Rock Creek County Marina and Campground sits along the Mississippi River backwaters near Clinton, Iowa, at an elevation of 590 feet. The area features bottomland riverine forest ecosystems with seasonal flooding patterns that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Sites can be waterlogged during spring floods, while late summer brings drier conditions with increased insect activity.
What to do
Explore backwaters by boat: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground offers extensive Mississippi River backwater access with boat rentals for self-guided exploration. "Nice 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.
Fish in stocked lakes: Morrison-Rockwood State Park maintains a stocked fishing lake where campers can catch multiple species without leaving the park property. "There is a small lake for fishing and paddling, and a restaurant in the park (ended up being vital since I forgot to pack coffee)," shares Amy R., highlighting the convenient amenities.
Hike through diverse terrain: Trails through multiple ecosystems provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. "Plenty of sites, boat landing, kayak/canoe rentals, naturalist programs, nature center with native animals including large fish aquarium, cabins, park store and kitchen, shower house, pontoon river cruises," explains James M. about Rock Creek's varied offerings.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Wilderness Campground at Scott County Park offers secluded sites nestled in mature forests. "If you find yourself near the Quad Cities, you'll definitely want to check out Scott County Park, which boasts 6 different CGs to choose from. Wilderness campground, as the name suggests, puts you smack-dab in the middle of the forest," reports Stuart K.
Family-friendly amenities: Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA provides numerous activities specifically designed for children. "Fantastic campground. Facilities were well maintained and the staff was great! Traveling with 3 younger kids and they enjoyed all the activities. We'll be back here again, for sure," shares Dan B.
Educational experiences: Nature centers with live animals and interpretive displays help visitors understand local ecosystems. "The campgrounds are very nice. They have clean bathrooms, a nicely stocked store, and a couple playgrounds. They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," writes Chris F. about their experience at Rock Creek.
What you should know
Weather and insects: Bottomland locations experience seasonal flooding and heavy insect pressure. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," warns James M. about Rock Creek Marina and Campground.
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant variation in site quality, privacy, and levelness. "We had site 57 which is in a loop which goes around a playground. It was great for the kids who could go play and the sites in this loop provide plenty of space and privacy," explains Ben W. about their stay at Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Limited amenities in rustic areas: Prophetstown State Park Campground offers varying levels of services across different camping loops. "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!" notes Napunani in their review.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: "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, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center," describes James M. about Rock Creek Marina.
Check for glamping options: Geneseo Campground offers luxury camping options near Clinton, Iowa, with fully-equipped cabins and yurts. "RV, tent, Cabins, and Yurt camping. The couple that run this campsite are so sweet! Pedal bikes for kids (and grown ups), a spray ground, and more!" shares Elizabeth R.
Consider proximity to water: Sites near ponds or creeks may offer better fishing access but can have more insects. "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," writes Stephanie S. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain requiring extra leveling equipment. "Very big campsites, sites where more like a rainbow then flat but more then enough space to back up. Plenty of shade very friendly," notes Harrison Z. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Plan for weather variables: "We camped the last weekend in April and we loved it. The pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out. We couldn't hike as much due to some hunting still going on but we made due. We will be back to this camp ground," reports Pam O., highlighting seasonal limitations.
Look for solar-powered facilities: "Newer CG offers RVs including big rigs basics like electric, water, sewer, fire rings, hard pads. Not much shade though trees are planted," explains James M. about Woodside Campground, demonstrating the area's commitment to eco-friendly glamping options near Clinton, Iowa.
