Best Campgrounds near Clinton, IA

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.

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 (121)

    1. Thomson Causeway

    15 Reviews
    Thomson, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +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. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    18 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Rock Creek County Marina and Campground

    7 Reviews
    Princeton, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Morrison, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Bettendorf, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Fulton, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Thomson, IL
    7 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 Review
    Fulton, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +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. Spring Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 357-0284

    $25 - $35 / night

    "It's like a step back in time in the best way possible."

    "The bike trail is within steps of your site. Hookups for electric and water available. Well maintained portapotties at various points throughout the grounds."

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Recent Reviews near Clinton, IA

615 Reviews of 121 Clinton Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground - Members Only

    Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

    This is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

    To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10(member) or$20(non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

    As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts– we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T;(2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from– where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord;(3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptables, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and(4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    Nice Break

    We are headed to North Carolina and needed a break from the back-to-back travel days. This campground was clean and quiet while we’re were there. We did stay from Monday to Wednesday so it might be busier on the weekends.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    Happy Camping!

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Decent getaway from the city

    Cedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.

    The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back. 

    Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet. 

    Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire. 

    Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property. 
    There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is. 
    The hiking trails are fun.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

    Nice modern cabin along lake

    Cabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.


Guide to Clinton

Camping near Clinton, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

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 Mississippi River: Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River offers lovely views and a boat launch. A reviewer said, “It felt like we had escaped to a riverside sanctuary.”
  • Bike along scenic trails: Thomson Causeway has paved bike routes that connect to nearby towns. One camper noted, “The paved bike route heads along the Mississippi and connects towns.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park said, “The bathrooms were spotless and water is drinkable.”
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, “It was incredibly quiet.”
  • Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Chief Keokuk Campground said, “The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites.”

What you should know:

  • Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Thomson Causeway noted, “Some lake sites are pretty close.”
  • Insect presence: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Thomson Causeway shared, “I should’ve taken the other reviews more seriously about the number of insects.”
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have stores or extensive facilities. A reviewer at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, “There is no store on site, they do sell wood but it is cash only.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room. A family at White Pines Forest State Park Campground said, “Sites 20-26 are fabulous! Those ones are relatively flat and deep, separated by trees.”
  • Engage in nature activities: Many campgrounds offer hiking and exploring opportunities. A visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground mentioned, “The good news is that likely due to the bats, there were no gnats or mosquitos.”
  • Plan for quiet hours: Respecting quiet hours can make for a better experience. A camper at Chief Keokuk Campground noted, “Everyone was respectful of quiet hours and very friendly.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site lengths: Make sure your RV fits in the designated spots. A reviewer at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park said, “Our site was a back in site. Hookups are in good condition.”
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA mentioned, “Loads of sites with what appears to be FHU’s.”
  • Be aware of road noise: Some campgrounds may have nearby roads. A camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River noted, “You do get some traffic noise and one train went by.”

Camping around Clinton, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

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.