Keith P.
Scout
ScoutMississippi Palisades State Park Campground
Great find!
We really enjoy this park. It’s almost empty during the week days. We stay Monday through Thursday and always find a spot. Quiet and peaceful.
Camping near Colona, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds surrounding Colona, Illinois cluster along the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, offering a mix of developed facilities and primitive sites. Colona Scott Family Park provides year-round camping with electric hookups, cabins, and tent sites within city limits. Several established campgrounds like Geneseo Campground, Lundeens Landing, and Illiniwek Campground provide access to waterways, hiking trails, and biking paths. The region includes both state-managed recreation areas and privately operated campgrounds, with most sites accommodating both tent and RV camping within a 20-mile radius of Colona.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the area, with most facilities operating from April through October. A camper noted, "We stayed at Illiniwek for 2 weeks in our 2021 Keystone Hideout 250BH. The site was fairly level and had decent space between sites." Flooding can impact accessibility, particularly at riverside locations like Lundeens Landing and sites along the Hennepin Canal. Many campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though water quality varies by location. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends when riverfront sites fill quickly. The Great River Trail connects several campgrounds, providing cyclists and hikers with multi-day route options between camping areas.
The Mississippi River dominates the camping experience in this region, with multiple campgrounds offering river views and water access. "Sunsets on the Mississippi were beautiful each evening!" reported one visitor to Illiniwek Campground. Train noise affects several riverside campgrounds, with tracks running parallel to both the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles along the waterways and various bird species in restored prairie areas. Fishing access represents a significant draw for many campers, with multiple boat launches available at developed campgrounds. Hennepin Canal provides a quieter water experience compared to the Mississippi, with primitive camping spots available along its length for those seeking more solitude. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas are common at the larger, more developed campgrounds near Colona.
Best Campgrounds near Colona (111)
1. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
"As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."
"Bugs were not too bad when we were there (October) which was surprising as it was so close to the river and still warm. The after-hours check-in procedure was a little confusing."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability2. Geneseo Campground
"will be surrounded by."
"The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade."
from $40 - $95 / night
Check Availability3. Illiniwek Campground
"The campground is also right next to a biking trail. There was public and private bathrooms. The private ones were only accessible to campers that received a key from the park office."
"There is a section of the campground where you can camp right on the edge of the Mississippi River which is nice, but you must deal with people fishing the entire time."
4. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
"Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."
"I had fun nice little get away from every one nature is everywhere compared to city I love it"
5. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
"Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."
"Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability6. Lundeens Landing
"of the I80 bridge carrying you over the Rock River, you’ll spot Lundeens Landing on the EAST side of this interstate (you’ll want to take note of this as The Dyrt has this campground in the wrong location"
7. Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park
"The host is on site plus a park ranger was frequently driving around to check on things. We were there on Labor Day weekend and everyone quieted down in the evening."
"Stayed the night here driving to PA. Very welcoming, you have to enter in gate 5, set up your tent site(towards the back near the woods) then pay $20."
from $27 / night
Check Availability8. Sunset Lakes Resort
"It was on the pond, very quiet and away from a lot of the activities...which was fine for me. The regular sites look nice as well. Lots to do...pool, mini-gold, volleyball, etc."
"Access to a lake with paddle boats and kayaks available. Swimming pool and a great camp store."
9. Colona Scott Family Park
"There’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single"
10. Summit Campground - West Lake Park
"CG has new septic lines and walking paths! Sites have upgraded lanes, pads."
"Sites offer: tables, fire rings, hard drive through pads, electric, water, showers/RR, play areas, horse shoes, trails, and 2 cabins adjacent to CG. Overflow/visitor parking."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability
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
Recent Camping Photos near Colona, IL
96 Photos of 111 Colona Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lundeens Landing
Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
Sunset Lakes Resort
Geneseo Campground
Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Rock Creek County Marina and Campground
Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Clarks Ferry
Hennepin Canal Bridge 23 campground
Riverview Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Prophetstown State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Colona, IL
562 Reviews of 111 Colona Campgrounds
- JJohn L.
