Stephen R.
Guide
GuideBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Very nice camp grounds and nice trails and beach
Dog-Friendly Camping near Clinton, IA
4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Thomson Causeway offers pet-friendly camping on the banks of the Mississippi River with concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings at all sites. Pets must be leashed throughout the campground's riverside and wooded areas. Rock Creek Marina and Campground also welcomes pets with electric hookups at most sites and full access to the camp store, Eco Center, and surrounding nature trails. Riverview City Park in Clinton provides full hookup sites with water and electric connections where pets can join their owners. Bathroom facilities vary between locations, with Thomson featuring both vault toilets and a shower house, while Rock Creek provides a shower house and restrooms. Bald Eagle Campground stands out by offering cabin accommodations that permit pets, giving dog owners an alternative to tent or RV camping. Many campers report the Mississippi riverfront areas have significant insect activity during summer months.
Hiking with dogs is particularly enjoyable along the paved trail system that follows the Mississippi River from Thomson Causeway toward Clinton and Savanna. This trail allows leashed pets and provides scenic river views with water lily displays during summer months. The environmental center at Rock Creek offers educational opportunities while providing a comfortable spot for pets and owners to cool off. Clinton's location provides easy access to multiple pet-friendly camping options on both the Illinois and Iowa sides of the Mississippi. Campgrounds near Clinton typically require pets to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times, and owners must clean up after their animals. The train noise near Riverview City Park can disturb some pets, with trains passing every few hours according to regular campers. Most campgrounds in the area offer water spigots throughout the grounds, allowing easy access for filling pet water dishes during hot summer months.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Clinton (116)
1. Thomson Causeway
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $26 / night
2. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
"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"
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $17 - $36 / night
3. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
"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. Gary McDermott RV Park
"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."
"This campground is a great location along the river in Clinton. There is a Thomas Dambo troll within walking distance."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $22 / night
5. Rock Creek County Marina and Campground
"They put the site number posts at the end of the pad near the road and our site had a tree on the other side, so we had to use the grass across the road to maneuver in and out."
"The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa."
Check Availabilityfrom $14 - $18 / night
6. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $26 / night
7. Morrison-Rockwood State Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
8. Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area — Mississippi River Pools 11 22
"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."
from $14 / night
9. Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park
"Surrounded by mature hardwood forest, generous-sized campsites with decent privacy and miles of interconnected hiking trails, this campground delivers a camping experience that feels far more secluded"
"The campground has a seasonal host offering firewood on site, showers and restrooms, play area, trails, and overflow parking just adjacent for the entrance."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $23 / night
10. Illiniwek Campground
"The campground is also right next to a biking trail. There was public and private bathrooms. The private ones were only accessible to campers that received a key from the park office."
"There is a section of the campground where you can camp right on the edge of the Mississippi River which is nice, but you must deal with people fishing the entire time."
Drive Time
- 38 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 4 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 23 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 28 min from Rockford, IL
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Clinton, IA
79 Photos of 116 Clinton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Thomson Causeway
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
Rockwood State Park CampgroundB
Spring Lake CampgroundK
Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
Prophetstown State Park Campground
Geneseo Campground
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Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground - Members Only
Honey Bee & Bee Homestead
Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
6B's Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Clinton, IA
708 Reviews of 116 Clinton Campgrounds
- GGreg F.
TravelerVel Terra
Great little campground in rural setting. The owner was great. We stayed in Oct 25 while doing a fall color/wine tasting/Galena trip. It was a perfect central location for us.
- Stuart K.
LegendHansen's Hideaway Ranch and Family Campground
Rustic Ranch Retreat Beneath Big Prairie Skies
Set deep in the farmland west of Oregon, Hansen’s Hideaway blends working-ranch authenticity with simple, countryside camping across more than 100 acres of pasture, red barns and wide-open Midwestern sky. Founded in 1962 and reached by a winding bend off S Harmony Road, this quiet hideout welcomes guests beneath an old-fashion tall wooden ranch gate right out of the Wild West and into a spread of RV loops, tent spaces and shade-scattered meadows where horses graze freely. Sites range from the busier cluster near the main office, which is also where you'll be to the swimming pond, game room, arcade, pavilions and clean restrooms to two quieter, more spread-out loops farther in the property that offers privacy and stillness for those seeking a true escape. Amenities include water and electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, a dump station, playground and a small market inside the office. While remote, the campground offers easy access to great hiking at George B. Fell Nature Preserve and Lowden-Miller Forest with excellent kayaking on the Rock River at nearby Castle Rock State Park. Expect big skies, big peace and that unmistakable 'far from everything' feeling.
