Glamping and camping options surround Bellevue, Iowa, sitting at an elevation of about 650 feet along the Mississippi River in the Driftless Area. The region's unglaciated terrain creates unique camping environments with wooded bluffs and river valleys. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with humidity levels increasing near the river.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground offers access to Mississippi River backwaters for excellent fishing. "Great walking trails, creek, and small river for fishing," notes Aaronius K. The park also provides boat rentals for water exploration.
Nature programs: Swiss Valley County Park features a nature center with educational exhibits. James M. mentions, "Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables."
Mini golf: Palace Campground offers an on-site mini golf course with additional recreation. "They host events like mini golf. Swings and playground for kids," shares one visitor, while another mentions, "Lots to do here with the ability to play mini golf on a very nice course, walk through the trees and property, and get ice-cream from culvers."
Bluff hiking: Nelson Dewey State Park Campground provides trails with Mississippi River views. "Beautiful views and very secluded. Carts available for hauling in your gear. Hiking trails, fire wood for sale on site," states Rebecca B. The park's elevated position offers unique perspectives of the river valley.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Morrison-Rockwood State Park offers private camping spots with good spacing. "Most of the camp sites are fairly secluded from one another by distance and from surrounding foliage," notes one camper. Another mentions, "The site was huge, flat and private - no trouble finding flat ground to pitch the tent."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at Morrison-Rockwood State Park. "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! These bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean," reports Stacie H.
River views: Grant River Recreation Area provides Mississippi River vistas directly from campsites. "Right on the Mississippi River. Concrete pads and beautiful views of the Mississippi," shares Keith M. Another camper notes, "Campground was neat and tidy. Most sites had view of river."
What you should know
Train noise: Several riverfront campgrounds experience regular train traffic. At Grant River Recreation Area, Leslie P. advises, "The trains going by during the night was a bit annoying. Though, would not stop me from camping here again." At Nelson Dewey, a visitor warns, "Bring ear plugs, trains rolled through until just after midnight and started up around 5am."
Water quality: Lake conditions vary at certain parks. At Lake Le-Aqua-Na, a camper reports, "We had a lot of fun there playing in the water on the beach however my son who was five at the time got a really bad bacterial rash from the water." Always check current water conditions before swimming.
Site selection: When booking at Palace Campground, consider your priorities. Scott M. advises, "If you get along the outsides you have a lot more privacy and better chance they will be level. If you aren't worried about sharing a conversation with your neighbor then you can pick anything."
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: For convenience with children, consider specific loops at certain parks. At Morrison-Rockwood, Amy W. notes, "One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice. Glamping with young kids? These sites would be a perfect."
Nature education: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground offers family-friendly wildlife exhibits. "They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," reports Chris F. This enrichment opportunity adds educational value to your glamping experience in Bellevue area.
Year-round options: While many glamping sites close seasonally, some remain accessible in cooler months. At Rock Creek, Ryan mentions, "This campground has an assortment of primitive and electrical sites. They also have cabins and canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site angles when booking RV spots. At Lena KOA, one visitor recommends, "Spots are spaced apart nicely," making it easier to position larger rigs. The staff is noted as being particularly helpful with setup.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times at busy parks. At Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area, Mike F. observes, "All sites are clean. They clean out fire pits after every weekend. Some sites were not the most level. All Roads are newly paved. New/Updated Dump station."
Full hookup options: For luxury glamping near Bellevue with an RV, Tom R. recommends Swiss Valley: "This is one of the best RV parks we have stayed in awhile. Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby."
