Best Campgrounds near Bettendorf, IA

Camping near Bettendorf, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

• Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor mentioned, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
• Enjoy the lake: Lake Macbride State Park Campground is perfect for swimming and fishing. A camper noted, "Beautiful lake. Will stay here again when come back to visit her."
• Hiking and biking: The trails around Thomson Causeway are great for biking. One reviewer said, "The paved bike route heads along the Mississippi and connects towns."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were clean. Easy in and out of the campground."
• Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A review for Shady Creek stated, "Nice quiet spot on the Mississippi."
• Friendly hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, one camper said, "The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites."

What you should know:

• Site spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Illinois White Pines Forest State Park noted, "The campground is absolutely jammed with camp sites—it's ridiculous."
• Insect presence: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Thomson Causeway mentioned, "I should’ve taken the other reviews more seriously about the number of insects."
• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A review for Chief Keokuk Campground stated, "The restaurant and bait shop/boat rental was closed due to no staffing."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose quieter sites: Look for sites that offer more privacy. A family at Lake Macbride State Park Campground found, "Doesn't feel like a bunch of campers crammed together."
• Bring activities: Make sure to pack games and outdoor toys. One camper at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "The beach was a plus for the kids as well."
• Plan for meals: Consider cooking at your campsite. A visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground enjoyed, "The good news is that likely due to the bats, there were no gnats or mosquitos."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "The entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites."
• Use leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "We did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires."
• Stay connected: Check for cell service availability. One camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River said, "Excellent AT&T service, remote worked from my site for four hours today."

Camping around Bettendorf, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!