Campsites near Moline, Illinois offer direct access to the Mississippi River with multiple established camping locations within 15 miles of downtown. The elevation remains fairly consistent at approximately 590 feet above sea level throughout the area's river valley terrain. Train tracks run parallel to many camping locations, creating regular noise that affects the camping experience during both day and night hours.
What to do
Fishing spots with river views: At Buffalo Shores County Park, you can set up directly on the shoreline. "There are good shoreline sites for boats. New septic system installed. Town of Buffalo nearby for supplies," notes a visitor. The park provides dedicated fishing areas with easy river access.
Biking the Great River Trail: Fishermans Corner serves as an excellent starting point for cycling. "From this campground you can go north, as far as Savanna. Going south will take you through Hampton, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and you can cross over to Davenport, circle Credit Island, and pick up other paths in Iowa," explains one experienced cyclist.
Disc golf courses: Park Terrace Campground features what reviewers call a "world-class disc golf course" alongside four lakes for fishing and paddling. A camper mentions the park has "many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds."
What campers like
Well-maintained shower facilities: Illiniwek Campground receives consistent praise for its cleanliness. "The private ones were only accessible to campers that received a key from the park office. It was nice that they were private but they weren't kept up that well and had storms of mud-dabbers on the outsides of the building. The insides of the bathrooms were kept very clean," reports one camper who stayed for two weeks.
Mississippi River barge watching: Clarks Ferry offers excellent river views. "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 a visitor. Another mentions, "I like it because you can see the barge traffic on the river."
Affordable rates: County parks like Buffalo Shores and Park Terrace Campground typically charge $21-30 per night for electric sites. One visitor at Park Terrace notes the park has "good prices, well maintained" with full hookup sites available year-round.
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: Railway tracks run alongside many river campgrounds, creating significant noise. At Clarks Ferry, a camper warns: "If it weren't for the trains going by constantly, it would be a five star place. The trains were just relentless, even during the night." Another reports, "The train comes by about every hour behind the campsite and blows its horn at the two crossings adjacent to the campsite."
Seasonal facilities: Most campgrounds close bathhouses and water hookups from late October through April. Some, like Park Terrace Campground, remain open year-round with limited services. Buffalo Shores County Park offers year-round access with seasonal limitations.
Site spacing varies significantly: Camelot Campground (formerly Rock Island KOA) has varying site sizes. "Sites are small however pull through sites are 2x as big, but they cost a little more," explains one reviewer. At Fishermans Corner, a camper noted, "My one complaint is that the sites are packed tightly together and more suited for RVs than tents."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds at multiple campgrounds: Buffalo Shores offers "a nice sized playground for kids" according to a recent visitor. Camelot Campground features additional kid activities beyond standard playground equipment.
Rental equipment for water activities: During summer months, Park Terrace Campground provides boat rentals at their swim beach. "Park offers 4 lakes for fishing, paddling, and a seasonal beach for swimming with concessions," reports a frequent visitor.
Pioneer Village historical site: Located near Bald Eagle Campground, this attraction entertains children with historical demonstrations. A visitor recalls, "Pioneer village if you've never been was the absolute bees knees as a kid to go to, especially since you can hike to get there! I loved climbing around in the train cars, eating icecream/candy canes, and watching the blacksmith work."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads at select sites: Fishermans Corner offers "a generous sized level concrete pad, picnic table, and fire grate" at many sites. Another camper notes, "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer."
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide dump stations, though placement varies. At Park Terrace, sites have "upgraded lanes, pads. Sites offer standard amenities, seasonal host onsite, firewood available, play area, overflow parking."
Winter camping options: While many campgrounds close seasonally, Camelot Campground operates year-round with full hookup sites available. A winter visitor shared, "This was a great one night stay. We were in site #5 FHU. Easy and friendly check in. Nice lake in park. It was still off season so pool etc was not open."
