Raymond P.
Scout
ScoutChief Blackhawk Group Camp
Campsite numbers don’t match Internet numbers
Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake
Best Clinton, IA Campgrounds for Riverside Camping
Camping options along the Mississippi River corridor near Clinton, Iowa provide access to both developed campgrounds and waterfront sites. Riverview City Park in Clinton offers full hookups for RVs with riverside views, while Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area provides more secluded tent and RV camping along the Mississippi. Several campgrounds across the river in Illinois, such as Thomson Causeway and Lock and Dam 13, offer additional options with river access. The area includes established campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles including tent sites, RV facilities with electric hookups, and a few locations with cabin rentals. Clinton's riverside campsites are particularly popular during summer months when visitors can enjoy fishing, boating and paddling directly from their campgrounds.
Road conditions throughout the area are generally good with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences, with many campgrounds open from April through October. Spring flooding can impact riverside camping areas, and summer brings increased insect activity. "There were hundreds of thousands of insects, we couldn't enjoy our stay. The camp workers were scraping them with shovels," noted one visitor to Thomson Causeway. Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region, particularly at Riverview City Park where trains pass regularly. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, though water and sewer connections vary by location. Cell coverage is generally adequate throughout the area but may be spotty in more remote locations.
Mississippi River views represent a significant draw for campers in this region. Thomson Causeway receives praise for its waterfront sites with concrete pads and scenic river vistas. According to one visitor, "We enjoyed our weekend at Thomson Causeway. Not a lot of privacy, but being right on the water was great." Water-based recreation opportunities include fishing, boating, and paddling, with several campgrounds providing boat ramps and marina access. Rock Creek Marina and Campground features an environmental center with wildlife exhibits that appeals to families. While some campgrounds like Riverview City Park lack shade and privacy, others such as Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground offer more wooded surroundings. Proximity to bike trails, particularly along the river corridor, enhances recreational opportunities for campers exploring the Clinton area.
Best Camping Sites Near Clinton, Iowa (126)
1. Thomson Causeway
15 ReviewsThomson, IL10 milesWebsite+1 (815) 259-3628$14 - $26 / night
"Bathrooms are a short walk from this site and were clean. Water pump was also a short walk. We enjoyed bike riding around the campsite. There is a longer bike path that will take you to Clinton. "
"This is a beautiful spot on the outskirts of a small town. The train museum is open for a few hours on weekends. Other towns are nearby with more things to do."
2. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
19 ReviewsLong Grove, IA18 milesWebsite+1 (563) 328-3282$17 - $36 / night
"Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."
"Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."
3. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
28 ReviewsSavanna, IL21 milesWebsite+1 (815) 273-2731"Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."
"It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."
4. Rock Creek County Marina and Campground
7 ReviewsPrinceton, IA10 milesWebsite+1 (563) 259-1876$14 - $18 / night
"Sites include fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge."
"Turn at quarry off Great River Road/Highway 67."
5. Morrison-Rockwood State Park
10 ReviewsMorrison, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 772-4708$20 / night
"We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun."
"We enjoyed the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop. We liked the different loops of campsites with pit toilets every where and a nice modern bathroom/shower house also."
6. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
23 ReviewsBettendorf, IA21 milesWebsite+1 (815) 259-3628$14 - $26 / night
"Site 13 seemed to be one of the best situated. We stayed in Site 12 which had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the river."
"As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."
7. Riverview City Park
4 ReviewsFulton, IL3 milesWebsite+1 (563) 243-1260"It is right next to the river and the Clinton Riverfront Park and even fast food restaurants are within walking distance. There is also a walking path next to the river."
8. Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area — Mississippi River Pools 11 22
2 ReviewsThomson, IL7 miles+1 (815) 259-3628$14 / night
"Usually a pretty quiet area although its next to a train track so expect a train or two to wake you up. Tucked away next to the Mississippi. There is a boat ramp and parking."
9. Lock and Dam 13
1 ReviewFulton, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (815) 259-3628"You have to park off a gravel road on the iowa side and its about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks. Very beautiful and peaceful place. Great fishing, especially along the spillway."
10. Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park
7 ReviewsLong Grove, IA17 milesWebsite$15 - $23 / night
"Pine Grove Campground is situated in Scott County Park."
"Another upside to Pine Grove is that it has a single hiking trail heading west that will connect you with a wider network of hiking & biking trails."
Recent Camping Photos near Clinton, IA
156 Photos of 126 Clinton Campgrounds
James M.
