James M.
Legend
LegendPorth RV Park
Small seasonal RV park in Calamus, Iowa
RV park is all gravel, electric, water on site, Tables, communal, fire pit, situated next to a cornfield, there are shade trees.
Best Campgrounds near Bellevue, IA
Campgrounds along the Mississippi River near Bellevue, Iowa feature a mix of state park facilities, Corps of Engineers sites, and private RV parks offering views of the river valley. Bellevue State Park provides electric and non-electric sites with modern shower facilities, while Maquoketa Caves State Park offers campsites near its unique cave system about 20 miles southwest. Several riverfront campgrounds like Off Shore RV Park and Pleasant Creek provide direct water access for boating and fishing. The camping landscape ranges from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads, with some locations offering cabin rentals and glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.
The camping season in this region generally runs from April through October, with most public campgrounds closing for winter. Bellevue State Park's Dyas Unit operates from April 1 to December 31, while many riverfront camping areas have shorter seasons due to potential flooding along the Mississippi. Water levels can affect campsite availability, particularly in spring when river levels rise. Most established campgrounds require reservations through Iowa's state park system or private operators. "Most sites are RVs and they largely park on the other side of the loops. Mostly older folks. There's not a lot of trails on the campsite side of Bellevue but they were lovely and secluded and nice to get grounded," noted one camper about Bellevue State Park.
Mississippi River views rank among the most valued features according to visitor reviews, with several campers highlighting riverside camping as their primary reason for visiting the area. Maquoketa Caves State Park consistently receives high ratings for its unique landscape despite having more basic amenities. A visitor described it as "extremely amazing at this little unique Park in the middle of farmland Iowa." Proximity to water access points for fishing and boating appears frequently in positive reviews, with the COE Mississippi River Recreation Areas offering good river access. Campgrounds like Off Shore RV Park provide amenities including electric hookups, water, and shower facilities, making them suitable for longer stays. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some riverfront sites experiencing occasional train noise while state park locations offer more secluded settings.
Best Camping Sites Near Bellevue, Iowa (108)
1. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
28 ReviewsSavanna, IL16 milesWebsite+1 (815) 273-2731"Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."
"It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."
2. Bellevue State Park Campground — Dyas Unit
8 ReviewsBellevue, IA4 milesWebsite+1 (563) 872-4019"We camped at Bellevue last summer (Aug. 2017) & it was not at all crowded. It was a really nice campground with new shower & bathroom facilities."
"There’s not a lot of trails on the campsite side (Dyas unit) of Bellevue but they were lovely and secluded and nice to get grounded. Bathrooms are clean and nice. The soap smells really good!"
3. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
34 ReviewsBaldwin, IA21 milesWebsite+1 (563) 652-5833"cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."
"This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."
4. Blanding Landing
5 ReviewsBellevue, IA2 milesWebsite+1 (563) 582-0881$14 - $25 / night
"Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric. "
5. Palace Campground
8 ReviewsGalena, IL11 milesWebsite+1 (815) 777-2466"This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally."
"Campground was right next to Walmart, which was convenient, and a short walk down to the high school to get the shuttle into Galena itself."
6. Spruce Creek Park
3 ReviewsBellevue, IA2 milesWebsite+1 (563) 652-3783"Nice shower house and close to bike trail that leads to Bellevue"
"There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12. It's a beautiful spot right on the river with views galore."
7. Off Shore RV Park
2 ReviewsBellevue, IA0 milesWebsite+1 (563) 872-5000$69 - $139 / night
"CG offers river views, hard lanes, tables, fire rings, RR, playground, food, and is just 2 miles north of river town of Bellevue for supplies."
"Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park."
8. Swiss Valley County Park
9 ReviewsDubuque, IA19 milesWebsite+1 (563) 556-6745"Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails."
"Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks."
9. Vel Terra
4 ReviewsElizabeth, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 858-3866$25 - $40 / night
"He also pointed out that there were some walking trails but to be wary of a poisonous plant.
The grounds are impeccably kept. He provides wood for you to burn.""All the land is private so there's not great hiking (a little in the state park about 20 min drive away), IL law allows waterways to be privately owned so you can't kayak the river, etc."
