114 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campers looking for spots near Davenport, Iowa will find several good options within a short drive. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve has sites surrounded by woods and connects to trails that wind through the area. About an hour away, Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground puts you right by the park's underground cave system and hiking network. Both places sit on good roads that any car can handle without problems. You'll find basic needs covered with bathrooms and drinking water at each location. The lake at Loud Thunder makes it good for fishing trips, while Maquoketa often runs nature programs that explain the caves and local wildlife. Make sure to book ahead, particularly in summer when these spots fill quickly. Check on current fire rules before you go as they change with conditions. Remember that you can't stay longer than two weeks at either place. These campgrounds work well for both tent and RV camping, though neither offers full hookups.
"My wife, son, and I recently stayed here on our trip back home from Iowa. The campground was clean and quiet."
"Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."
"As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."
"Site 13 seemed to be one of the best situated. We stayed in Site 12 which had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the river."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"This campground is located in West Lake Park about 5 miles from downtown Davenport. There are two campgrounds – Summit and Park Terrace. "
"There are 13 non-electric tent sites that are in a grassy area towards the back of the campground with two pit toilets located nearby."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"We needed to stay in Davenport area for the night (traveling from South Dakota to Maryland) and the reviews were high so we stopped here."
"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."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
"CG has new septic lines and walking paths! Sites have upgraded lanes, pads."
"Sites offer: tables, fire rings, hard drive through pads, electric, water, showers/RR, play areas, horse shoes, trails, and 2 cabins adjacent to CG. Overflow/visitor parking."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Convenient campground that’s minutes off of I80 in Davenport IA. The sites are nice wooded sites. A mix of gravel and pavement. It’s a bit noisy due to the nearness to the interstate."
"Easy on off from highway, cute little place but still fit a big rig towing a trailer. DoorDash in area is convenient. 50 ⚡️💩👍💧👍"
"Close to groceries, fuel. We spent a morning at a Farmers Market in Davenport, about 20 miles away."
"What a gem we found in Muscatine Iowa. Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites. Clean restrooms and lots of hot water for Shower."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"This campground sits alongside the Mississippi River in Buffalo, Iowa. It's morning sunrises are beautiful!"
"Nice beach walk and next to a small town. Came in December to find they close the campground for the season but there’s lots of small lots to park overnight."
from $22 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Great campsite close to the bathrooms for an affordable price."
"Just off Highway 22 and runs along Mississippi River and railroad tracks. Shady sites, showers, 50 amp service, fish cleaning station, playground, and small amphitheater for naturalist programs. "
from $25 - $26 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThis campground is a great location along the river in Clinton. There is a Thomas Dambo troll within walking distance. There is a small playground on site and a ton of things to do on the riverfront: pool, skate park, outdoor gym, restaurant, marina, Showboat, etc.
LegendCG offers sites along the Bear Creek , up the bluff in bunkhouse, and a bit further to primitive campsite. CG includes fir rings, gravel pads, electric, water access and dump station along with seasonal RR/ showers. Park has playground and nature center.
GuideSite 12. June 11. Good for a night if driving I-80. Nice view of the river from this site. It had rained and there were many puddles making tent camping impossible, so I didn't bother setting up my "mandatory" tent and slept on the cot in my SUV. Standing water, so mosquitoes were active. This campground caters to RVs. Trains at night are loud. Bring ear plugs. Restrooms were old and not clean. I had stayed here before a few years ago, and they were very clean, so it just depends on the host.
ScoutIf you’re looking for a quick stop on your travels with full hookup and a bonus pool this is perfect! The host is very friendly and accommodating. Easy on and off of I80. There is not a lot of shade but if you have AC and an awning, you will be just fine
ScoutWe recently bought our first travel trailer and stayed here for our shakedown trip since we live in the area. We love hiking the Forest Preserve trails across the road, but staying at the campground also gave us the opportunity to stroll along the river and enjoy the fields of wildflowers. Even though we stayed the last weekend in June, the campground was not packed and the sites on either side of us were empty which was really nice for our first trip. We will definitely be back.
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
ScoutEven in this incredible heat ( high 90's) the woodsy campground feels pleasant. Birds tweeting, lots of space between sites. The zero entry swimming pool is new and spotlessly clean, as are the showers. The owners are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend.
LegendGood for a night. Electric hook up and a spot to fill your tanks. Shower was Luke warm and you had to keep pushing the button. But was fine. Super nice hosts. Just stopped for the night. Was surprised that the Mississippi shore here is kind of like a pond. Lots of lily pads and not a lot of flow.
LegendNice campground with grassy sites right on the rock river. Small town nearby with access to all amenities. While there are designated sites, there are no actual camping pads. Camping is on the grass. It was quite damp when I visited.
Camping sites near Davenport, Iowa cluster along the Mississippi River, providing direct access to waterways and woodland areas. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions better suited for tent camping. The area sits at approximately 590 feet above sea level with terrain that's relatively flat near the river and gradually rolling inland.
Mississippi River fishing: At Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, anglers have direct river access with dedicated shoreline areas. "There are a few non-electric tent only sites as well. We were disappointed that we could stay one night due to our schedule. We will definitely stay again!" reported Elisha L.
Wildlife viewing: Scott County Park areas offer excellent deer watching opportunities. "Expect to see whitetail deer as they love to make the park home," noted Kimberly W. from Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins.
Disc golf course: West Lake Park features what locals consider tournament-quality disc golf. "Park has many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds," explains James M. from Summit Campground.
