Situated along the Mississippi River backwaters, Bernard, Iowa offers camping opportunities with varying elevation and terrain features. Campgrounds in the area typically experience seasonal weather patterns, with summer highs in the 80s and frequent humidity due to the riverside location. Water levels can fluctuate significantly during spring and fall, affecting site accessibility at several riverside camping areas.
What to do
River exploration: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provides direct access to Mississippi River backwaters with kayak and canoe rentals. "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," notes Ryan.
Educational experiences: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground offers an Eco Center with wildlife exhibits. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," according to Jeff and Linda L.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points along the Mississippi provide fishing spots near Bernard. "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," James M. comments about the Rock Creek area.
Historical exploration: Within a short drive, visit Galena for historical sites. "If you travel 15ish minutes North you can see the crystal caverns, my kids loved it. If you have not been in a cave, I recommend it," suggests Kari K. about day trips from Spruce Creek Park.
What campers like
Accessible wildlife viewing: Backwater areas provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "Great place for the family," mentions a visitor at Rock Creek Marina, highlighting its "mini museum of the local wildlife."
Well-maintained facilities: Rustic Barn Campground RV Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Shower house was immaculate with large hard stalled showers/changing room. Nice rec room with TV, games, books, soft seating, pinball, ping pong, and pool table," reports Chris S.
Scenic vistas: Several campsites offer expansive views of the river and surrounding countryside. "With rolling hills of Wisconsin farmland surrounding you, you can't beat the view. This is an extremely well maintained park with large pull thru sites," shares Tina N. about Rustic Barn.
Evening ambiance: Natural phenomena create memorable experiences. "There was a large grassy spot behind us that just lit up with fire flies at dusk. Being from Colorado, this was a wonderful sight for my kids," writes Melissa K. about her stay at Rustic Barn.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience frequent train traffic. "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often. Maybe an hour or 90 minutes with none then there would be three in a very short period," reports Tony D. about Blanding Landing.
Seasonal weather considerations: Spring flooding can impact lower sites. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," warns James M. about Rock Creek Marina.
Leveling requirements: Site preparation varies across campgrounds. "Not all sites had the patio nor were level. There is road noise from the highway which is a few blocks away but after the first night we didn't notice it as much," notes Chris S. about Rustic Barn.
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds have different booking policies. "Overall nice campground. Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric," shares Mary S. about her Blanding Landing experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cedar River Campground offers dedicated children's areas. "They have a great fireworks display for the fourth. Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again," mentions Jenny.
Water activities: Several locations feature swimming options for kids. "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be a fun break from the norm," reports Steve T. about Cedar River Campground.
Indoor options for rainy days: Game rooms provide alternatives during inclement weather. "Outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc. The store had firewood, ice, but grocery type items were very limited," observes Lee D. about Rustic Barn.
Educational programs: Wildlife centers engage younger campers. "Naturalist programs, nature center with native animals including large fish aquarium, cabins, park store and kitchen, shower house, pontoon river cruises," highlights James M. regarding Rock Creek Marina.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: Select appropriate sites for your RV size. "We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable," notes Lee D. about Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
Full hookup availability: Multiple rv sites near Bernard, Iowa provide complete services. "Sites are close together: gravel pads, onsite: water, firewood, fire pit, tables, food nearby, playground adjacent, near Highway 30," describes James M. regarding Porth RV Park.
Utility specifications: RV camping facilities vary in power options. "Great sites, clean restrooms and showers, super owners. We will definitely be back. Only drawback was a little highway noise when the wind was out of the south," shares Thomas R. about Rustic Barn.
Level site selection: Terrain impacts RV parking ease. "I wish we would have booked a back in site, because they were wonderfully shaded and appeared easy to back into. Our last 2 campground back ins were nightmarishly narrow with close trees," advises Carl F. from his experience at Rustic Barn.