UPSIDES: (1) Authentic working ranch setting with roaming horses and wide prairie views; (2) Exceptional peace & quiet thanks to the secluded location; (3) Shaded and spacious RV sites plus open tenting areas; (4) Fun family amenities including a swimming pond, arcade, game room and playground; (5) Clean, well-maintained restrooms and showers; (6) Friendly, welcoming staff; (7) Close to great hiking and kayaking destinations; and (8) If you'd like to get the scoop on what's happening at this CG, swing by the main office for a cup of joe and hang out around the wood-burning stove to chat it up with the owners, fellow campers and working ranchhands.
DOWNSIDES: (1) Very remote with no nearby services, so campers should arrive fully stocked as it's a decent haul back to civilization; (2) No sewer hookups and limited on-site provisions; (3) The RV area near the office can feel crowded during peak weekends;(4) Amenities show their age in places; and (5) Cell signal varies significantly by carrier.
Happy Camping!
Cyndi R.
ScoutBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Clean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
- Stuart K.Legend
Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park
Quad Cities Sweet Camping Retreat
Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
Amy B.ScoutCrow Valley Campground
Avoid this Campground at all cost
Seasonal Stay Review Overall Rating:⭐☆☆☆☆ Our experience as seasonal campers at this campground was deeply disappointing due to unprofessional management, inconsistent rule enforcement, premature lease violations, and a toxic atmosphere. Management& Atmosphere The campground owner frequently engaged in inappropriate behaviors, including spreading gossip, making disrespectful comments, and actively bullying campers both in person and on social media platforms. Rather than fostering a welcoming community, the leadership promoted a divisive culture marked by clear favoritism. Inconsistent Rule Enforcement Rules were applied arbitrarily. Certain seasonal campers were permitted to disregard campground policies without consequence, while others were singled out, micromanaged, and targeted for minor or non-existent issues. Unprofessional Conduct Regarding Minors Most concerning was management’s unacceptable conduct toward children. The owner actively made a ten-year-old child feel unwelcome by making inappropriate insinuations regarding his friendship with a nearly thirteen-year-old girl, claiming a platonic friendship between a boy and a girl of those ages was somehow improper. Targeting young children and policing harmless childhood friendships crosses a line that no family should have to deal with while on vacation. Breach of Contract& Property Damage To make matters worse, management prematurely cut off electricity to our campsite prior to the end of our contractual agreement. This lack of power led to a total loss of all refrigerated food items and caused significant interior damage to our camper when the freezer thawed and the ice inside it melted and leaked onto the flooring. Additionally, management unlawfully removed personal property from our campsite before our lease term had expired and failed to return it. Conclusion While a seasonal site should offer a relaxing environment for families, the current ownership creates an uncomfortable, hostile, and unethical environment. Between the emotional hostility and the direct financial loss caused by management's actions, I strongly advise others to avoid this campground.
- James M.Legend
Cabin 4, Rock Creek Marina & Campground
The camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people and include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags;All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent-- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, boat ramp, paddling rentals, store with grill, Eco Tourism Center pontoon rides, and nature center with displays and programs.
- James M.Legend
Cabin 1, Rock Creek Marina & Campground
The camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people that include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags; All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, store and grill, paddle rentals, nature center too.
- James M.Legend
Pintail Cabin- Rock Creek Marina
Neat County park in Mississippi River backwaters
Park has multiple cabins. Pintail Cabin is an ADA compliant, fully accessible cabin that sleeps up to 6 people. The cabin includes a queen-size adjustable bed that raises and lowers for easy access, twin size bunk bed, a full-size sofa sleeper, table/chairs. Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, electric cook top, sink. Central Heat/AC. Bathroom has accessible roll-in shower. There is also has a large deck and an accessible picnic table and fire ring outside. Bedding, towels, and kitchen cookware and utensils are not provided. The cabin has an ADA compliant access ramp. Tents are not permitted on this site. There is a playground, boat ramp, paddle rentals, Eco Tourism Center with small store and grill, and a nature center offering programs! The Blue Heron pontoon boat offers tours on the water too!
Guide to Clinton
The Mississippi River basin near Clinton creates distinctive camping environments with low-lying wetlands and riverfront sites typically situated 590-630 feet above sea level. River levels fluctuate seasonally, creating prime fishing conditions from April through October when water temperatures range from 60-80°F. Most campgrounds in this area experience significant insect activity during summer months, with mayfly hatches peaking in June.
