The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Bettendorf, IA

515 Reviews

Primitive tent campsites can be found throughout the Bettendorf area along river corridors and in county preserves. Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers a limited number of primitive tent sites available by authorization only, while Indian Meadows Campground in Loud Thunder Forest Preserve provides secluded tent sites with natural surroundings. Silva Campground features non-electric tent sites on the eastern shore of Lake George, making it a practical option for tent campers seeking water access. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area maintains walk-in primitive tent campsites situated along a waterway within bottomland woodlands.

Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient camping. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established campgrounds, though campers should verify fire restrictions before arrival. Potable water availability varies significantly by location, with many primitive areas requiring visitors to bring their own supply. Vault toilets are available at Silva Campground and Indian Meadows, while more remote sites may have no facilities. Several tent campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. A visitor commented that at Indian Meadows, "individual private sites offer seclusion, with some being more open and others feeling like a nature playpen."

The tent camping experience near Betterdorf focuses on natural immersion and water access. Sites at Saulsbury Bridge are walking-only, requiring campers to pack in and out all gear while following Leave No Trace principles. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, these primitive tent sites are "spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling, etc." The wooded settings provide shade during summer months, though mosquitoes can be prevalent near water. Tent campers frequently access the Hennepin Canal Trail for hiking and cycling opportunities. Sites at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve are particularly well-suited for tent camping, with more privacy than typical developed campgrounds. Pack-in, pack-out policies apply at most primitive tent locations, and campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, especially in spring and fall.

Map showing campgrounds near Bettendorf, IowaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Bettendorf, Iowa (13)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Bettendorf Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bettendorf, IA

2 Photos of 13 Bettendorf Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bettendorf, IA

515 Reviews of 13 Bettendorf Campgrounds

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2022

    Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    Unique County wildlife site along Maquoketa River

    Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    Barren RV-Riddled Campground Outpost

    One of the 6 campgrounds that you will have to choose from here at Scott County Park, Bald Eagle CG & Cabins is one that is more geared for the RV driving and trailer toting tribes as each site has FHUs with electric, water & sewage, fire rings and picnic tables; however, if you wanted to pitch a tent here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias as an alternative. Unlike some of the other campgrounds here, Bald Eagle kind of lives up to its name as there’s not much in the way of tree cover or brush, so the land is somewhat BALD. The land is incredibly flat, back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level grounds are incredibly well-organized and the bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and are about as impeccably clean as can be.

    Near by Bald Eagle is Pride Lake, which makes this pet-friendly CG your top pick if you’re an angler or looking to get some decent oaring with your kayak or canoe. Sitting in front of Pride Lake are 2 very large shelters – Whispering Pines and Hickory Hills – as well as a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean. Surrounding Bald Eagle is also no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found the CG itself to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for. There is also a single large cabin available for rent that has capacity for 10 people.

    We loved Scott County Park so much because there is a lot that this gem offers up, from fresh water catch & release lakes, a combination of topographies (from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands), a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, a massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2022

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    Neat Primitive Tent CG along water

    The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too. Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • Amy W.
    Apr. 2, 2022

    Morrison-Rockwood State Park

    Family friendly; great first timers

    first timers/ young kids- yes. Primitive campers- no. My husband had never been camping. I grew up with very primitive camping- no electricity, only pit toilets, sometimes fresh water, and no showers (milk jug showers!) Little by little, I’m warming him up to camping. This is a great place for new campers, families of young kids, or just looking for an easier trip. There’s a shower house with flush toilets, warm showers, and surprisingly CLEAN! The site was medium size. Enough room to spread out. Ground was flat so finding a tent site was no problem. Electric hookup worked. Picnic table was good. Check your site before booking! 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. AT&T and Verizon cell service worked fine

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Sherman Co Park

    Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

    The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice Flat, Well-Groomed Albeit Barren CG

    This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you – with each site offering FHUs with electric, water& sewage, fire rings and picnic tables. If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, Woodside is somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever. Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water.

    Albeit with a short hike through the forest, Woodside CG is near Cody Lake and Glynn’s Creek, which offers some decent oaring in your kayak or canoe. Sitting adjacent to Cody Lake is an eponymous community shelter than can be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean as well access to Glynn’s Creek Trailhead which is a moderate hike and further afield throughout the rest of the park, there’s no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found Woodside to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. Oh, and the incredibly friendly rangers that constantly patrol and keep this beautiful park in full working order were nothing short of amazing.

    Happy Camping!

  • Napunani
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Prophetstown State Park Campground

    Pit (Vault) Toilet in Campground

    This fairly new State Park would of merited "5 stars", but the pit (aka vault) toilet smell was just tooooooo much and we weren't even close! 

    PROS 

    Park beautifully maintained and mowed throughout S

    Site 109 shady 

    Site 109 gravel parking pad level 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Metal campfire ring with cooking grate 

    Roadways easy to maneuver without obstacles 

    Quite except for train whistle close by 

    Partial privacy from neighbors 

    Toilet/shower facility in next campground (Savanna) very clean and sufficiently stocked

     Very nice 12 ft wide asphalt bike trails 

    Night sky friendly as no street lights in campground 

    Firewood for sale at entrance gate 

    Frequent park ranger campground drive throughs 

    Double lane dump station 

    Double lane portable water fill stations 

    CONS 

    The aroma of the pit toilet between Spruce and Savanna Campgrounds could be smelled throughout both campgrounds. Disgusting!!! No hand wash station at pit toilet 

    Modern toilet/shower facility only in Savanna Campground 

    No security gate closure overnight 

    All trash dumpsters near campground entrance gatehouse 

    5pm checkin 

    No interpretive programs Monday thru Thursday

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Eco-Locate This Blissful Hidden Campground Gem

    This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place, if you don’t know it already. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you’ve also struck the campground lottery, but 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 – for what it’s worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn’t access the bat caves.

