals including pontoons. One visitor notes, "We decided to rent a small pontoon. This pontoon was very rickety and we did not end up staying out as long as we had planned. The boat rentals are all on a first come first serve basis so it's the luck of the draw," according to Stephanie D. at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve.
Historic site exploration: Several limestone formations and historic structures provide educational opportunities. "The park offers non-electrical campsites with pit toilets located in the campground area. A portion of the sites are available on a first come first serve basis," explains Jessica H., who adds that "the Pine Creek Grist Mill built in the 1800's, the Melpine School, and most recently, a renovated log cabin" are worth visiting.
What campers like
River views: Many campers appreciate Mississippi River access for watching barge traffic. "Sites are spaced out and angled nicely. Good view of the river. Has a nice handicap accessible dock," notes Steve B. about Clarks Ferry. Another camper mentions, "Beautiful clean campground right next to the Mississippi River, Lots of Maple Trees, level concrete pads."
Concrete camping pads: Several campgrounds feature level cement pads making RV setup easier. "Level cement pads. Strong Verizon access," writes David D. about Shady Creek, while Kathy J. describes it as having "Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites. Clean restrooms and lots of hot water for shower."
Spring wildflowers: The forests along the river corridor provide seasonal blooming opportunities. Sarah B. found Wildcat Den State Park Campground to have "absolutely NO privacy between sites as it's basically a grassy field of sites surrounded by an outer loop of more grass," but noted it was nearly empty on a weeknight in June.
What you should know
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds sit near active railroad tracks causing noise throughout night hours. "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," warns Grayson about Clarks Ferry.
Insect preparation: Summer camping requires bug protection for people and pets. "Lots of gnats and other flying bugs, so bring spray," advises Sarah B., while others mention mosquitoes near water features as problematic during warmer months.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer and holidays. Kimberly W. recommends visitors at Shady Creek "make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick! The campground even has a military spot!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds along the Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 offer children's play areas. At Cedar River Campground, Jenny notes they're "Recently under new ownership, you can tell they've been working hard getting the place going again. Yes, you hear traffic, but it didn't bother us. They had a great fireworks display for the fourth."
Swimming facilities: Several locations have designated swim areas during summer months. "Our site was at Indian Meadows and it is large enough to fit my big 8-person tent, a picnic table, my truck, and all our other stuff with room to spare," reports Scott N. at Loud Thunder, adding "For 30 dollars we navigated the lake for two hours. My son loved steering the boat."
Tent camping considerations: Many campgrounds cater primarily to RVs but offer tent sites with limited amenities. "Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)," explains Angelika M. about Buffalo Shores County Park, which Melanie P. describes as having "sites with electric & water hookup. There is a dump station and bath house as well."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water access varies widely between campgrounds. "Sites have tables, fire rings, electric. Dump station, play area, showers/RR, wood available," writes James M. about Summit Campground, while Gary P. notes that at Shady Creek, "water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach."
Site spacing: Some campgrounds provide more generous spacing between RVs than others. "Sites are close, but level. Sewage located well to rear of most campsites, so back way in," advises Gena B. about Summit Campground, rating it "Above avg, kid friendly" with "great staff, prices are wonderful."
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service. The campground is close to Muscatine if you need to make a run but far enough out to feel like you're really camping," reports Stephanie D., while others mention strong Verizon service at different dog friendly Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 campgrounds.