GuideGeneseo Campground
Small, Quiet and Clean
It’s small, quiet and clean. Booked on-line easily. Planned just for 2 days traveling cross country. Got a pull thru site, didn’t know the direction to pull in as their map didn’t show any arrows. Site is gravel, dirt and grass. Quite level and no blocks needed. Hook ups are situated properly for easy connection. Noted about 10 long term sites in use. Did not use any campground shower or toilet facilities. Follow directions given by campsite to avoid low railroad bridge. Followed their blue camping signs coming from i80 just fine. Geneseo is a nice small farm town with good supplies, gas , laundry. I would stay again if needed.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendInterstate RV Park
EZ I-80 Stop When the Road Gets Long
Sometimes on a family road trip, you don't need a campground to entertain you ... you just need a comfortable place to pull in, hook up and give everyone a break from the highway. Interstate RV Park sits conveniently just off I-80 on the outskirts of Davenport and that's really where this approximately 100-site campground earns its keep: it's an EZ-in, EZ-out stopping point for travelers crossing Iowa or exploring the Quad Cities. The campground is more practical than picturesque, with a mixture of overnight travelers and longer-term campers, but RV families will appreciate full hookups with 30/50-amp electric service, pull-thru options, restrooms & showers, laundry, a seasonal swimming pool, pavilion, game room and small camp store. One of those simple road-trip moments I always appreciate is finally getting everyone out of the vehicle after hours of driving, watching the kids stretch their legs while we get camp organized and realizing that, for tonight anyway, we don't have anywhere else we need to be. Some campgrounds are the destination, while others simply give your family a place to catch its breath between adventures. From what we saw, I'd choose one of the campground's dedicated overnight sites away from the longer-term residents, and travelers with larger rigs or multiple slides should ask for one of the wider sites because spacing can be tight. We did note uneven gravel, potholes and less than polished conditions in some of the common facilities, so expectations should be kept to a minimum. Overall, we'd recommend Interstate RV Park for RV families needing a convenient 1-night stop because of its outstanding I-80 access, full hookups and proximity to Davenport, but for families seeking privacy, polished facilities and a campground where the kids can spend the weekend exploring, there are stronger choices around the Quad Cities area.
Joe B.ScoutChief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
The pine trees are uniquely laid out
Probably the nicest campground ive stayed at
- MMikayla E.
TravelerLundeens Landing
Beautiful location
We stopped here for one night on our trip and it was a nice and small campsite. It is right on the river and very pretty.
- Stuart K.Legend
Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park
The Most Peaceful Campground in Scott County Park
If you're the kind of camper who measures a campground by the number of trees instead of the number of amenities, Wilderness CG continues to be THE hidden campground gem within Scott County Park. Surrounded by mature hardwood forest, generous-sized campsites with decent privacy and miles of interconnected hiking trails, this campground delivers a camping experience that feels far more secluded than you'd expect to find just minutes from the Quad Cities. While my original review from just over a year ago goes into considerable detail about each aspect of the campground and the park itself, I thought I'd follow up that review with a quick summary of what continues to stand out most.
Here's a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Easily the most wooded, private and peaceful campground within Scott County Park, making it an outstanding choice for tent campers, in particular, and anyone seeking a true forest setting; (2) Spacious campsites tucked beneath a dense tree canopy (expert tip: be sure to look up at any potential 'widow makers' before setting up camp) that provides excellent shade, natural privacy and a genuine 'away from it all' atmosphere; (3) Immaculately maintained restroom and shower facilities with dependable hot water that rival many commercial campgrounds; (4) Outstanding access to some of the park's best hiking trails, allowing campers to step directly from their campsite into miles of beautiful woodland; and (5) Scott County Park itself offers an impressive collection of amenities, including: 2 fishing lakes (and 2 smaller ponds), a championship 9-hole golf course, massive family-friendly swimming pool, various scattered playgrounds, an abundance of picnic areas in and outside of excellent shelters and friendly park staff ... all just a short drive from your campsite.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The heavily wooded terrain means some sites are uneven with exposed roots, making leveling RVs and 5th wheelers more challenging than at neighboring campgrounds; (2) There is no lake or waterfront access directly within Wilderness Campground, so paddlers and anglers will need to drive to other areas of the park; (3) The abundance of trees and leaf cover can make portions of the campground appear a little less manicured, even though it is very well maintained - when we were there in the Autumn, we wished we would have brought our rake!; (4) Only one of the campground's restroom buildings includes shower facilities, so some campers may have a short walk or drive depending on their site; and (5) Larger RVs may find neighboring campgrounds such as Bald Eagle or Woodside better suited to their size and setup.
Happy Camping!
- AArielGuide
Buffalo Shores County Park
Great spot to camp with a view of the Mississippi
We just stayed a quick night on the way driving across country. We pulled up in the dark, and were awakened the next day by an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Some camping spots have water, They all have electricity, and there is one bathroom with showers. Portapotties and dumpsters are situated throughout. There is a slightly confusing registration process of a QR code on you camping spot. Overall, a great place to stop.
- nnathan S.Traveler
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Great spot for an overnight stay
Drove in late at night and was able to self register and pay at the gate. Has electric hook ups, tent camping sites and a great shower building. Showers were free, clean and comfortable. Not always the case with public campgrounds
- TTimothy R.Scout
Citizens Lake Campground
Great experience!
Campground is clean and well maintained. The bathrooms are very clean and don’t smell like a typical campground bathroom the campground managers are easy to deal with and are very kind. If you like dad jokes the campground manager has plenty lol. Overall great experience.
Guide to Colona
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Colona, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Colona, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Colona, IL is Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River with a 4-star rating from 26 reviews.
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