111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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. "
from $25 - $26 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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."
TravelerThis campground is a great location along the river in Clinton. There is a Thomas Dambo troll within walking distance. There is a small playground on site and a ton of things to do on the riverfront: pool, skate park, outdoor gym, restaurant, marina, Showboat, etc.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
GuideSite 12. June 11. Good for a night if driving I-80. Nice view of the river from this site. It had rained and there were many puddles making tent camping impossible, so I didn't bother setting up my "mandatory" tent and slept on the cot in my SUV. Standing water, so mosquitoes were active. This campground caters to RVs. Trains at night are loud. Bring ear plugs. Restrooms were old and not clean. I had stayed here before a few years ago, and they were very clean, so it just depends on the host.
ScoutIf you’re looking for a quick stop on your travels with full hookup and a bonus pool this is perfect! The host is very friendly and accommodating. Easy on and off of I80. There is not a lot of shade but if you have AC and an awning, you will be just fine
ScoutWe recently bought our first travel trailer and stayed here for our shakedown trip since we live in the area. We love hiking the Forest Preserve trails across the road, but staying at the campground also gave us the opportunity to stroll along the river and enjoy the fields of wildflowers. Even though we stayed the last weekend in June, the campground was not packed and the sites on either side of us were empty which was really nice for our first trip. We will definitely be back.
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
ScoutEven in this incredible heat ( high 90's) the woodsy campground feels pleasant. Birds tweeting, lots of space between sites. The zero entry swimming pool is new and spotlessly clean, as are the showers. The owners are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend.
LegendGood for a night. Electric hook up and a spot to fill your tanks. Shower was Luke warm and you had to keep pushing the button. But was fine. Super nice hosts. Just stopped for the night. Was surprised that the Mississippi shore here is kind of like a pond. Lots of lily pads and not a lot of flow.
LegendNice campground with grassy sites right on the rock river. Small town nearby with access to all amenities. While there are designated sites, there are no actual camping pads. Camping is on the grass. It was quite damp when I visited.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
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