Davenport camping options sit along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, with most sites located within 25 miles of the city center. The area features river bluffs rising up to 150 feet above the water and bottomland forests. Campgrounds operate primarily from April through October due to Iowa's humid continental climate, which brings warm summers and cold winters with occasional flooding along riverfront locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fishermans Corner offers access directly along the Mississippi River for anglers. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer. Access along river for fishing. Railroad runs nearby can be loud," notes James M.
Paddling excursions: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provides canoe and kayak rentals for exploring Mississippi 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," explains Ryan.
Cycling trails: The Great River Trail offers paved biking paths connecting multiple campgrounds. "From this campground you can go north, as far as Savanna. Going south will take you through Hampton, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and you can cross over to Davenport, circle Credit Island, and pick up other paths in Iowa," reports Sebastian G. at Fishermans Corner.
Environmental education: Visit the nature center at Rock Creek for wildlife exhibits. "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," James M. explains.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River gets high marks for site quality. "Great overnight site. Paved everywhere, level concrete pads. Corps of Engineers takes really good care of their recreation areas. Plenty of eateries nearby. Well-shaded and manicured sites," reports Al K.
Riverside views: Sites directly on the water are most requested at several campgrounds. At Shady Creek, one camper notes, "Very nice park. Easy to navigate, even with big rigs, which there were planty. Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "This is an incredibly quaint, somewhat out-of-the-way (in a very good way) location that will treat you to a heavy dose of isolation and privacy wherein you'll feel completely blessed by the nature you will be surrounded by," writes Stuart K. about Geneseo Campground.
Recreational amenities: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds, pools, and games. "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," notes Jackie J. about Cedar River Campground.
What you should know
Site availability: Make reservations well in advance, especially for water-view spots. "We lucked out and got a last min campsite for 4th of July weekend. Because we didn't plan ahead well we had to take site # 31 which was actually only available because it was canceled that morning," reports Stephanie D. at Shady Creek.
Shared water access: Many campgrounds have communal water stations rather than individual hookups. "As stated water is shared by 4 sites and was 30 ft away," explains Barbara P. about Shady Creek.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several riverfront campgrounds. "The road leading in was very rutted so take it slow, also due to COVID reservations are required, you can drive up but a sign asks you to make one online or call. Cell service was poor for T Mobile and the wait time for a call was 45 min," adds Barbara P.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds close between late October and April. Specific closure dates vary by location.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Rock Creek Marina and Campground offers nature programs and exhibits. "The campgrounds are very nice. They have clean bathrooms, a nicely stocked store, and a couple playgrounds. Thay also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," writes Chris F.
Bug preparation: Riverfront locations can have significant insect activity during summer months. "Looks like an un-maintained Corp of Engineer campground. Tried to camp here, but dirt road going in was submerged in deep mud holes after some heavy rain," notes Fred S. about Ferry Landing.
Activities for different ages: Look for campgrounds with varied recreation options. "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects. Pack in/out, gather drift wood for fire, watch barges pass by," advises James M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When rv camping near Davenport, Iowa, choose sites based on size requirements. "This cg is located just north of I-80 off Northwest Blvd and across from Farm &Fleet for supplies. It has pull through sites with gravel drives, tables, electric, water, and dump station," explains James M. about Interstate RV Park.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional work for larger rigs. "The sites are nice wooded sites. A mix of gravel and pavement. It's a bit noisy due to the nearness to the interstate," notes Dan L. about Interstate RV Park.
Supply access: Plan where to get provisions near your campsite. "Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities," says a reviewer about Cedar River Campground.
Utility considerations: Water availability varies considerably between campgrounds. "Site 40 had an electric hookup site with a generous sized level concrete pad, picnic table, and fire grate. The sites are a little too close together for our liking," notes Lee D. about Fishermans Corner.
