Stephen R.
Guide
GuideBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Very nice camp grounds and nice trails and beach
Tent Camping near Colona, IL
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Tent camping near Colona, Illinois provides several options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural settings along waterways and forested areas. Indian Meadows Campground in Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers secluded tent-only sites with Lake George access, while Silva Campground provides primitive campsites on the east shore of the same lake. For those willing to travel slightly farther, the Hennepin Canal system features multiple primitive tent camping locations at Lock 11 and Lock 21, connecting campers to both the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers through a historic waterway system.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly along the Hennepin Canal where no reservations are accepted. The canal's Class C primitive camping costs $8 per night per family, with payment collected by rangers who make occasional rounds. Vault toilets are available at most sites, but potable water is limited or nonexistent, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filtration systems. Fire rings are provided at designated sites, and fires are only permitted within these established pits. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with most facilities closing during winter months.
The tent-only experience at Indian Meadows offers what one camper called "primitive perfection" with "individual private sites" that provide genuine seclusion. Some sites are more open while others are described as "nature playpens" with varying levels of tree cover. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21, campers noted grassy sites with trees at the edges providing shade depending on time of day. The canal system provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and hiking along the crushed gravel Hennepin Canal Trail. Lock and Dam 13 requires more effort to access, with one visitor reporting it's "about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks," but rewards backcountry tent campers with "a very beautiful and peaceful place" featuring excellent fishing opportunities and a small beach area.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Colona (11)
1. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
"The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced."
"Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."
Check Availabilityfrom $14 - $32 / night
2. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
"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."
"Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."
Check Availabilityfrom $70 - $80 / night
3. Chief Blackhawk Group Camp
"There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind"
"Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake"
4. Silva Campground
5. Cedar River Campground
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
6. Lock and Dam 13
"You have to park off a gravel road on the iowa side and its about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks. Very beautiful and peaceful place. Great fishing, especially along the spillway."
7. Hennepin Canal Lock 11
"While there is no actual check-in or check-out time, which honestly, is a huge bonus, occasionally there is a park ranger that will come by to check on the location and collect those $8 nightly fares,"
"Pit toilets and a picnic table were unexpected bonuses. The app we used suggested a fee but we couldn't find anywhere to leave the $, and there was no one there collecting it."
8. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
"This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."
9. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
"The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
10. Hidden River Campground
Drive Time
- 23 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 2 min from Peoria, IL
- 1 hr 7 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 18 min from Dubuque, IA
Tent Camping Reviews near Colona, IL
538 Reviews of 11 Colona Campgrounds
Cyndi R.
ScoutBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Clean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
Stuart K.
LegendPark Terrace Campground - West Lake Park
Quad Cities Sweet Camping Retreat
Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
Amy B.ScoutCrow Valley Campground
Avoid this Campground at all cost
Seasonal Stay Review Overall Rating:⭐☆☆☆☆ Our experience as seasonal campers at this campground was deeply disappointing due to unprofessional management, inconsistent rule enforcement, premature lease violations, and a toxic atmosphere. Management& Atmosphere The campground owner frequently engaged in inappropriate behaviors, including spreading gossip, making disrespectful comments, and actively bullying campers both in person and on social media platforms. Rather than fostering a welcoming community, the leadership promoted a divisive culture marked by clear favoritism. Inconsistent Rule Enforcement Rules were applied arbitrarily. Certain seasonal campers were permitted to disregard campground policies without consequence, while others were singled out, micromanaged, and targeted for minor or non-existent issues. Unprofessional Conduct Regarding Minors Most concerning was management’s unacceptable conduct toward children. The owner actively made a ten-year-old child feel unwelcome by making inappropriate insinuations regarding his friendship with a nearly thirteen-year-old girl, claiming a platonic friendship between a boy and a girl of those ages was somehow improper. Targeting young children and policing harmless childhood friendships crosses a line that no family should have to deal with while on vacation. Breach of Contract& Property Damage To make matters worse, management prematurely cut off electricity to our campsite prior to the end of our contractual agreement. This lack of power led to a total loss of all refrigerated food items and caused significant interior damage to our camper when the freezer thawed and the ice inside it melted and leaked onto the flooring. Additionally, management unlawfully removed personal property from our campsite before our lease term had expired and failed to return it. Conclusion While a seasonal site should offer a relaxing environment for families, the current ownership creates an uncomfortable, hostile, and unethical environment. Between the emotional hostility and the direct financial loss caused by management's actions, I strongly advise others to avoid this campground.
James M.LegendRock Creek County Marina and Campground
Neat county Park and campground in Mississippi River backwaters
This campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
- James M.Legend
Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.
This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
- James M.Legend
Buffalo Shores County Park
Nice county campground on the Mississippi River
This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
- James M.Legend
Interstate RV Park
I-80 stop over, needs improvements
This campground has a good location, considering it’s proximity less than a half mile north of interstate 80. There is also food, fuel, and a Farm And Fleet nearby. Upon entering the campground, gravel roads need dressed, potholes, both small and very large neat filling. Appears to have year-round residence, and sites have tables, firings, electric, water. On a positive note, The Pool looks clean this season, the store is open and offers basic necessities, and firewood is available.
- RRuby M.Guide
Illiniwek Campground
Clean well spaced sites
Great hosts available after hours. River sites are 50ft from the river. 5G but not great. Clean restroom and manicured trails.
Guide to Colona
Tent camping near Colona, Illinois provides campers with access to both the Hennepin Canal system and several wooded riverside locations within a 30-mile radius. The canal system stretches 104 miles through rural Illinois, connecting the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers with multiple primitive camping areas along its route. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions and fewer insects.
What to do
Kayaking on waterways: Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers "Wapsipinicon River access for fishing, paddling" with "River Trailhead right outside Kestrel Cabin," according to James M. The center includes trails through forests and prairie areas.
Canal trail biking: The Hennepin Canal Trail provides extensive biking opportunities on crushed gravel paths. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, Art S. notes, "The Hennepin Canal Trail goes right through camp. On a previous visit I rode my bike along the crushed gravel trail. With a few connecting roads, I traveled from a Chicago suburb to the Mississippi River."
Equestrian camping: Some campgrounds accommodate horses with dedicated facilities. A reviewer observed at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 that there is "separate space for equestrian campers and those without horses" with "a few connecting roads" where they "did see a couple riding on the trail."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Tent sites at many area campgrounds offer quieter experiences away from RV areas. At Lock and Dam 13, Ryan describes it as a "very beautiful and peaceful place" despite the fact that "You have to park off a gravel road on the iowa side and its about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks."
Canal system exploration: The historical lock system provides unique camping experiences. Stuart K. notes at Hennepin Canal Lock 11 that camping spots are "sitting in full view of the canal" with approximately "5-6 individual camping sites" in an unmarked area "just in front of the parking lot."
Lake access: Several campgrounds offer lake access for water activities. At Silva Campground, campers can use "a boat ramp and docks on Lake George" with "primitive campsites (non-electric) surrounded by natural area" that includes "flush toilets, water access, playground, picnic area, and pavilion."
What you should know
Payment system: Canal campgrounds operate on a pay-when-contacted basis. As Iris A. explains, "The Canal's site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person. Campers can pay by cash or check."
Limited facilities: Many sites offer minimal amenities. According to Jeff and Linda L. at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, expect "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations."
Water considerations: Canal system camping requires planning ahead for water. Stuart K. cautions, "There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or filtration system."
Site conditions: Many sites are open grassy areas. Art S. describes Hennepin Canal Lock 21 as having "campsites all on grassy areas with trees at the edges. This gives you some shade depending on the time of day. The grassy sites were a bit unexpected. We saw tire marks showing that people drove into the grass to set up camp."
Tips for camping with families
Educational center access: Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers educational resources alongside camping. James M. highlights that the "Park is a nature preserve" and "also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
Alternative activities: Some campgrounds offer supplementary recreation. At Cedar River Campground, Steve T. remarks that "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."
Swimming options: Several locations offer swimming access. James M. notes that Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides "lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming" along with being "pet friendly" with "community buildings."
Safety considerations: Some canal sites may feel less secure for families. Holly J. cautions about Hennepin Canal Lock 11: "The camp sites here are right between the parking lot and the fishing spots so all the fishermen and hikers go right through your site. No privacy at all. As a single female traveler, i didn't feel safe enough to stay here."
Tips for RVers
Size limitations: Most canal system camping is not suitable for larger RVs. While Jeff and Linda L. reported "We saw a class A, so they do fit" at Hennepin Canal Lock 21, most sites are better suited for smaller rigs or tent camping.
Walk-in requirements: Some campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. At Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, James M. describes the experience: "The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings... Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."
Site layout challenges: RVers should be prepared for basic conditions. Stuart K. warns that at Hennepin Canal Lock 11, this is "one of the most basic and thus primitive" options with limited facilities "apart from the restroom that you will find."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Colona, IL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Colona, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Colona, IL is Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Colona, IL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Colona, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Colona, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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