Best Campgrounds near Rock Island, IL

Campgrounds in Rock Island, Illinois support several types of camping experiences along the Mississippi River corridor. Established options include Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA with cabin, tent, RV, and glamping accommodations, while Fishermans Corner on the Mississippi River provides more basic tent and RV sites with water access. Illiniwek Campground in Hampton offers riverside sites with boat-in access approximately 10 miles north of Rock Island. Most campgrounds in this area feature mixed-use sites supporting both tent and RV camping, with water and electrical hookups commonly available.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with many facilities operating from April through October. Park Terrace Campground operates from April 15 to October 15, while Shady Creek maintains a similar season from May to late October. Several campgrounds like Camelot remain open year-round, providing winter camping options when other facilities close for the season. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with some offering full-service sites including sewer connections. As one visitor noted, "Spots are close, but level. Sewage located well to rear of most campsites, so back way in."

Campers consistently rate water access as a significant advantage at many Rock Island area campgrounds. Multiple campgrounds feature lake or river frontage with boat launch facilities, fishing opportunities, and water recreation options. Illiniwek Campground and Fishermans Corner provide direct Mississippi River access, while West Lake Park offers multiple lakes for fishing and electric-motor boating. Amenities vary considerably between locations, with some providing basic services while others feature more developed facilities. A camper described West Lake Park as having "lots to do and is a great place to come with kids. There are multiple large playgrounds, a disk golf course, large sandy swim beach, a concession stand, four lakes with boat rentals, and plenty of miles of hiking trails." Many campgrounds maintain shower facilities, sanitary dump stations, and picnic tables at individual sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Rock Island, Illinois (110)

    1. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    17 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 787-0665

    "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"

    2. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

    23 Reviews
    Bettendorf, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 259-3628

    $14 - $26 / night

    "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."

    3. Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

    11 Reviews
    Davenport, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $27 / night

    "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."

    "This campground is located in West Lake Park about 5 miles from downtown Davenport. There are two campgrounds – Summit and Park Terrace. "

    4. Buffalo Shores County Park

    10 Reviews
    Rock Island, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $22 - $25 / night

    "Nice beach walk and next to a small town. Came in December to find they close the campground for the season but there’s lots of small lots to park overnight."

    "Short walk to the beach. All sites are 50 and 30 you just show up pick a spot and go to the office. Camp host stays on site. Nice sized playground for kids. Plenty of room around campers."

    5. Shady Creek

    17 Reviews
    Illinois City, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 419-0857

    $14 - $26 / night

    "We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "

    "Still a two hundred foot walk and I am there.

    Very clean. I was next to a vault toilet did did use it for a quick #1. Clean and did not have any foul smell.

    Level cement pads."

    6. Illiniwek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bettendorf, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 496-2620

    "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."

    7. Clarks Ferry

    11 Reviews
    Illinois City, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 419-7594

    $25 - $26 / night

    "Great campsite close to the bathrooms for an affordable price."

    "Just off Highway 22 and runs along Mississippi River and railroad tracks. Shady sites, showers, 50 amp service, fish cleaning station, playground, and small amphitheater for naturalist programs. "

    8. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    18 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3282

    $17 - $36 / night

    "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."

    9. Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    6 Reviews
    Davenport, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $17 - $36 / night

    "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."

    10. Interstate RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Eldridge, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 386-7292

    "Easy on off from highway, cute little place but still fit a big rig towing a trailer. DoorDash in area is convenient. 50 ⚡️💩👍💧👍"

    "It’s a bit noisy due to the nearness to the interstate."

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Recent Reviews near Rock Island, IL

500 Reviews of 110 Rock Island Campgrounds


  • 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

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin has all amenities for six. 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. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Nice campground

    Stayed one night. It is a nice place, easy to find canal for walking. Bathrooms were OK.

  • Susie K.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Porth RV Park

    Porth Campground

    Great campground.  Sewer, water, electricity.

    It rained a lot while we were there no flooding issues at all.  Very friendly and very well maintained.

    Definitely would stay again,  we were there for 3 weeks.


