Best Campgrounds near Nauvoo, IL

Campgrounds near Nauvoo, Illinois span both sides of the Mississippi River with options in Illinois and Iowa. Nauvoo State Park Campground provides shaded sites with electric hookups for both tent and RV camping, while Camp Nauvoo offers concrete pull-through sites with full hookups. Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, including Wildcat Springs Park in Hamilton and Lee County Pollmiller Park in West Point, Iowa, which includes cabin accommodations. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many offering water hookups and shower facilities.

Road conditions and campground accessibility vary seasonally, particularly in spring when Mississippi River flooding can affect riverside camping areas. Nauvoo's campgrounds typically operate year-round, though some Iowa facilities like Hickory Haven Campground close from December through February. Summer brings higher temperatures and increased mosquito activity, while fall offers more moderate conditions. Winter camping is available at several locations but with limited amenities. Cell service can be inconsistent, especially in more wooded areas. A camper noted, "Camp Nauvoo is a nice, church operated park only 5 minutes from downtown Nauvoo... The park streets are gravel with concrete pull-through sites. The park is very quiet."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with sites along the Mississippi River and smaller lakes providing scenic views and fishing opportunities. Campers particularly value the quiet atmosphere at many locations, though proximity to highways can create noise issues at some campgrounds. Wildcat Springs Park and Nauvoo State Park offer more wooded settings with greater privacy between sites. Full-hookup RV sites are available at several locations, though tent campers have noted that some campgrounds primarily cater to RVs with limited tent-specific amenities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors appreciate the historical attractions in Nauvoo that complement the camping experience, with one reviewer mentioning that "the town offers a lot of history" making it worth exploring while camping in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Nauvoo, Illinois (78)

    1. Nauvoo State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Nauvoo, IL
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 453-2512

    "We stayed in Nauvoo State Park with friends. We booked online and had picked backin sites. When we arrived the park was fairly empty so we moved to pull thru."

    "There are a couple of close playgrounds you can walk to. Right across the street from the historic sites, if you're up for it it's just a little further to walk to main street."

    2. Hickory Haven Campground

    6 Reviews
    Montrose, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 524-8459

    "Dog walk. We stayed over Easter weekend and had a great stay."

    "Large campground that has a few full hookup sites open year around. We were given a site between a couple of traveling workers. Both came out to greet us which was very nice."

    3. Wilson Lake Park

    4 Reviews
    Donnellson, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 463-7673

    $15 - $26 / night

    "Did go to the creamery nearby. If you stay here and don’t visit the creamery, you’re definitely missing out!"

    4. Camp Nauvoo

    1 Review
    Nauvoo, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (217) 453-9930

    $32 / night

    "Camp Nauvoo is a nice, church operated, park only 5 minutes from downtown Nauvoo. We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. The sites are sunny and all are pull-through.but some have shade."

    5. Lee County Pollmiller Park

    3 Reviews
    West Point, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 463-7673

    "Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs."

    6. Rodeo Park

    1 Review
    Fort Madison, IA
    8 miles
    +1 (319) 372-7700

    $20 / night

    "I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max."

    7. Duck Haven Campground

    1 Review
    Fort Madison, IA
    4 miles
    +1 (319) 572-1014

    8. Wildcat Springs Park

    1 Review
    Alexandria, IL
    10 miles
    Website

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Wildcat is a very nice campground operated by the City of Hamilton, Illinois. Campground has only 17 RV slots of various sizes."

    9. Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

    3 Reviews
    West Burlington, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 753-8260

    "Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket."

    "Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby."

    10. Victory Park

    1 Review
    Alexandria, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 524-7122
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Nauvoo, IL

167 Reviews of 78 Nauvoo Campgrounds


  • TANK'S NOMADIC TAILS
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Henry Sever Lake Conservation Area

    Stunning Sever Lake Conservation Area

    Mid week, stayed 2 nights, free camping, tables, fire pits, beautiful lake and plenty of wildlife. We had this entire area to ourselves! Just nature, breathing, meditation….very healing and will be back. Hats off to Missouri, this is a beautiful hidden little campground!

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Duck Haven Campground

    Hidden campground with a neat backstory

    July, 2017

    Neat little hidden campground with a neat back story. They owner bought it at auction just for a place to hang out with his friends but offers it for the public.  He loves cash and will usually give you a discount if you pay in cash.

    There is a bathhouse but he had to unlock it for us. 

    There is no store but you're at the edge of town so you can get anything you need.  There's no wifi but the cell service is good.

    If I recall, it's a 7 acre stocked pond.  catch and release only.

  • J
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Big River State Forest Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Water and dump station is available. No water or electric at sites. Cell service with Verizon was only available with WeBoost on and not that great then. Fire pits and picnic tables were available at your site. Cost was 8 dollars a night. This is an older campground with many hiking trails nearby at the state forest. It was wonderfully quiet during the week. There is a little unkept fishing area on a back water on the Mississippi River. I loved the place but it is definitely boondocking with water and dump station available.

  • J
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Henderson County State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Small and quiet

    There are only a handful of sites that are RV friendly. A small lake has some decent fishing. Cell service will Verizon was awesome. There is no potable water, dump station, showers, flushed toilets. There are a few pit toilets. I really enjoyed my week here but it is definitely a boondock experience. Grass was mowed and trash cans were empty. I didn’t use the pit toilets. I looked in one and it was your basic out house.

  • J
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Big River State Forest Campground

    Beautiful and quite

    Water is available through out the campground to fill your tank and there is a dump station also. Fire pits and tables at each site. Large pine trees were beautiful. Cell service wasn’t good, used WeBoost to get any internet.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Wilson Lake Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Lee County Pollmiller Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here, just visited. Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Virginia Grove Rec Area

    Small and quaint

    This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Full Featured Camping

    This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.


Guide to Nauvoo

Camping near Nauvoo, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Wakonda Lake Campground, provide access to lakes for fishing and boating. One reviewer mentioned, "Great for fishing. There are also full hookups. There's a playground and boat access and swimming."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Siloam Springs State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The trails are pretty well marked and are best in mid/late fall or early spring."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at campgrounds with swimming facilities. A camper at Wakonda Lake Campground noted, "Nice lakes plus swimming and boating facilities."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Hickory Haven Campground said, "The bathrooms and laundry were very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Boulder Lake Campground remarked, "The sites are very large and our RV site has a cement pad. It makes for an easy setup."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A reviewer at Crossroads RV Park stated, "Very nice personnel and clean, updated facilities."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Crossroads RV Park noted, "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring!"
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at Allison Lake Storey mentioned, "There’s no market, but the campground staff was extremely friendly and helpful."
  • Seasonal Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak seasons. A reviewer at Big Oaks Campground said, "We visited in October so the campground was not very crowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. A camper at Wakonda Lake Campground mentioned, "There’s a large playground!"
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities like fishing and swimming. A visitor at Siloam Springs State Park Campground noted, "Great hiking trails for all ages."
  • Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to accommodate families. A reviewer at Boulder Lake Campground said, "Sites were spacious, clean, plenty of space between sites."

Tips from RVers:

  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Hickory Haven Campground stated, "Level grass tent sites. Shade of trees. Electric outlets at sites."
  • Easy Access: Choose campgrounds that are easy to navigate for larger RVs. A visitor at Crossroads RV Park mentioned, "Good clean campground. Easy access."
  • Quiet Spots: Seek out quieter areas within campgrounds. A reviewer at Lake Darling State Park Campground noted, "The campground is nice and quiet."

Camping near Nauvoo, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Nauvoo, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nauvoo, IL is Nauvoo State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.