The Quad Cities area surrounding Moline, Illinois offers riverfront RV sites along the Mississippi with elevation ranging from 580 to 800 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs April through October with highs averaging 83°F in summer and lows around 60°F. Flood conditions can affect riverfront campgrounds during spring runoff, particularly at lower elevation sites near the water.
What to do
River access fishing: Near Shady Creek, visitors can fish directly from campsites with river views. "Beautiful campground right along the mississippi river," notes one camper, while another mentions the "great spot on the Mississippi River. Has I known the park beforehand, I would have picked a spot on the river. Still a two hundred foot walk and I am there."
Biking the Great River Trail: The trail connects several campgrounds including those in East Moline. "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 a camper about trails accessible from the area.
Exploring Hennepin Canal: Near Geneseo Campground, visitors can walk or paddle along the historic canal. "Right on the Hennepin Canal," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "There's 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on."
What campers like
Scenic river views: Multiple riverfront campgrounds provide direct Mississippi views. A camper at Fishermans Corner mentioned, "We spent the morning biking the Great River Bike trail as we enjoyed the perfect weather. It was a slow day in the campground and many sites were still open so the noise from within the campground was at a minimum. We say outside and enjoyed the fire and views."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds feature well-sized camping spots. A reviewer at Shady Creek noted, "Really enjoyed our stay, sites are large and staggered so you aren't staring at your neighbors and can enjoy the views." Another camper praised the "level cement pads" at the same location.
Educational opportunities: Rock Creek Marina and Campground offers nature education. "CG is spread out along bottomland river forest and includes camping cabins, tent and RV sites, RR/showers, playground, dump and water stations, Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center," writes one visitor. Another adds, "They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several riverfront campgrounds. "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," notes a camper at Shady Creek. Another camper describes, "Although Thomson has less RR noise, there is the hunting, with parts of the park closed off, and gunfire going from dawn to dusk...I find the trains the lesser of the evils!"
Seasonal flooding: Mississippi River levels fluctuate seasonally. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," warns a reviewer about Rock Creek County Marina.
Limited water hookups: Water access varies by campground. One camper noted about Shady Creek, "As stated water is shared by 4 sites and was 30 ft away," while another mentioned, "Strong Verizon access."
Tips for camping with families
Educational centers: Some campgrounds offer nature programming. A visitor at Rock Creek County Marina wrote, "This campground has an assortment of primitive and electrical sites. They also have cabins and canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife. Great place for the family."
Playground options: Several rv sites near Moline, Illinois include play areas. "The grounds are on backwaters of the Mississippi so there are boat ramps, docks, and areas to fish. The camp store also offers canoe, kayak, and other boat rentals," notes a camper about Rock Creek County Marina.
Rental activities: Look for campgrounds with equipment rentals. At Cedar River Campground, "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," according to one visitor. Another mentioned, "So many things to do for adults and kids!! Family fun, The owners are so helpful too."
Tips from RVers
Level pads: RVers consistently praise campgrounds with concrete pads. A visitor at Fishermans Corner noted, "Paved everywhere, level concrete pads. Corps of Engineers takes really good care of their recreation areas. Plenty of eateries nearby. Well-shaded and manicured sites."
Electrical options: Most rv sites near Moline offer varying electrical service. "Sites include fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge," notes a camper about Rock Creek County Marina.
RV dump stations: Many campgrounds provide dump facilities. One camper at Shady Creek mentioned, "2 dump stations so no congestion to dump. Potable water between sites (not for fixed hookup) and good electric."