Bicycling: The Great River Trail connects to Illiniwek Campground, giving cyclists miles of riverside riding. "We stopped here for the day so that we could bike around east moline on the trail and it was a perfect location for the trail as the access is literally on the edge of camp and through the campground," reports Scott M.
Riverside views: At Clarks Ferry, waterfront sites provide direct views of commercial river traffic. "I like it because you can see the barge traffic on the river. I have camped here on more than several occasions," mentions Jim B., though noting "trains are noisy."
Swimming facilities: The heated pool at Scott County Park enhances summer visits. "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," observed M E. during their stay.
Historical attractions: Walnut Grove Pioneer Village in Scott County Park draws history enthusiasts. "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," recalls Seth N.
Private shower facilities: Some campgrounds offer better-than-average bathroom setups. "I liked their bathroom/shower house setup... Instead of the standard men's/women's sides, there were four separate rooms, each with toilet, sink, and shower. It helped a lot with helping young kids shower!" mentioned Lisa H. about her experience.
Train noise: Several riverside campgrounds experience frequent train disruptions. "Quite ......except for the occasional trains. 🤔" notes Jim B. while another camper at Shady Creek warns "Only negative was that there is a train track real close and a lot of crosses, So you will hear alot of close train horns and they go deep into the night/morning."
Weather considerations: Spring flooding can affect riverside sites. When visiting in early season, call ahead to confirm site availability and road conditions. Heavy summer rains can make some gravel areas soft.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come-first-served. "You pull in, pick out a site and then pay later when the office is open," explains Nancy W. about one location, while another notes "Park has sites offering: fire ring/ firewood, tables, water, electric, pads, office, seasonal host, recycling."
Water access points: Water spigots aren't always conveniently located. "Water is shared by 4 sites and was 30 ft away," notes Barbara P., while another camper mentioned, "Sites have electric, water hookups that were spaced well."
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas to keep kids entertained. "Campground has a large amount of sites to chose from... They have a pool, golf course, and hiking trails," notes Shanon P., adding that their hiking trails are "good."
Protected swimming: West Lake Park offers supervised beach swimming with concessions. "The beach has kayak, paddle-boats, and fishing boat for rent," reports James M., making it easier for families to enjoy water activities without bringing their own equipment.
Educational opportunities: Schedule visits during ranger programs at various parks. "Fish cleaning station, playground, and small amphitheater for naturalist programs," notes James M. about one location, providing learning opportunities during your stay.
Budget-friendly sites: County parks offer economical options for families. "We love Scott County Park. There are lots of campsites, plenty of Geocaches to find, a swimming pool, hiking trails. It has a little bit of everything!" shares Lynn F.
Leveling ease: Many county parks feature paved or concrete pads. "Level cement pads. Strong Verizon access," mentions David D., while another camper at Interstate RV Park noted their "nice wooded sites. A mix of gravel and pavement."
Supply access: Position near towns for easy supply runs. "Near town of Buffalo for any needs. Boat ramp, lots of parking," notes James M., while others mentioned proximity to stores like Farm & Fleet for emergency purchases.
Dump station locations: Not all parks offer on-site dump stations. "No dump station or bath house. Have to vehicles so one can't be parked at camp parking lot near by," shares Matthew K., important information for planning longer stays.
Seasonal water availability: Late fall campers should note water restrictions. "The campground is open year-round but they shut of the water spigots around the end of October (depending on the weather)," explains one RVer about their experience at West Lake Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there RV camping available near Davenport, Iowa?
Yes, Davenport has excellent RV camping options. Interstate RV Park offers convenient RV sites just minutes from I-80 with nice wooded surroundings on a mix of gravel and paved sites. Though close to the highway, this proximity makes it perfect for travelers passing through. For a resort-style experience, Sunset Lakes Resort provides full hookups with sites on a pond and numerous activities including a pool and mini-golf, just 30 minutes from Davenport. Many campgrounds in the area accommodate larger rigs and offer the electrical hookups needed for comfortable RV camping.
What camping options are available in the Quad Cities area near Davenport?
The Quad Cities area offers diverse camping experiences. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, an Army Corps of Engineers campground, provides river access and scenic views along the Great River Trail. For cave exploration enthusiasts, Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground is an easy drive from Davenport with immediate trail access to fascinating cave systems. Additional options include Buffalo Shores County Park near Buffalo with water access and big-rig friendly sites, and Illiniwek Campground near Hampton, offering boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with reservable sites.
Are there any free or dispersed camping sites near Davenport, Iowa?
Free overnight parking is available at Walmart — Davenport Supercenter, which offers a well-lit lot with 24-hour access, fuel, food, and supplies nearby. For a more natural dispersed experience, Lock and Dam 13 provides primitive camping opportunities along the Mississippi River with good fishing spots and a small beach area. While not officially designated as dispersed camping, it offers a peaceful setting for those looking to camp without facilities. Several travel centers in the area like Pilot in Walcott and ONE9 in Atalissa also permit overnight parking for self-contained vehicles.
What are the best campgrounds near Davenport, Iowa?
The Davenport area offers several excellent campgrounds. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins stands out with spacious, manicured sites, clean facilities, and numerous amenities, making it perfect for families. Just a short drive away, Shady Creek impresses campers with its exceptional cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to groceries and fuel. For those seeking natural beauty, Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground offers a secluded, scenic experience near the Iowa/Illinois border. Each provides a distinct camping experience within easy reach of Davenport.
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