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Campgrounds surrounding Colona, Illinois cluster along the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, offering a mix of developed facilities and primitive sites. Colona Scott Family Park provides year-round camping with electric hookups, cabins, and tent sites within city limits. Several established campgrounds like Geneseo Campground, Lundeens Landing, and Illiniwek Campground provide access to waterways, hiking trails, and biking paths. The region includes both state-managed recreation areas and privately operated campgrounds, with most sites accommodating both tent and RV camping within a 20-mile radius of Colona.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the area, with most facilities operating from April through October. A camper noted, "We stayed at Illiniwek for 2 weeks in our 2021 Keystone Hideout 250BH. The site was fairly level and had decent space between sites." Flooding can impact accessibility, particularly at riverside locations like Lundeens Landing and sites along the Hennepin Canal. Many campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though water quality varies by location. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends when riverfront sites fill quickly. The Great River Trail connects several campgrounds, providing cyclists and hikers with multi-day route options between camping areas.
The Mississippi River dominates the camping experience in this region, with multiple campgrounds offering river views and water access. "Sunsets on the Mississippi were beautiful each evening!" reported one visitor to Illiniwek Campground. Train noise affects several riverside campgrounds, with tracks running parallel to both the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles along the waterways and various bird species in restored prairie areas. Fishing access represents a significant draw for many campers, with multiple boat launches available at developed campgrounds. Hennepin Canal provides a quieter water experience compared to the Mississippi, with primitive camping spots available along its length for those seeking more solitude. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas are common at the larger, more developed campgrounds near Colona.
"As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."
"Bugs were not too bad when we were there (October) which was surprising as it was so close to the river and still warm. The after-hours check-in procedure was a little confusing."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"will be surrounded by."
"The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade."
from $40 - $95 / night
Check Availability"The campground is also right next to a biking trail. There was public and private bathrooms. The private ones were only accessible to campers that received a key from the park office."
"There is a section of the campground where you can camp right on the edge of the Mississippi River which is nice, but you must deal with people fishing the entire time."
"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"
"Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."
"Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"of the I80 bridge carrying you over the Rock River, you’ll spot Lundeens Landing on the EAST side of this interstate (you’ll want to take note of this as The Dyrt has this campground in the wrong location"
"It was on the pond, very quiet and away from a lot of the activities...which was fine for me. The regular sites look nice as well. Lots to do...pool, mini-gold, volleyball, etc."
"Access to a lake with paddle boats and kayaks available. Swimming pool and a great camp store."
"There’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single"
"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."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability
ScoutLovely spot right on Mississippi. Pleasant hosts and grounds are well maintained. Lots of mature trees with great shade. Had a major storm early this AM. 60 mph winds and lots of branches down but no trees fell. Within 30 min of storm passing host were driving through the camp and came to check on us and make sure we wer okay. Incrediblely prompt and kind response.
LegendIf sleeping on the ground has begun losing some of its charm, Summit Cabin 2 at West Lake Park offers a pretty compelling alternative. Perched atop a rolling prairie hillside overlooking Railroad Lake, this modern 1.2K sq ft cabin combines the serenity of camping with enough creature comforts that you might briefly forget you're supposed to be 'roughing it'. Managed by the Scott County Conservation Board, the cabin is ADA-accessible, sleeps up to eight and sits within a 620-acre county park encompassing 4 lakes, giving you plenty of nature outside the door without surrendering air conditioning, indoor plumbing or a proper mattress at the end of the day.
Inside, this place is impressively equipped with two bedrooms - one with a queen bed plus twin bunks and a second room with a queen - a queen sleeper sofa, full kitchen with stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher, dining table for eight, modern bathroom with shower, Wi-Fi, gas fireplace, heat and air conditioning. Outside you'll find a covered porch overlooking the lake, picnic table, fire ring and gas grill, with parking for 2 vehicles. The kitchen even includes dishes, cookware and utensils, although you'll need to bring your own bedding, pillows, bath towels and toiletries. Pets aren't permitted, which is worth remembering before Fido hops into the truck expecting a weekend at the lake.
The real advantage, though, is everything waiting beyond the front porch. West Lake Park offers four lakes for fishing and recreation, a seasonal swimming beach, boat dock, accessible fishing dock, paddleboat rentals, playgrounds, trails, disc golf and seasonal concessions. For forgotten groceries or something worthy of tossing onto that gas grill, nearby Hy-Vee Grocery Store on West Locust Street is a convenient Davenport resupply option; you're also close enough to the Quad Cities that civilization never feels particularly far away.
Insider's tips? Here's a handful: (1) Bring a couple of lawn chairs because that covered porch overlooking Railroad Lake begs for morning coffee and an evening sundowner, but it's in the shade - if you want to grab some proper dawn or dusk light, you'll need to bring your own seat; (2) pack all bedding and bath linens, because those aren't provided; (3) bring fishing rods and take advantage of the park's four lakes, or make a day of the swimming beach and paddling opportunities during warmer months; (4) Firewood is available for purchase inside the park, saving you from hauling your own; (5) Remember that only two vehicles may park at the cabin, although overflow parking is nearby (like literally 20 yards from the VIP parking you'll find here at the cabin); and (5) Don't arrive expecting to pitch an extra tent beside the cabin as tents and campers aren't permitted within the cabin area.
