Best Campgrounds near Keithsburg, IL

Camping near Keithsburg, Illinois centers around the Mississippi River, with several riverside campgrounds providing access to water recreation and fishing opportunities. Keithsburg Riverside Campground offers both tent and RV camping with boat-in access, while Big River State Forest Campground provides a more natural setting with forest surroundings. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground, located just north of Keithsburg, features cabins in addition to traditional camping options. These campgrounds serve as gateways to the Mississippi River recreation corridor, where campers can enjoy boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing along one of America's most significant waterways.

Most campgrounds in the Keithsburg area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with peak season running May through October. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Flooding can affect riverside campgrounds during spring, particularly after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage in Keithsburg proper and spotty reception in more remote camping areas. Many campgrounds require self-registration with payment at drop boxes. Railroad tracks run near several riverside campgrounds, creating periodic noise from passing trains.

The camping options around Keithsburg cater to different preferences, from RV sites with hookups to more rustic experiences. RV campers will find electric hookups, water access, and dump stations at Keithsburg Riverside Campground, which is big-rig friendly. Tent campers can choose from riverside sites or more secluded spots at nearby state forest land. According to campers, "The sunsets on the Mississippi were beautiful each evening," making riverside sites particularly desirable despite occasional train noise. Fishing is popular at most campgrounds, with boat ramps available for river access. Pet-friendly policies are common throughout the area's campgrounds, though leash requirements apply in most locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Keithsburg, Illinois (104)

    1. Keithsburg Riverside Campground

    5 Reviews
    Keithsburg, IL
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 374-9070

    "Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend."

    "Shower and head is a bit of a walk. There is a Convenience store I think circle K where people are quite nice ."

    2. Big River State Forest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Keithsburg, IL
    3 miles

    "This is an older campground with many hiking trails nearby at the state forest. It was wonderfully quiet during the week."

    3. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Oakville, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 587-8181

    $15 - $30 / night

    4. Ferry Landing - Mississippi River

    2 Reviews
    Oakville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 794-4524

    "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects."

    5. Langwood Education Center

    5 Reviews
    Fruitland, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $99 - $194 / night

    "Campground Review:

    Surrounded by hardwood forests and native prairie, Langwood Education Center, located in rural Wapello, Iowa is the perfect spot for nature retreats, family gatherings, outdoor"

    6. Shady Creek

    17 Reviews
    Illinois City, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 419-0857

    $14 - $26 / night

    "We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "

    "Still a two hundred foot walk and I am there.

    Very clean. I was next to a vault toilet did did use it for a quick #1. Clean and did not have any foul smell.

    Level cement pads."

    7. Haven Hills Campground and Resort

    1 Review
    Keithsburg, IL
    11 miles
    Website

    $61 - $250 / night

    8. Big Hollow Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Sperry, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 985-2502

    $15 - $20 / night

    "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."

    "Vault toilets a short walk away. Campground host was very helpful. Inexpensive firewood. Enjoyed our stay here. Paid $10 for site."

    9. Louisa County Snively Access Campground

    1 Review
    Wapello, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 523-8381

    $12 / night

    "Spots are right at the water edge. Boat ramp available. Very steep, dirt lane to access campground. Questionable for an RV over 25’"

    10. Snively Access

    1 Review
    Wapello, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 523-8381

    "Snively Access Campground is located off of County Road X61 in Wapello, IA. The access road is a steep, well-maintained, gravel drive that takes you directly to Lake Odessa and the campsites."

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Recent Reviews near Keithsburg, IL

417 Reviews of 104 Keithsburg Campgrounds


  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Nice campground

    Stayed one night. It is a nice place, easy to find canal for walking. Bathrooms were OK.

  • 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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Sherman Co Park

    Small campground, including RV and primitive sites along the Wapsipinicon River

    RV site include gravel pads, firings, electric, play area, seasonal host, shower, house, shelter, horseshoes, firewood, available. Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc.


Guide to Keithsburg

Camping near Keithsburg, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing along the Mississippi River. One visitor mentioned, "This felt like we had escaped to a riverside sanctuary," highlighting the peaceful atmosphere at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Scott County Park. A camper noted, "There are numerous walking trails & is minutes away from the heart of downtown," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Boating: If you have a boat, check out Iowa Shady Creek. One reviewer said, "Nice boat launch. Right on the Mississippi," perfect for a day on the water.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground remarked, "Had a bathroom with showers and multiple water wells spread out."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, comfortable sites. One reviewer at Geneseo Campground said, "The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A guest at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA said, "Staff were great!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sugar Bottom Campground, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "NO showers, toilets, trash," so plan accordingly.
  • Noise Levels: Campers should be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or trains. One reviewer at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River mentioned, "It would wake us up in the middle of the night and honk its horn right next to us."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Iowa Shady Creek, are only open from May to October. A camper reminded others, "This is a seasonal cg."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A camper at F.W. Kent Park noted, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. One reviewer at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "Our site was somewhat level."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA appreciated, "Convenient dump and water station as you enter the park."

Camping near Keithsburg, Illinois, has a lot to offer, from beautiful scenery to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Keithsburg, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Keithsburg, IL is Keithsburg Riverside Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.