Riverview City Park
Ryan
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area — Mississippi River Pools 11 22
Mashael A.
Thomson Causeway
Ryan
Rock Creek County Marina and Campground
Stephanie S.
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
Mike W.
Rockwood State Park Campground
Sarah J.
Spring Lake Campground
Mike G.
Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Stephanie S.
Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
Napunani
Prophetstown State Park Campground
Tammie C.
Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
Tommy K.
Sunset Lakes Resort
Recent Reviews near Clinton, IA
658 Reviews of 126 Clinton Campgrounds
- Raymond P.Scout
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Level sites with electric
Site was walking distance from the lake. quiet cul-de-sac
Chad S.ScoutFairport State Recreation Area Campground
Overall decent campground
Water pressure not great. Location by the river very nice. Great boat access and parking. Could’ve done without the trains but overall an ok place to stay, especially for river access. Recommend Lighthouse Grill and Bar- cool atmosphere and cheap drinks.
Lynette B.ScoutPark Terrace Campground - West Lake Park
Perfect tent camping spots!
We had a BLAST!! Stayed the night here driving to PA. Very welcoming, you have to enter in gate 5, set up your tent site(towards the back near the woods) then pay $20. It's not free, but there are restrooms and water near the tents and a shower near the office. Great hiking trails, we went on 2 hikes last night. 10/10 highly recommend! Watched Netflix so the Internet is great!!!
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendColona Scott Family Park
A Sweet Little Riverbend Escape for Families
There’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single car in sight. This medium-sized, family-run campground has a gentle, lived-in charm with wide grassy sites, EZ pull-ins and a friendly check-in that feels more like stopping by a neighbor’s porch than traditional ‘campground operations.’ The amenities are simple but thoughtfully kept with clean restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of soft ground for kids to toss a football or chase fireflies before bed. One of my favorite moments was taking the boys down to the pond in the golden light, watching them skip rocks while my husband and I listened to the water slip by (ironically listening to 'sitting on the dock of the bay!'), which felt wonderfully unhurried. For families, this is a sweet overnight pick thanks to the calm setting, caring staff and the pond's built-in nature opportunities for biking, strolling and birdwatching. For the best campsite recommendation, choose Site 11, which is closest to the pond path with an open grassy backdrop that gives the kids room to roam while still keeping everything peaceful and EZ.
- JJake L.Scout
Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Great campground for the family
Overall had a great experience. The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced.
- JJessica M.Scout
Blanding Landing
Nice Campground
This was a nice campground. Sites are a good size and the public restroom/showers are very clean! Downside is there are trains going by with horns all the time.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Chief Blackhawk Group Camp
Spacious Woodland Haven for Big Gatherings
There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind of breathing room that only a true group campground can offer. Set deep within Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, this expansive, grassy group area provides a wonderful blend of shade, open field space, EZ parking access and nearby trails, with clean vault toilets and a central gathering area perfect for camp kitchens, games and big family meals. One of my favorite moments came as the boys chased fireflies along with their cousins across the open field at dusk, their happy shouts mixing with the crackle around the campfire along with our extended family as the sky slowly turned lavender above the treetops. Because there are no numbered sites here, the best setup is simply choosing the shady tree line along the western edge of the loop as close to the lake as you can get, where tents tuck in beautifully and families can enjoy both privacy and a view of the open meadow to the rear or the waterfront vista in front. And if you want to treat the family to a really nice treat, try out Paxton’s Corner Coop back in Annawan featuring fresh made ice cream and cinnamon rolls. I’d recommend Chief Blackhawk Group Camp for families looking to host reunions or multi-family trips, thanks to its generous space, quiet setting and the EZ access to hiking trails, Lake Johnson and all the classic memories a big campout tends to create.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
River Road Camping & Marina
Lively Riverside Stay Where Kids Run Free
Here on the Rock River just north of Oregon, there’s something about the gentle bend of the river that makes you exhale a little deeper the moment you arrive, like you’ve stepped into a slower, more playful rhythm of summer. River Road Camping & Marina is a larger, activity-filled campground stretched along the river with a mix of seasonal and transient sites, offering gravel pads, full hookups and open, EZ-to-navigate loops that feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. The amenities lean heavily into family fun, with a pool, playground, volleyball courts, boat launch and clean bathhouses, plus plenty of space for kids to roam safely while parents keep a watchful eye from nearby campsites. One evening, we found ourselves down by the riverbank as the boys skipped rocks and laughed uncontrollably every time one actually bounced that turned into one of those simple, perfect moments you wish you could bottle up. From what we saw, the best campsites are along the riverfront edge because of the peaceful views, cooler breezes, and easy access for early morning fishing or kayaking. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families, especially those who enjoy a social, activity-rich atmosphere, EZ water access and plenty of space for kids to play.