10. COE Mississippi River Recreation Areas Pleasant Creek
1 ReviewLa Motte, IA8 milesWebsite+1 (563) 582-0881"No electric, is primitive.Close to town for supplies and Bellevue State Park with views of river from bluffs."
Recent Camping Photos near Bellevue, IA
140 Photos of 108 Bellevue Campgrounds
Tony D.
Blanding Landing
Chad C.
Palace Campground- rick K.
Olde Massey Campground and RV Park 
Lauri J.
Vel Terra
Yang L.
Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
Andi A.
Swiss Valley County Park
Brian H.
Miller Riverview City Park
Amanda K.
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
RJourney R.
Coconut Cove RV Resort by Journey
Kelly D.
Spring Lake Campground
Charles M.
Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park
Chris S.
Rustic Barn Campground RV Park
Recent Reviews near Bellevue, IA
501 Reviews of 108 Bellevue Campgrounds
- James M.Legend
Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Very basic camp area with equestrian Trail access.
This campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
- James M.Legend
Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park
Well shaded county campground with secluded spots
Wilderness Campground is seasonal, with good shaded spots, seasonal host with firewood, available, restrooms, and showers. Sites include tables and fire rings. Sites have gravel access, there is a play area as well.
- James M.Legend
Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park
Nice wooded county campground
Pine Grove Campground is situated in Scott County Park. This campground is seasonal, offering a seasonal campground host with firewood available, sites are gravel with tables, firings, electric, there is a dump station, play area, shelter for rent, seasonal restrooms. Adjacent is a primitive camp tent sites and Pine Grove cabins. The park offers many amenities, including trails, hiking, equestrian, mountain, bike bikes, pride, Lake for fishing and paddling, golf course, and Pioneer Village to the north as a cultural historical site. There is an Olympic size swimming pool as well open seasonally with concessions.
- James M.Legend
Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park
Nice primitive, county campground
This seasonal campground is well maintained, primitive, offers picnic tables, firings, seasonal host with firewood, available, restrooms, and showers, hammock structures, good shade, trails, and is located across the road from Glynns Creek golf course. The park offers an Olympic size pool in season, concessions, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling, hiking, equestrian, mountain bike trails. Pioneer Village to the north offers a historical and cultural site.
- James M.Legend
Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa
Nice county open campground
This campground is well-maintained, includes basic amenities: hard surface, picnic table, fire rings, water, electric, sewer, firewood for purchase on site, full shower, house and restrooms, seasonal campground host, and lots to do within the Park itself. This site is a few years old, and trees planted our continue to grow.
- James M.Legend
Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Nice County year round campground
This campground has hard services, fire rings, picnic tables, water, electric, sewer, firewood on site, full shower house, restrooms, electric site charging, seasonal host, dump station, and play area.
- James M.Legend
Iowa 80 Truckstop
Busy overnight parking with Supplies
This overnight location is located along interstate 80 and includes restaurants, fuel, food, ice, showers, chiropractor, dentist, auto supplies, propane, car wash. This space though it is well lit, it is very busy. Regular idling sounds from trucks are heard.
Stuart K.LegendMaquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Hidden Cave Country
Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional reflections and tips as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this camp loop near the remarkable cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground is nestled under a dense canopy of tall trees, offering shade, peace and a deep-woods feel rarely found so close to a major trail and cave network; (2) It’s just a short walk from the trailhead of the park’s famed 13-cave system, making it ideal for early morning spelunkers or families wanting adventure without long drives; (3) Campsites are reasonably spacious and include essential hookups with 24 of the roughly 28 sites featuring 20 / 30 / 50-amp electric and many are well separated from neighbors; (4) The modern bathhouse and showers are clean and appreciated, especially after muddy hikes through the caves; (5) Wildlife and geology lovers will be delighted, where you can expect to see deer, turkey, and perhaps even a bat fluttering near dusk, with cave formations and hiking trails that are genuinely outstanding; and (6) The campground here really is one of the best I’ve ever come across, where it is nicely tucked away AFTER you pass by the tourist trappings that these bat caves produce, but what you will enjoy most is the serenity of the place, watching as the thick mist lifts from the campground area as the sun rises higher during the day giving off a very cool vibe to this place.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some of the access roads and pads are packed sand and gravel rather than smooth pavement, which can challenge level setup for larger rigs after rain; (2) Trail signage can be minimal and navigating the caves may get confusing without a good flashlight or headlamp; (3) Although the hookups exist, this campground is still basic compared to full-service resorts (which, TBH is why I love it here so much), so no big clubhouse or elaborate amenities; (4) Sites closer to the entrance (like #1-#3 or #27-#28) can register more traffic and less tranquility than those deeper in the loop; and (5) Bee and mosquito activity near the creek and cave edges can pick up at dusk in the summer, so a bit of bug protection goes a long way.
