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Best Tent Camping near Keithsburg, IL

391 Reviews

Tent campers visiting the Keithsburg, Illinois area can find several primitive camping options within driving distance. Indian Meadows Campground in Loud Thunder Forest Preserve and Silva Campground both offer tent-specific sites with natural surroundings. These tent-focused campgrounds provide access to Lake George for water activities and are located within an hour's drive of Keithsburg.

Tent sites at these locations typically feature dirt or grass surfaces with some tree cover for shade. Indian Meadows offers secluded individual sites that provide privacy for tent campers. Most tent areas include basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, with access to toilet facilities. Silva Campground provides water hookups alongside boat-in access options. Campers should note that while drinking water is available, these primitive tent areas generally lack electrical hookups or sewer connections. According to a review on The Dyrt, "Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it!"

Primitive tent camping in this region offers a peaceful experience with natural features and water access. The tent sites at Indian Meadows are described as "nice wooded sites including tables and fire pits best suited for tent and car camping" with shower facilities nearby. Lake George provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities directly accessible from some campgrounds. Tent campers will find trails for hiking and biking throughout the preserve areas. Those seeking additional primitive tent options might consider Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area across the state line in Iowa, which offers walk-in tent sites along a waterway where "sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling." Most tent-only areas in the region require campers to pack in and out their supplies, following Leave No Trace principles.

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Best Tent Sites Near Keithsburg, Illinois (14)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Keithsburg, IL

391 Reviews of 14 Keithsburg Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    Barren RV-Riddled Campground Outpost

    One of the 6 campgrounds that you will have to choose from here at Scott County Park, Bald Eagle CG & Cabins is one that is more geared for the RV driving and trailer toting tribes as each site has FHUs with electric, water & sewage, fire rings and picnic tables; however, if you wanted to pitch a tent here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias as an alternative. Unlike some of the other campgrounds here, Bald Eagle kind of lives up to its name as there’s not much in the way of tree cover or brush, so the land is somewhat BALD. The land is incredibly flat, back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level grounds are incredibly well-organized and the bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and are about as impeccably clean as can be.

    Near by Bald Eagle is Pride Lake, which makes this pet-friendly CG your top pick if you’re an angler or looking to get some decent oaring with your kayak or canoe. Sitting in front of Pride Lake are 2 very large shelters – Whispering Pines and Hickory Hills – as well as a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean. Surrounding Bald Eagle is also no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found the CG itself to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for. There is also a single large cabin available for rent that has capacity for 10 people.

    We loved Scott County Park so much because there is a lot that this gem offers up, from fresh water catch & release lakes, a combination of topographies (from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands), a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, a massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2022

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    Neat Primitive Tent CG along water

    The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too. Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Sherman Co Park

    Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

    The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice Flat, Well-Groomed Albeit Barren CG

    This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you – with each site offering FHUs with electric, water& sewage, fire rings and picnic tables. If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, Woodside is somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever. Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water.

    Albeit with a short hike through the forest, Woodside CG is near Cody Lake and Glynn’s Creek, which offers some decent oaring in your kayak or canoe. Sitting adjacent to Cody Lake is an eponymous community shelter than can be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean as well access to Glynn’s Creek Trailhead which is a moderate hike and further afield throughout the rest of the park, there’s no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found Woodside to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. Oh, and the incredibly friendly rangers that constantly patrol and keep this beautiful park in full working order were nothing short of amazing.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground

    Open CG with minimal amenties

    Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available.

  • 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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2025

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice, newer campground with solar power!

    Campground is closed for the winter season. Campground offers host, nicely maintained heated showers and restrooms, play area, firewood, available on site, RV pads are hard surface, have fire rings, water, electric, tables. Since this campground is newer, not much shade yet.

Guide to Keithsburg

Tent camping near Keithsburg, Illinois offers access to the Mississippi River watershed with diverse woodland and riverfront sites within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences humid continental climate with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching 15°F, making May through October the primary camping season. Local campgrounds provide both riverside and woodland settings with varying levels of privacy and access.

What to do

Kayaking and paddling: Spring Lake Campground provides excellent water recreation with a lake for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. According to Taylor A., "I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat."

River access activities: Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area offers primitive tent sites along waterways for fishing and paddling. James M. notes, "Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."

Night sky viewing: The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. As James M. mentions, "No city like that so night sky shines with stars. Trails wind and through forests and prairie areas."

Environmental education: The Wapsi River Center offers educational programs with wildlife viewing. "The park specializes in environmental education and the Eagle View Eco Center with exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie, observatory, amphitheater."

What campers like

Private tent sites: Some campgrounds near Keithsburg offer secluded camping options. At Indian Meadows Campground, Wendy R. shares, "Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."

Natural surroundings: Silva Campground provides a natural setting with water access. James M. describes it as "Primitive campsites (non-electric) surrounded by natural area with access to a boat ramp and docks on Lake George, flush toilets, water access, playground, picnic area, and pavilion."

Family-friendly amenities: Cedar River Campground offers activities beyond just camping. Steve T. notes, "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be a fun break from the norm."

Riverfront campsites: River Junction campground provides riverside tent sites. Emily B. explains, "It was very beautiful and peaceful... We chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river."

What you should know

Site selection challenges: Without proper lighting, choosing a campsite can be difficult at some locations. At River Junction, "We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen... Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars."

Pack-in/pack-out requirements: Many primitive sites require campers to carry their gear. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area requires that "Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."

Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Hidden River Campground is "open from April 15-October 15," according to Iris A.

Facility conditions: Some campgrounds have basic facilities that may need updating. Iris A. notes about Hidden River Campground: "Very rustic, older shower/bathrooms that could use an update. Many people seem to take advantage of the year round rates and stay all summer."

Tips for camping with families

Look for educational opportunities: Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers family learning experiences. As James M. mentions, "Park is a nature preserve with only 1 cabin for rent (Kestrel Cabin) sleeping six. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."

Reserve early for popular sites: Family-friendly campgrounds fill quickly in peak season. At Spring Lake Campground, Troy P. advises, "Get there early or make reservations fills fast!"

Consider sites with built-in activities: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation beyond nature. At Cedar River Campground, Avery Z. mentions, "So many things to do for adults and kids!! Family fun, The owners are so helpful too."

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: RVers should note that tent and RV areas may have different spacing. At Cedar River Campground, Steve T. observes, "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned."

Accessibility information: RVers should check road conditions before arrival. Hidden River Campground is noted as being "Close to I-80 if you need somewhere to stay during your travels."

Year-round options: Some campsites offer extended stay options. Iris A. notes that at Hidden River Campground, "Many people seem to take advantage of the year round rates and stay all summer."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Keithsburg, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Keithsburg, IL is Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Keithsburg, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Keithsburg, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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