Best Campgrounds near Oquawka, IL

Camping near Oquawka, Illinois centers around the Mississippi River corridor, with a mix of state parks, wildlife areas, and county-managed campgrounds. Delabar State Park Campground, located directly in Oquawka, serves as a central option for visitors seeking riverside camping experiences. Other nearby options include Big River State Forest Campground and Henderson County State Fish and Wildlife Area, both offering natural settings for outdoor recreation. The region combines riverfront access with hardwood forest landscapes, creating diverse camping environments within a relatively compact geographic area. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities and hookup availability.

Most campgrounds in the Oquawka area operate year-round, though seasonal considerations affect water availability and facility access. Spring flooding can impact riverside campgrounds, particularly those closest to the Mississippi River. Summer brings warm, humid conditions ideal for water recreation, while fall offers colorful foliage and milder temperatures. Winter camping is available at several locations including Delabar State Park, though water systems may be winterized. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage in developed campgrounds closer to towns. Fire restrictions are typically minimal outside of unusually dry periods, but campers should always check current regulations.

According to reviews, Delabar State Park Campground offers a more natural camping experience with spacious sites. One visitor noted, "Every spot looks very nature forward with plenty of space so you're never right next to someone." The campground features electric hookups and water, though some sites require sharing water access. Fishing opportunities are abundant, with access points just a short drive from campsites. The area's campgrounds generally provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of privacy depending on the specific location. Train noise can be an issue at some riverside campgrounds, particularly those near rail lines that parallel the Mississippi River.

Best Camping Sites Near Oquawka, Illinois (94)

    1. Keithsburg Riverside Campground

    5 Reviews
    Keithsburg, IL
    11 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 Hollow Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Sperry, IA
    14 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."

    3. Big River State Forest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Keithsburg, IL
    8 miles

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

    4. Henderson County State Fish and Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Oquawka, IL
    6 miles
    +1 (309) 374-2496

    "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."

    5. Delabar State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Oquawka, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (309) 374-2496

    6. Citizens Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Oquawka, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 764-6924

    "This a small campground right on citizens lake. The lake is small, but good fishing! The sites are all FHU, level, and well maintained."

    7. Spring Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Burlington, IA
    17 miles
    +1 (319) 752-8691

    "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"

    8. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Oakville, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 587-8181

    $15 - $30 / night

    9. Ferry Landing - Mississippi River

    2 Reviews
    Oakville, IA
    16 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."

    10. Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

    3 Reviews
    West Burlington, IA
    21 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."

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Recent Reviews near Oquawka, IL

304 Reviews of 94 Oquawka Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    Nice Break

    We are headed to North Carolina and needed a break from the back-to-back travel days. This campground was clean and quiet while we’re were there. We did stay from Monday to Wednesday so it might be busier on the weekends.

  • 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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

    Nice modern cabin along lake

    Cabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.


Guide to Oquawka

Camping opportunities near Oquawka, Illinois concentrate around the Mississippi River basin and interior waterways, with sites positioned on both the Illinois and Iowa sides of the river. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 530-570 feet above sea level, featuring primarily oak-hickory forest and riverside lowlands. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while winter camping experiences can see temperatures dip below freezing with occasional snow accumulation.

What to do

Water recreation: Fish and boat the Mississippi at Keithsburg Riverside Campground, where sites are positioned 15-20 feet from the water. "About 20 riverside pads are right on the river, 15-20ft from the water. There are another 20-30 sites (non waterfront)," explains Dave N., noting these sites have water and electric for $17/night.

Wildlife viewing: Scout for bald eagles near Lower Augusta Skunk River Access, especially during winter months when they concentrate along the river. Katherine S. reports an "Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby" at this quiet campground with electric hookups and basic amenities.

Night sky observation: Visit the astronomy area at Big Hollow Recreation Area where visitors can use telescopes for stargazing. Lisa M. notes, "There's even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!" This campground also offers hiking trails, a playground, and a lake for daytime activities.

