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The Burlington, Iowa area encompasses a range of camping experiences along the Mississippi River corridor, with notable options like Big Hollow Recreation Area and Spring Lake Campground offering diverse accommodation types. Tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals are available within a 30-mile radius of the city. Many campgrounds maintain water access points for fishing and boating, particularly along the Mississippi and Skunk Rivers. Public lands near Burlington provide mixed-use camping areas with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to fully developed campgrounds with shower facilities and electrical hookups.
Several campgrounds in the Burlington area experience seasonal flooding, particularly those situated along riverbanks. The Cedar and Skunk Rivers can overflow during spring and after heavy rainfall, temporarily limiting access to certain camping areas. Most established campgrounds operate from April through October, though some like Lee County Pollmiller Park remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration, while others require advance booking. A review noted, "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects."
Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and natural surroundings as highlights of the Burlington area camping experience. Sites at Big Hollow Recreation Area receive consistently positive reviews for their spacious layouts and amenities. The region's campgrounds typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with many offering electric hookups for RVs. Tent campers can find both developed sites and more primitive options throughout the area. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors appreciate the opportunity to observe wildlife, including migratory birds along the river corridors. Noise from passing trains can affect some riverside campgrounds, as mentioned in feedback about certain sites. Wooded campgrounds provide shade during hot summer months, while open areas offer better star-gazing opportunities at night.
"Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out."
"If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket."
"Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby."
"I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat"
"We ventured south to Geode State Park near Burlington, IA. We are getting the travel trailer tweeked in. We weathered a rainy 🌧 day Saturday (all day)."
"I love this place good camping and a beautiful lake."
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability"A small lake has some decent fishing. Cell service will Verizon was awesome. There is no potable water, dump station, showers, flushed toilets. There are a few pit toilets."
"Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs."
"I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max."
from $20 / night
"There are a couple of close playgrounds you can walk to. Right across the street from the historic sites, if you're up for it it's just a little further to walk to main street."
"I felt you might have trouble in long rigs getting around. The drives are not clearly marked and it was a little confusing! No modern facilities close and the pit toilets were very disgusting."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Scout$25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!
LegendThis campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
ScoutNew owners, free laundry 🧺
LegendThis campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
GuideBeautiful wooded campsites. Pit toilet in the Class A section (with electricity). Road in campground had a lot of potholes. It was quiet with just a few campers. Wood to burn available (pay by Venmo). Price was good.
GuideWe just stayed a quick night on the way driving across country. We pulled up in the dark, and were awakened the next day by an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Some camping spots have water, They all have electricity, and there is one bathroom with showers. Portapotties and dumpsters are situated throughout. There is a slightly confusing registration process of a QR code on you camping spot. Overall, a great place to stop.
ScoutLake Darling is by far the best, cleaners, friendliest campground I hand every stayed at.... Traveling all the way from New Mexico they really make everything easy and welcoming thanks Iowa for welcoming us
ScoutHas bathrooms that are clean... Beautiful landscape and quiet
ScoutCampground is clean and well maintained. The bathrooms are very clean and don’t smell like a typical campground bathroom the campground managers are easy to deal with and are very kind. If you like dad jokes the campground manager has plenty lol. Overall great experience.
Camping in the Burlington area of Iowa offers diverse riverside experiences along the Mississippi and Skunk Rivers, with many sites situated directly at water's edge. The region features a mix of county and state park campgrounds, most operating primarily from April through October. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, making water activities popular during peak season.
Fishing opportunities: Big Hollow Recreation Area provides access to a no-wake lake stocked with multiple species. As camper Sarah J. notes, "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish."
Water recreation: At Spring Lake Campground, visitors enjoy multiple water activities. Taylor A. explains, "I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat."
Wildlife watching: Skunk River Access points provide excellent wildlife viewing. Katherine S. mentions at Lower Augusta, you can enjoy "Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby."
Hiking trails: Wooded trail systems throughout the area accommodate hikers of various skill levels. Jeri B. recalls about Geode State Park, "Grew up camping here every summer! Nice tent sites and good hiking!"
Spacious layouts: Many campgrounds feature well-designed sites that allow privacy and comfort. At Big Hollow Recreation Area, Travis R. observes it "has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house."
Riverfront camping: Direct river access ranks high with visitors. At Lower Augusta Skunk River Access, Travis R. reports, "Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river)."
Budget-friendly options: Many primitive sites offer economical camping. Fred S. shares his Big Hollow experience: "Stayed at the primitive section of the campground. Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring. No table at this site, but other sites in this area has tables. Vault toilets a short walk away. Paid $10 for site."
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature swimming beaches for summer recreation. Dylan S. found Lower Augusta to be a "Hidden Gem" where "Beautiful little river runs right by the campground. Amenities are basic, but in reality that's all you need."
Seasonal closures: Check operating dates before planning trips outside summer months. Geode State Park operates "April 1 to December 31" while others like Welter Recreation Area run only "April to October."
Maintenance varies: Some smaller campgrounds receive less attention. Travis noted at Welter Recreation Area, "This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared."
Reservation systems: Booking methods differ across campgrounds. Some require advance reservations while others use self-registration. At Rodeo Park, Sam H. found "Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box."
Lake conditions: Water quality can fluctuate seasonally. Lisa M. observed at Big Hollow, "The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. At Lee County Pollmiller Park, Brittany M. shares, "The park is clean and family friendly. The beach is a great addition for some family fun."
Swimming options: Beach facilities provide summer entertainment. Ashley P. notes at Pollmiller Park, "they have a good swimming area were u can rent canoes and different things which isnt very expensive!!"
Group camping areas: Big Hollow offers designated group sites. Travis R. mentions, "Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch."
Cabin alternatives: For families wanting more shelter, several locations offer cabin rentals. Spring Lake and Pollmiller Park both feature cabin accommodations as alternatives to tent camping.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. Jeremy reports that Big Hollow is "a great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!!"
Site surfaces: Ground conditions and parking pads differ across the region. At Delabar State Park, Matthew K. found "Every spot looks very nature forwards there's not very many concrete spots to park on. Plenty of space so your never right next to someone."
Utilities reliability: Older campgrounds may have infrastructure issues. Art Z. discovered at Delabar State Park, "Several of the water spigots don't work. At least one of the electrical 110V hookups doesn't work."
Dump stations: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups or dump stations. Check availability before arrival, as facilities vary between basic and full-service options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Burlington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Burlington, IA is Big Hollow Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
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