Camping near Savanna, Illinois focuses on sites along the Mississippi River with varying terrain and campground sizes. Most campgrounds in the region experience significant seasonal changes, with spring flooding potential and summer highs reaching 85-90°F. Fall offers cooler temperatures around 60-70°F with less crowded campgrounds as visitor numbers decline in September.
What to do
Explore the Mississippi backwaters: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground offers extensive backwater access for paddling adventures. "Plenty of sites, boat landing, kayak/canoe rentals, naturalist programs, nature center with native animals including large fish aquarium, cabins, park store and kitchen, shower house, pontoon river cruises," notes James M. The ecological center provides educational opportunities from spring through mid-October.
Fishing access: 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," explains James M. The concrete pads and electric hookups make it comfortable for extended fishing trips.
Hiking the surrounding areas: When staying at Geneseo Campground, take advantage of the nearby Hennepin Canal trails. "Right on the Hennepin Canal. RV, tent, Cabins, and Yurt camping," says Elizabeth R. With over 70 miles of biking trails and paved country roads, this area offers extensive outdoor recreation beyond the campsite.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campers praise the maintenance standards at campgrounds in the area. At Geneseo Campground, visitors appreciate "very clean and peaceful. Nice shower rooms and amenities and very reasonably priced," according to Tom N. The well-maintained facilities make camping more comfortable for everyone.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The river setting creates excellent wildlife viewing conditions. At Blanding Landing, one camper notes it has "tall trees all over. Shady sites, water pump faucets, dump station." Ruth M. adds that it's a "quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. At Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, which is accessible from Savanna with a short drive, "the sites are well spaced" and "all sites are full hookup!" according to Stephanie S. The concrete patios at many sites provide extra comfort for extended stays.
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds along the Mississippi. At Blanding Landing, "trains are noisy—we slept through them but are also used to living by a train station. Your mileage may vary on that one," notes Mary S. Some campers report trains passing as frequently as every 60-90 minutes.
Seasonal flooding concerns: The riverside location means potential flooding during spring months. At Rock Creek County Marina and Campground, one visitor advises to "watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest." Low-lying campgrounds may experience closures during high water periods.
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies significantly by provider and specific campground. Mary S. reports at Blanding Landing, "As a note, we have ATT and had decent cell service here." However, Seven Eagles RV Resort visitors note "ATT service, but not strong. There is also WiFi, but also not strong."
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: Several campgrounds offer structured learning opportunities. Rock Creek County Marina has "an Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center," notes James M. The "assortment of primitive and electrical sites" and "visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife" make it family-friendly.
Playground facilities: Off Shore RV Park provides recreation options for children. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric," notes James M., adding that the "resort has restaurant, playground, water park."
Dog-friendly considerations: Many campgrounds welcome pets but have specific policies. At Rock Creek County Marina, Chris F. observed "I'm not sure what the rules are, but there were a lot of dogs not tied up. Most people kept a close eye on them, but we had a couple wander through and do their business in our site." Always bring leashes and waste bags.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers should check site details before booking. At Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, "all had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," notes Lee D. Many sites feature concrete pads that are ideal for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Full hookup options vary between campgrounds. At Off Shore RV Park, "sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric," while Seven Eagles RV Resort offers full hookup sites with 30/50-amp electric connections. Interstate RV Park provides "pull through sites with gravel drives, tables, electric, water, and dump station."
Overnight vs. extended stay considerations: For those just passing through, Interstate RV Park provides convenient access. "Convenient campground that's minutes off of I80 in Davenport IA. The sites are nice wooded sites. A mix of gravel and pavement," according to Dan L., though he notes "it's a bit noisy due to the nearness to the interstate."