What campers like

Affordability: Budget-friendly riverside camping at Keithsburg Riverside Campground keeps costs low while maximizing river access. One camper reports, "The sites are fairly level, with good space between them. $17/night with water and electric, a great deal."

Spacious sites: Room to spread out at Big Hollow Recreation Area, particularly in the primitive camping section. Fred S. describes, "Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring. Vault toilets a short walk away. Campground host was very helpful. Inexpensive firewood."

Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways in the region support diverse fishing. At Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground, regular camper Coty G. says it's a "Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern."

What you should know

Train noise: Railroad proximity affects some riverside campgrounds, with freight trains running regularly along the Mississippi corridor. Bring earplugs if you're sensitive to nighttime noise.

Seasonal flooding: Spring river levels can affect campground availability, particularly at Ferry Landing - Mississippi River and other dispersed sites. Fred S. warns, "Dirt road going in was submerged in deep mud holes after some heavy rain."

Limited facilities: Many smaller campgrounds offer basic amenities only. Big River State Forest Campground provides primitive camping with limited services. Jeff F. notes, "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."

Town proximity: Convenient access to supplies at several campgrounds. Matthew K. observes that at Keithsburg Riverside, "Town located very close has a bar and grill with really good food and a gas station right next door."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds: Equipment for children varies in quality across campgrounds. At Citizens Lake Campground, one camper noted issues: "There was a park by the site we were at but it was so overgrown with weeds there was no way it could be played at."

Swimming options: Beach areas provide water recreation at select locations. Kyle J. mentions Keithsburg Riverside has a "clean beach" while Big Hollow Recreation Area offers a swimming lake.

Space considerations: Room for play matters for family camping. Matthew K. says of Citizens Lake, "Lots of space compared to other camp grounds. Have 3 kids so they had plenty of room to run."

Water activities: Paddling options for older children and teens. James M. recommends Ferry Landing for "Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects. Pack in/out, gather drift wood for fire, watch barges pass by."

Tips from RVers

Levelness: Site conditions vary across the region. Dave N. says Citizens Lake sites are "all FHU, level, and well maintained," while Kelsie B. warns, "The worst part was the site, it had holes and trenches everywhere we had a hard time finding a spot we could place our camper."

Hookup availability: Electric options at most established campgrounds. Henderson County State Fish and Wildlife Area offers limited RV-friendly sites. Jeff F. reports, "There are only a handful of sites that are RV friendly. Cell service with Verizon was awesome. There is no potable water, dump station, showers, flushed toilets."

Site spacing: Privacy levels differ between campgrounds. At Big Hollow Recreation Area, Jeremy notes, "Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!! The conservation officers are very nice and usually stop by to make sure everything is going great."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping amenities are available in Oquawka for RV travelers?

RV campers near Oquawka can enjoy various amenities at nearby campgrounds. Delabar State Park Campground offers electric hookups and water stations, though sites share water access and there are no sewer hookups. For full hookups, Rodeo Park provides complete amenities at an affordable $20 per night with self-service registration. Many sites in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to flush toilets. Keithsburg Riverside Campground is another option with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites for larger RVs.

Where can I rent an RV in Oquawka, Illinois?

While Oquawka itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, you can find RV rentals in nearby larger towns. The Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey is about 35 miles away and may provide rental information or referrals to local RV rental companies. Alternatively, check with Camp Nauvoo for potential rental options or recommendations in the area. Many campers find it more convenient to rent from larger cities like Peoria or the Quad Cities before heading to Oquawka for their camping trip.

Are there seasonal restrictions for camping in Oquawka?

Camping near Oquawka generally follows seasonal patterns typical of the Midwest. Marr Park is accessible year-round with water and electric sites, though water may be shut off during winter months. Most campgrounds in the area, including Wildcat Den State Park Campground, operate primarily from April through October, with limited or no services during winter. Weather is a significant factor, as spring brings potential flooding along the Mississippi River, while winter conditions can make camping challenging. Always check with specific campgrounds before planning off-season trips, as facility availability and road conditions can vary significantly.