Guide to Rock Island

Rock Island campgrounds provide varied camping experiences along the western edge of Illinois, where the Mississippi River creates a natural border with Iowa. The region sits at approximately 580 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that delivers hot summers and cold winters. Most campsites near Rock Island offer mixed terrain with river bottomlands and wooded areas that provide partial shade during summer camping season.

What to do

Explore Mississippi River fishing spots: Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River provides direct river access for anglers. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer. Access along river for fishing," notes James M. The riverside location allows for watching commercial river traffic while fishing from shore.

Try disc golf courses: Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park features a challenging course that draws enthusiasts. "Park has many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds," reports James M. The course has earned a reputation among serious players.

Visit historical attractions: Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins offers access to a pioneer village recreation. "We also stopped at the Pioneer Village to check it out. They do expect you to leave a $2 donation per adult and $1 donation per child, but this is based on the honor system," writes M E. "It was very cool to see how things were done back then! We would definitely recommend stopping by, and definitely stop in the ice-cream shop and get a cone!"

What campers like

Level concrete pads: Campsites in the Rock Island area frequently feature solid, well-maintained camping surfaces. "Spots are level," reports Gena B. "Paved everywhere, level concrete pads. Corps of Engineers takes really good care of their recreation areas," according to Al K. at Fishermans Corner.

Water recreation options: Illiniwek Campground provides multiple water activities. "The sunsets on the Mississippi were beautiful each evening!" reports M E. "CG has both RV and tent sites, playgrounds, volleyball, restrooms, shelters, open spaces, and fishing/boating/paddling along Mississippi River," notes James M.

Clean shower facilities: Multiple campers highlight the well-maintained restroom facilities. "Bathhouse: The bath/shower house was decent (flush toilets, soap dispensers) and it was clean," mentions Lee D. "I liked their bathroom/shower house setup, which I had not seen before. Instead of the standard men's/women's sides, there were four separate rooms, each with toilet, sink, and shower," shares Lisa H. at Clarks Ferry.

What you should know

Train noise impacts sleep: Many campgrounds along the Mississippi River corridor sit near active rail lines. "The train was just relentless, even during the night. My husband is a train loving kind of guy, but even he thought it was very loud and constant," reports Stephanie S. about Clarks Ferry. "If it weren't for the trains going by constantly, it would be a five star place."

Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds close during winter months. "The campground is open year-round but they shut of the water spigots around the end of October (depending on the weather)," reports Nancy W. Some campgrounds remain partially open with limited services during off-season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rock Island campground located?

Rock Island is located in western Illinois along the Mississippi River. The area includes several campgrounds near the Rock River and Mississippi River confluence. Prophetstown State Park Campground is hidden along the Rock River in Prophetstown, Illinois, offering easy access to the water and walking distance to stores. Nearby communities like Geneseo and Atkinson provide convenient access points for travelers exploring the Rock Island area.

Can you camp with RVs at Rock Island?

Yes, the Rock Island area has several RV-friendly camping options. Little Bear Campground offers RV sites with full hookups for $33/night, featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Sites are good-sized and level. Riverview City Park provides water and electric hookups for RVs along with a dump station. For overnight parking options, Walmart — Geneseo Store offers ample space on freshly paved asphalt, making it a convenient layover for RVs traveling along I-80.

Is Rock Island good for fishing?

Yes, Rock Island is excellent for fishing with its proximity to both the Rock River and Mississippi River. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River is an Army Corps of Engineers campground positioned perfectly for Mississippi River fishing access. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area features a lake with seasonal boat rentals, providing additional fishing opportunities just north of Kewanee. The confluence of major rivers in this region creates diverse fishing habitats for various species throughout the year.

What amenities are available at Rock Island campground?

Rock Island area campgrounds offer varying amenities. Wildcat Den State Park Campground provides a rustic experience with 19 non-electric sites, each featuring picnic tables and fire rings. Basic amenities include water stations and toilets. For more developed options, Riverview Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers wooded sites with more seclusion in the Silva area, while their River campground has more open sites. Many campgrounds in the region provide shower facilities, playground areas, and water access.