    The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place. A heavily wooded area encompasses every single site (there’s 28 in total w/ 24 offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric) providing a substantial amount of shade, will also allowing decent sunlight as well along a slowly winding lone lane that leads one into this shrouded camping haven. While the spots (#12-#16) towards the end of the lane are more earmarked for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, whereas the rest of the sites (#1-#11; #17-#28) are set-up for the RV and 5th Wheel toting crowd (although you could easily set up a tent on any one of these sites should you choose to).

    A couple of points to keep in mind– the entrance to the campground is the busiest, so if this is of concern, steer clear of #1-#3 or #27-#28. Second, 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. In the event that being nearest the built-in amenities (restroom, shower, water source, community library, trash, firewood) are important to you, then look at sites #5-7 and #23-26. With this in mind, as you meander further down the lone campground loop lane, the quieter and more sheltered the place gets, so from #6-#24 should be a prime target for you if peace & solitude are important to you. Despite all of the advice I’ve just given, I don’t think you can really go wrong with any site here.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you’re going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune; (2) All sites designated for RV’s are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet; (3) The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year; (4) This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away, which abound here aplenty; and (5) There’s plenty of picnic tables, most under shelters as well as scattered stand-up and in-ground BBQ grills all offered up on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Bettendorf

Tent camping opportunities near Bettendorf, Iowa cluster along the Wapsipinicon, Cedar, and Mississippi river corridors. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels near waterways. Winter camping is limited, with most primitive sites closing from late October through early April due to freezing conditions and seasonal flooding in lowland areas.

What to do

Kayaking at Lake George: From Silva Campground, campers can access boat ramps and docks for paddling adventures. "Primitive campsites surrounded by natural area with access to a boat ramp and docks on Lake George" notes reviewer James M.

Fishing access: At Joinerville County Park, tent campers can obtain fishing permits for the Maquoketa River. "Maquoketa River access has hard surface entry" making it convenient for anglers to reach prime fishing spots without trudging through mud.

Night sky observation: The area around #JTRidge Sites offers minimal light pollution for stargazing. According to reviewer Jake C., this location is "perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights in the woods," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

Mini-golf and swimming: For families wanting more activities, Cedar River Campground provides recreational facilities. "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," writes reviewer Jackie J., though she notes the "pool was closed for evening cleaning" during their visit.

What campers like

Secluded woodland settings: Campers appreciate the private tent sites at Hidden River Campground where many "take advantage of the year-round rates and stay all summer" according to Iris A. The campground remains open from mid-April through mid-October.

River access for multiple uses: Tent campers value the convenient water access at many sites. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, sites are "spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc."

Dark skies for stargazing: The rural setting creates opportunities for night sky viewing. At Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, campers note the "no city light so night sky shines with stars" making it excellent for astronomy enthusiasts.

Proximity to trails: Many tent sites provide direct access to hiking trails. Kestrel Cabin at Wapsi River Environmental Education Center features a "trailhead right outside" the accommodation, allowing campers to start exploring immediately after setting up.

What you should know

Seasonal flooding considerations: Low-lying riverfront campsites experience periodic flooding, particularly in spring. Campers should check water levels before visiting Lock and Dam 13, which Ryan describes as "a hidden gem off the railroad tracks" where "you have to park off a gravel road on the Iowa side and its about a mile walk."

Limited facilities at primitive sites: Many tent-only areas have minimal or no amenities. Joinerville County Park offers primitive camping "by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay" but has "no toilets" and only "gravel access road into and around park."

Permit requirements: Several locations require advance permits for camping. Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers "limited primitive camping by authorization only" and enforces "LNT principles" for all visitors.

Highway noise at some locations: Campgrounds near major roads can experience traffic sounds. Cedar River Campground has "very standard rv spots feet from the highway" and campers report "lots of highway noise but convenient" location.

Tips for camping with families

Educational opportunities: The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers nature programs for children. The park "specializes in environmental education" featuring "Eagle View Eco Center with exhibits and native live animals" that fascinate young visitors.

Weather preparedness: Pack extra clothing and rain gear for unexpected weather changes. Cedar River Campground experiences occasional storm systems moving through the river corridor with little warning, especially during summer months.

Insect protection: Bring bug spray and protective clothing for mosquito-prone areas. Sites near standing water can have significant insect activity, particularly at dawn and dusk from May through September.

Trail difficulty ratings: Check trail ratings before hiking with small children. Some preserves feature steep terrain unsuitable for younger hikers, while others offer flat, accessible paths appropriate for all ages and abilities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Only certain campgrounds accommodate bigger RVs. Cedar River Campground is noted as "big-rig friendly" with 185 sites available, though reviewer Steve T. points out that "sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned."

Utility hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer electric-only connections with limited full-hookup availability. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides "full service CG for RVs" including water and sewer connections, which can be scarce in county parks.

Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. Check campground maps before arrival as several locations have tight turns or low-hanging branches that may cause clearance issues for taller RVs.

Reservation timing: Reserve RV sites well in advance during summer weekends. The most popular riverfront camping locations typically fill 2-3 months ahead for holiday weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bettendorf, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bettendorf, IA is Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bettendorf, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Bettendorf, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring