Camping options near Colona, Illinois primarily follow the Hennepin Canal and nearby waterways with elevations ranging from 580-620 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers averaging 83°F and winters dropping to below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region offer direct water access for fishing and paddling, with flood risks highest during spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall periods in April through June.
What to do
Water activities on the Rock River: Lundeens Landing provides direct river access with multiple options for enjoyment. "Great river access! Sunset is beautiful," notes camper Carlos S. The campground includes boat ramps, seven river docks, and offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the Rock River.
Fishing local waterways: Multiple stocked lakes and rivers offer varied fishing experiences. At Scott County Park's Bald Eagle Campground, "Pride Lake is smaller but fun to fish," according to James M. The area supports several fish species including blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie.
Hiking trail networks: Connecting campgrounds via developed paths allows for day trips between locations. "The park offers miles of trails, fishing at Pride Lake, a historical Pioneer Village within the park at the north, equestrian trails, bicycle trails," notes a visitor to Bald Eagle Campground. Several parks feature interconnected trail systems ranging from 1-8 miles in length.
What campers like
Peaceful water views: Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River offers particularly scenic vistas. "It is right on the banks of the Mississippi, which was nice. There are a couple of different options to choose from but we stay in site 13 and it was right on the water and had electric hookups," reports Scott M. Sites 8, 9, and 10 are noted as having the best direct water views.
Clean facilities at reasonable prices: Geneseo Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Friendly staff, very clean and peaceful. Nice shower rooms and amenities and very reasonably priced," shares Tom N. Several reviewers specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature at campgrounds throughout the region.
Shaded sites in pine forests: Chief Keokuk Campground offers a distinctive camping environment. "The sites in the pines are very nice. They have fc/fs sites. Spacious sites. Nice facilities," notes Sue B. The pine forest area is often called the "pencil tree forest" by regulars and creates a unique camping atmosphere compared to riverfront sites.
What you should know
Seasonal weather impacts: Winter camping is limited to select locations with most facilities closing between October and April. "Campground open all year, offers standard sites including electric, water, septic, fire rings, tables," notes James M. about Park Terrace Campground. Water services at many campgrounds are shut off by late October regardless of closing dates.
Train noise considerations: Several riverside campgrounds experience periodic train disturbances. At Illiniwek Campground, "Only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was the train tracks n road traffic being as we were on the back row right next to both. Still wasn't bad though," reports Sharna S. Sites farther from the rivers typically experience less train noise.
Water quality variations: Tap water differs significantly between campgrounds. "The water at the sites tastes funky so we opted to buy jugs of water from the store," reports one camper at Illiniwek. Bringing drinking water is recommended, particularly during late summer when water levels are lower.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Rock Island Quad Cities KOA offers extensive family activities. "Fantastic campground. Facilities were well maintained and the staff was great! Traveling with 3 younger kids and they enjoyed all the activities," shares Dan B. Activities include mini-golf, volleyball courts, and swimming pools at select locations.
Child-friendly water options: Several locations offer safer alternatives to river swimming. "Park offers 4 lakes for fishing, paddling, and a seasonal beach for swimming with concessions," notes James M. about West Lake Park. Rental equipment typically costs $5-15 per hour depending on watercraft type.
Nature exploration programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities during summer months. "Great place with beautiful nature and plenty of space per campsite," reports Ken W. about Chief Keokuk Campground. Educational sessions frequently cover local wildlife identification and conservation topics.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for leveling: Most campgrounds have a mix of level and slightly sloped sites. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer," notes James M. about Fishermans Corner. Request specific site numbers when making reservations, as many campgrounds have detailed site maps indicating slope characteristics.
Hookup arrangements: Full hookup availability varies widely between locations. "One of our favorite places to camp, kayak, and fish. The only downside side is no water/sewage hookup," shares Jeremy K. about Chief Keokuk Campground. Several campgrounds offer water filling stations even when direct hookups aren't available.
Dump station accessibility: Most campgrounds with RV sites provide dump stations even without full hookups. "2 dump stations so no congestion to dump," notes Sarah C. Weekday mornings typically see the least congestion at dump stations across the region.
