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Map showing campground location near Illinois City, Iowa
Camper submitted image from Fairport State Recreation Area CampgroundView 33 Photos
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Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Within Fairport State Recreation Area, this state-managed campground sits directly along Highway 22 and an active railroad line, providing drive-in access for RVs up to 55 feet. The Mississippi River borders the recreation area, with two boat ramps offering direct water access for anglers and boaters.

Each site includes electric and water hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables on drive-in pads. A dump station serves RVs, while restrooms and shower facilities handle basic needs. The campground operates from April through December, with a host on-site and playground equipment available. "Sites have electric, water, fire rings, tables, drive in pads," confirms James M..

The proximity to transportation corridors means regular train traffic, with early morning schedules noted by overnight visitors. Highway noise accompanies the railroad activity throughout the day. Hydrants are scattered across the campground for water access beyond individual site hookups.

For a different atmosphere, campers can check Shady Creek just a few miles east along the same highway corridor.

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Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect

There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

As of October 15th, 2026, water has been turned off and the modern restroom facilities are closed for the season. Water will be turned back on late April to the beginning of May 2027. Electricity in the Campground will remain on until November 1st, when the Campground closes for the season. The Vault Toilet remains open year round. (Posted 10/15/2026)

Both Docks will be pulled from the river sometime between mid to late November. (Posted 10/13/2026)

This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - November 15 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.

The campground is closed each year from November 16 - March 31.

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Map & DirectionsFairport State Recreation Area Campground is located in Iowa near Illinois City

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Muscatine, take Hwy 22 east 7 miles.

Address

1884 Wildcat Den Road
Muscatine, IA 52761

Coordinates

41.4332829965293 N
90.92408547323446 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/18/26

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/18/26

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

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5 Stars

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43%
29%
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28%

3.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned good basic facilities and Mississippi River access with boat ramps. However, significant noise from trains and highway affects the camping experience, with mixed feedback on staff interactions.

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2026

Boats, Barges & A Front-Row Seat to the Mississippi

There’s something wonderfully mesmerizing about camping beside the Mississippi River, where you can sit together and watch everything from great blue herons to enormous towboats slowly make their way past your campsite, and tiny Fairport State Recreation Area gives families a front-row seat to it all. Located about seven miles east of Muscatine and roughly 20 miles from Davenport, this intimate 42-site campground is decidedly more about the river than resort-style recreation, with every back-in campsite offering 20/30/50-amp electric service and many providing beautiful views across the water. Families will find modern restrooms and showers, accessible water, a dump station and small playground, while two boat ramps with docks make getting onto the Mississippi wonderfully EZ for an afternoon of boating or fishing for walleye and catfish. One of my favorite little pleasures here is simply pointing the chairs toward the river as evening arrives and watching the barges glide silently past while everyone tries to spot one more bird before darkness settles over the water. At Fairport, the Mississippi isn’t something you drive somewhere to see - it becomes part of your campsite. From what we saw, the best campsites are 37–42, where the western row puts you closest to the Mississippi and provides some of the campground’s prettiest river views. We would definitely recommend Fairport for families who love boating, fishing and life along the water because it’s small, wonderfully convenient and beautifully positioned on the Mississippi - just know that the nearby railroad provides last minute surprising loud sirens, including during the night, so light sleepers might want to pack earplugs along with the marshmallows.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Fairport State Recreation Area Campground by Maria Mercedes M., August 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Fairport State Recreation Area Campground by Maria Mercedes M., August 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Fairport State Recreation Area Campground by Maria Mercedes M., August 15, 2026
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2026

Overall decent campground

Water pressure not great. Location by the river very nice. Great boat access and parking. Could’ve done without the trains but overall an ok place to stay, especially for river access. Recommend Lighthouse Grill and Bar- cool atmosphere and cheap drinks.

Site042
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2022

Nice State Park along Mississippi River

CG sits along Highway 22 and railroad, with 2 boat ramps for river access. CG host, restrooms, dump station, playground. Sites have electric, water, fire rings, tables, drive in pads. Nearby towns for supplies.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Fairport State Recreation Area Campground by James M., October 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Fairport State Recreation Area Campground by James M., October 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Fairport State Recreation Area Campground by James M., October 28, 2022
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2022

River Campground

State Park with two boat ramps on the Mississippi. Shower house. Hydrants scattered throughout the campground.

Site38
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Fairport State Recreation Area Campground by Dave M., October 22, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2020

Fair port camp site

Very small. The playground only had two single swings. Also there’s a train track super close to the site. With a 5:30AM train every morning. I wouldn’t recommend this site.

Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Fairport Recreation Area?

Fairport Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities along the Mississippi River, with two boat ramps providing convenient water access. The nearby Fairport Fish Hatchery makes this a popular destination for anglers. Visitors can also enjoy boating and water activities on the river. For families, there's a small playground with swings, though it's limited in size. The recreation area's proximity to Wild Cat Den State Park provides additional hiking and exploration options. Picnicking spots are available throughout the grounds, perfect for enjoying riverside views.

What camping facilities are available at Fairport Recreation Area?

Fairport Recreation Area features electric campsites with drive-in pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Water hydrants are scattered throughout the campground for convenient access. Facilities include a shower house, restrooms, and a dump station for RVs. A campground host is on-site to assist visitors. The campground is situated between Highway 22 and railroad tracks, so expect some traffic and train noise, including early morning trains. Several nearby towns provide easy access to supplies. While the campground itself is relatively small, it offers basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

Are there any notable scenic spots or photo opportunities at Fairport State Recreation Area?

The Mississippi River provides the main scenic backdrop at Fairport State Recreation Area, offering beautiful riverfront views and photography opportunities. Sunrise and sunset scenes over the water can be particularly striking. The two boat ramps offer unobstructed river vistas that make excellent photo spots. While the campground itself is relatively small, its riverside location creates a pleasant natural setting. For more diverse scenic opportunities, nearby Wild Cat Den State Park offers additional landscapes with interesting geological features and woodland views, making it worth a short trip for photography enthusiasts.

How do I access Fairport State Recreation Area and what are the directions?

Fairport State Recreation Area is located along Highway 22 in Muscatine County, Iowa. The campground is easily accessible from the highway, making it convenient for both RVs and standard vehicles. To reach the recreation area, follow Highway 22 until you see the clearly marked entrance. The campground is situated along the Mississippi River, with good road access leading directly to the camping areas. For precise directions from your location, it's recommended to use GPS or contact the Iowa DNR for the most current routing information.

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