Happy Camping!
TravelerStayed one night as passing thru, has lots of pull thru sites, FHU, and 30/50 amp. Great bathrooms, some shaded sites. Kinda crazy, pulled into gate 5 to check if had available site, was told, had to go into gate 1, pick an open site, and then go back to gate 5 to pay!!! Thankful the ranger, who we followed into campground, set up, and were able to pay ranger, thus did not need to disconnect our tow car! Can book in advance online which would be easier, but we were winging the one night stay.
ScoutWe had the place virtually to ourselves. Camped Monday through Wednesday. Great bike riding throughout the park. There are a lot of hiking trails to choose from. Our site wasn’t very shaded but it had a great view of the sky for our Skylink. There are great shaded sites throughout the park.
GuideNice level concrete pads with electric. Water scattered around the sites. Clean bathhouse. Pavilion on the water with fire ring.
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.
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.
Camping options near Colona, Illinois primarily follow the Hennepin Canal and nearby waterways with elevations ranging from 580-620 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers averaging 83°F and winters dropping to below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region offer direct water access for fishing and paddling, with flood risks highest during spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall periods in April through June.
Water activities on the Rock River: Lundeens Landing provides direct river access with multiple options for enjoyment. "Great river access! Sunset is beautiful," notes camper Carlos S. The campground includes boat ramps, seven river docks, and offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the Rock River.
Fishing local waterways: Multiple stocked lakes and rivers offer varied fishing experiences. At Scott County Park's Bald Eagle Campground, "Pride Lake is smaller but fun to fish," according to James M. The area supports several fish species including blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie.
Hiking trail networks: Connecting campgrounds via developed paths allows for day trips between locations. "The park offers miles of trails, fishing at Pride Lake, a historical Pioneer Village within the park at the north, equestrian trails, bicycle trails," notes a visitor to Bald Eagle Campground. Several parks feature interconnected trail systems ranging from 1-8 miles in length.
Peaceful water views: Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River offers particularly scenic vistas. "It is right on the banks of the Mississippi, which was nice. There are a couple of different options to choose from but we stay in site 13 and it was right on the water and had electric hookups," reports Scott M. Sites 8, 9, and 10 are noted as having the best direct water views.
Clean facilities at reasonable prices: Geneseo Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Friendly staff, very clean and peaceful. Nice shower rooms and amenities and very reasonably priced," shares Tom N. Several reviewers specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature at campgrounds throughout the region.
Shaded sites in pine forests: Chief Keokuk Campground offers a distinctive camping environment. "The sites in the pines are very nice. They have fc/fs sites. Spacious sites. Nice facilities," notes Sue B. The pine forest area is often called the "pencil tree forest" by regulars and creates a unique camping atmosphere compared to riverfront sites.
Seasonal weather impacts: Winter camping is limited to select locations with most facilities closing between October and April. "Campground open all year, offers standard sites including electric, water, septic, fire rings, tables," notes James M. about Park Terrace Campground. Water services at many campgrounds are shut off by late October regardless of closing dates.
Train noise considerations: Several riverside campgrounds experience periodic train disturbances. At Illiniwek Campground, "Only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was the train tracks n road traffic being as we were on the back row right next to both. Still wasn't bad though," reports Sharna S. Sites farther from the rivers typically experience less train noise.
Water quality variations: Tap water differs significantly between campgrounds. "The water at the sites tastes funky so we opted to buy jugs of water from the store," reports one camper at Illiniwek. Bringing drinking water is recommended, particularly during late summer when water levels are lower.
Recreational amenities: Rock Island Quad Cities KOA offers extensive family activities. "Fantastic campground. Facilities were well maintained and the staff was great! Traveling with 3 younger kids and they enjoyed all the activities," shares Dan B. Activities include mini-golf, volleyball courts, and swimming pools at select locations.
Child-friendly water options: Several locations offer safer alternatives to river swimming. "Park offers 4 lakes for fishing, paddling, and a seasonal beach for swimming with concessions," notes James M. about West Lake Park. Rental equipment typically costs $5-15 per hour depending on watercraft type.
Nature exploration programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities during summer months. "Great place with beautiful nature and plenty of space per campsite," reports Ken W. about Chief Keokuk Campground. Educational sessions frequently cover local wildlife identification and conservation topics.
Site selection for leveling: Most campgrounds have a mix of level and slightly sloped sites. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer," notes James M. about Fishermans Corner. Request specific site numbers when making reservations, as many campgrounds have detailed site maps indicating slope characteristics.
Hookup arrangements: Full hookup availability varies widely between locations. "One of our favorite places to camp, kayak, and fish. The only downside side is no water/sewage hookup," shares Jeremy K. about Chief Keokuk Campground. Several campgrounds offer water filling stations even when direct hookups aren't available.
Dump station accessibility: Most campgrounds with RV sites provide dump stations even without full hookups. "2 dump stations so no congestion to dump," notes Sarah C. Weekday mornings typically see the least congestion at dump stations across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Colona, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Colona, IL is Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River with a 4-star rating from 26 reviews.
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