Guide to Clinton
Camping opportunities around Clinton, Iowa provide access to the Mississippi River's backwaters and woodlands. The area sits at approximately 590 feet of elevation with a continental climate featuring humid summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds in this region are situated along the river corridor, creating a unique environment where bottomland forests meet riverine ecosystems.
What to do
Paddling the backwaters: Rock Creek Marina and Campground offers direct access to Mississippi River backwaters. "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 in a review of Rock Creek County Marina and Campground.
Fishing at multiple river access points: Bulger's Hollow provides secluded fishing spots along the Mississippi. "Have camped here multiple times. Usually a pretty quiet area although its next to a train track so expect a train or two to wake you up. Tucked away next to the Mississippi. There is a boat ramp and parking," says Ryan in a review of Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area.
Biking on the Great River Trail: The trail runs along the river corridor, connecting several campgrounds. "There is a great bike trail to enjoy and the Mississippi Pallisades state park is close by for some excellent views of the river from up on the bluffs," mentions Libby W. from her stay at Thomson Causeway.
What campers like
Well-spaced sites with privacy: Mississippi Palisades offers camping with natural spacing between sites. "The sites were very well spaced apart. There were many well worn paths that lead to the lake, but it was too wet from previous rain for us to explore those," says Stephanie S. in her review of Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground.
Access to environmental education: The environmental center at Rock Creek provides educational opportunities. "The grounds are on backwaters of the Mississippi so there are boat ramps, docks, and areas to fish. The camp store also offers canoe, kayak, and other boat rentals... They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," explains Chris F.
Concrete pads for level camping: Many campgrounds feature concrete pads that make setup easier. "We have stayed here often over the years as recently as last night. The sites are all level concrete and just about every one have a great view of the Mississippi. Quiet at night," reports Matt P. about his experience at Thomson Causeway.
What you should know
Seasonal insect issues: The riverfront location means insects can be problematic at certain times. "Overall Thompson was a very nice park. Our sites were behind the backwaters and we didn't have any flies. Our sites didn't have the spring river flies but there were several sites closer to the Mississippi river that were covering their RVs and tents with these big ugly flies," warns Melissa B.
Train noise impacts many campgrounds: Several campgrounds in the area are located near train tracks. "There's a train but it was infrequent so it did not disrupt our sleep, in fact, all four of us accidentally slept VERY late!" notes Sarah C. from her stay at Fishermans Corner.
Flooding potential in spring: River levels can affect camping experiences, particularly in spring. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," advises James M. about Rock Creek Marina and Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bald Eagle Campground offers dedicated family facilities. "This campground is the largest RV campground in the park. The park offers miles of trails, fishing at Pride Lake, a historical Pioneer Village within the park at the north, equestrian trails, bicycle trails," explains James M. in his review of Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins.
Educational opportunities: Rock Creek's nature center provides interactive learning. "Great educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," notes Jeff and Linda L.
Swimming options: Some campgrounds provide swimming facilities during summer months. "The pool was open while we were there but we did not partake. It was really hot out so the pool was packed! It looks really nice from the road, it has 2 water slides and a small child area fashioned similar to a splash park," describes M E. about the facilities at Scott County Park near Bald Eagle Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric sites, but water and sewer connections vary. "This campground is electric hookup only. On our site we were able to just fit our camper and truck with not a whole lot of extra room but other sites had longer driveways able to accommodate a larger rig," notes M E. about Pine Grove Campground in the Scott County Park system.
Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds provide dump stations for RVers. "CG is spread out along bottomland river forest and includes camping cabins, tent and RV sites, RR/showers, playground, dump and water stations, Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals," reports James M. about Spring Lake Campground.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds are better suited for bigger RVs than others. "It wasn't as heavily treed and we liked that. The sites were very well spaced apart. Some sites are massive...as in .25 an acre that you drive over the grass to get too your site bc it is situated away from the road. Other sides are just simple drive through," explains Scott M. about Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clinton, IA is Thomson Causeway with a 4-star rating from 15 reviews.
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