Happy Camping!
Guide to Bellevue
Camping options near Bellevue, Iowa range from riverfront sites to forested campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. Located in Jackson County along the Mississippi River, Bellevue sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level in a landscape characterized by steep limestone bluffs and wooded ravines. Weather conditions can change quickly due to the river valley geography, with frequent morning fog during summer months and potential for flash flooding in spring.
What to Do
Cave exploration: Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, located about 20 miles southwest of Bellevue. "This is a very basic park, no lake, no added attractions just trails, picnicking and a small, quiet and well shaded, electric sites," notes one visitor. The park features 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so "bring headlamps/flashlights and prepare to have wet shoes."
Riverside fishing: The COE Mississippi River Recreation Areas Pleasant Creek provides excellent river access. "CG has gravel road, seasonal host, restrooms, fire rings, boat ramp and good river access for fishing, boating, paddling," reports one camper. Sites are primitive without electric hookups.
Trail hiking: Nearby Swiss Valley offers hiking options with varying difficulty levels. One camper describes it as having "great walking trails, creek, and small river for fishing." The area features limestone formations similar to those found along the Mississippi River bluffs.
What Campers Like
River views: Many campers appreciate the Mississippi River vistas. "You probably don't want sites 1 or 2, they are directly across from the dump site. The plus is they are directly across from the playground, picnic area and trail access," advises one visitor about Blanding Landing, which provides river access but also has nearby train tracks.
Privacy between sites: Bellevue State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout. "Quiet and beautiful campground. Campsites are walk in and sit back from other sites. Very nice facilities," notes one camper. Another mentions, "Sites are nice and spaced a decent bit apart."
Free firewood: Some campgrounds offer complimentary firewood. At Vel Terra, one visitor reports they "provide wood for you to burn" and have "both RV and Tent sites. Fire pits and picnic tables are at each site." The grounds are described as "impeccably kept."
What You Should Know
Site conditions vary widely: Not all sites are level or suitable for different camping types. "The site we had was fairly steep as far as tent sites go. The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem," shares one camper about Bellevue State Park.
Train noise: Several riverside campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks. At Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, "trains run all night" according to one review. Another camper notes, "Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night."
Seasonal restrictions: Cave access at Maquoketa Caves may be limited during bat hibernation. "If you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins," warns a visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: For families with children, some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Palace Campground, "they host events like mini golf. Swings and playground for kids." This campground is conveniently located between East Dubuque and Galena.
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential, especially in late spring. "I think if we were here when it is less buggy, we would have enjoyed it much more but at the end of May, we saw a guy wearing a head net he said he wouldn't sell to us for a $100 (and we probably would have paid it!)," shares a Bellevue State Park visitor.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities. At Maquoketa Caves, "if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites."
Tips from RVers
RV site preferences: Many RV sites are clustered together for access to hookups. One visitor to Off Shore RV Park notes, "Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. No shade since trees have not been planted as of this date."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for where to empty tanks. At Swiss Valley, one RVer mentions they had "a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby. This county park is very nice and sits in a very quiet valley."
Site length considerations: Check site dimensions before booking. At Maquoketa Caves, "all sites designated for RV's are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet." Sites at Blanding Landing "are not real level" according to one reviewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Bellevue, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Bellevue, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bellevue, IA is Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
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