What to do
Riverfront biking access: At Illiniwek Campground, the Great River Trail runs directly through the grounds, making it perfect for cycling. "The access is literally on the edge of camp and through the campground. We only stayed one night as we moved over to a closer campground for the electric hookups and water views," notes Scott M.
Sunset watching spots: The Mississippi River creates stunning evening vistas. "The sunsets on the Mississippi were beautiful each evening!" shares a camper at Illiniwek. Some waterfront sites offer direct sunset views without leaving your campsite.
Educational nature center: The Rock Creek Marina and Campground features a nature center with local wildlife displays. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," reports Jeff and Linda L. The center includes "native animals including large fish aquarium" and offers naturalist programs throughout summer.
Watercraft rentals: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Clinton offer boat rentals. Rock Creek provides "kayak/canoe rentals" with "plenty of backwaters to explore," while Morrison-Rockwood features a "restaurant/bait shop/boat rental" that campers find "very convenient."
What campers like
Waterfront RV sites: Fishermans Corner offers premium waterfront camping spots. "Sites 8, 9, and 10 plus several more that have a view of the water; these are in the loop to the left of the entrance and they are the best in my opinion," writes Lee D. These concrete pad sites include electric hookups and fire grates.
Clean shower facilities: While the existing description mentions varying bathroom facilities, campers specifically praise Morrison-Rockwood State Park for exceptionally well-maintained bathrooms. "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! These bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean!" shares Stacie H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Seasonal bird migrations make this area a nature watching hotspot. Sac-Fox Campground offers "wildlife" viewing along wooded areas, while Morrison-Rockwood features "beautiful flowers, bird, and butterflies. We even saw a raccoon!"
Spacious campsites: Campers consistently mention site size as a positive feature. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available," notes a James M. review of Fishermans Corner. At Sac-Fox Campground, sites are described as "spacious" with "decent shade, depending on the season."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near the Mississippi sit close to active rail lines. "The train noise near Riverview City Park can disturb some pets, with trains passing every few hours according to regular campers," confirms a Terry A T. review: "One negative is noise from trains. One seems to go by every few hours."
Seasonal insect activity: Beyond typical mosquitoes, specific insect hatches affect river camping. "This might be one of our favorite campgrounds in the area... If there has been a lot of rain, or the River has been up a little, there will be an insect problem. There are biting flies that do not care if you are wearing repellant," warns Jeff G. about Thomson Causeway.
Flooding potential: Low-lying campgrounds experience occasional flooding. At Rock Creek Marina and Campground, visitors should "watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest."
Limited shade at some sites: Riverview City Park lacks substantial tree cover. "We agree with the other review that this campground is like a parking lot between town and the river. There is lots of pavement and no shade," notes reviewer Art S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent camping: For families with young children, Bald Eagle Campground offers sites around play areas. "We spent a lot of time on the playground there and rode our bikes wherever," shares a reviewer. The campground is described as "good" for children "older than maybe 10."
Swimming options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Clinton provide swimming facilities. Scott County Park features "a pool, a lake for fishing and paddling" plus "a full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards."
Pioneer Village exploration: Children particularly enjoy the historical exhibits at Scott County Park. "Pioneer village if you've never been was the absolute bees knees as a kid to go to, especially since you can hike to get there! I loved climbing around in the train cars, eating icecream/candy canes, and watching the blacksmith work," explains Seth N.
Educational wildlife centers: Rock Creek's nature center engages children with live animals. The Eco Tourism center includes a "mini museum of the local wildlife" that's "great for the family" with displays featuring "turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Several Mississippi River campgrounds offer full hookup options. Riverview City Park provides "full hookups, tables, fire rings, hard pads" according to James M., though RVers should note the train tracks run directly alongside the campground.
Campground layout considerations: Spring Lake Campground offers a "super vintage" experience with access to wildlife refuges. "Booking online was easy; we booked two nights and had a wonderful stay. The campground is very peaceful with spacious sites and a pretty view right on the water," notes Kate. The campgrounds feature water and electric at each site.
Dump station facilities: While not all campgrounds offer sewer at each site, most provide dump stations. Fishermans Corner features "2 dump stations so no congestion to dump" and "potable water between sites (not for fixed hookup) and good electric."
Level site availability: RVs require relatively flat pads. At Morrison-Rockwood, campers report the "site was uneven but we got our pup leveled out." Fishermans Corner offers "level concrete pad, picnic table, and fire grate" with sites that are "spacious."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Clinton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Clinton, IA is Thomson Causeway with a 4-star rating from 15 reviews.
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