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Best Tent Camping near Davenport, IA

523 Reviews

Tent campsites near Davenport, Iowa range from secluded walk-in sites to developed campgrounds with limited amenities. Indian Meadows Campground in Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers private tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables surrounded by woodland terrain. Silva Campground provides primitive tent camping with access to Lake George for fishing and boating. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area features a primitive tent camping area requiring campers to park and walk in to reach campsites.

Tent sites generally include basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, with variable access to water and toilets depending on the location. Indian Meadows provides shower facilities and restrooms nearby, while more primitive walk-in tent areas like Saulsbury Bridge require campers to carry all supplies from parking areas within 100 yards of the sites. Most tent campgrounds permit fires when conditions allow, with firewood sometimes available for purchase. Campers should verify water availability before arrival as not all tent camping areas provide drinking water on site. Walk-in tent locations typically operate seasonally, with some closing during winter months.

Lake George provides an attractive destination for tent campers seeking water recreation opportunities. Sites at Indian Meadows offer more privacy than typical campgrounds, with some campsites described as "like a nature playpen" by visitors. Primitive tent campsites at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area are situated along a waterway within bottomland woodlands, providing direct water access for fishing and paddling. The walk-in requirement for these tent sites helps maintain their secluded character. According to one visitor, "Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen." Another camper noted that the primitive tent camping area at Saulsbury Bridge requires visitors to "pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics" since the sites are only accessible by foot from nearby parking areas.

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Best Tent Sites Near Davenport, Iowa (13)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Davenport, IA

523 Reviews of 13 Davenport Campgrounds

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2022

    Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    Unique County wildlife site along Maquoketa River

    Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    Barren RV-Riddled Campground Outpost

    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 FHUs with electric, water & sewage, fire rings and picnic tables; however, if you wanted to pitch a tent here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias as an alternative. Unlike some of the other campgrounds here, Bald Eagle kind of lives up to its name as there’s not much in the way of tree cover or brush, so the land is somewhat BALD. The land is incredibly flat, back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level grounds are incredibly well-organized and the bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and are about as impeccably clean as can be.

    Near by Bald Eagle is Pride Lake, which makes this pet-friendly CG your top pick if you’re an angler or looking to get some decent oaring with your kayak or canoe. Sitting in front of Pride Lake are 2 very large shelters – Whispering Pines and Hickory Hills – as well as a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean. Surrounding Bald Eagle is also no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found the CG itself to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for. There is also a single large cabin available for rent that has capacity for 10 people.

    We loved Scott County Park so much because there is a lot that this gem offers up, from fresh water catch & release lakes, a combination of topographies (from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands), a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, a massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2022

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    Neat Primitive Tent CG along water

    The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too. Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • Amy W.
    Apr. 2, 2022

    Morrison-Rockwood State Park

    Family friendly; great first timers

    first timers/ young kids- yes. Primitive campers- no. My husband had never been camping. I grew up with very primitive camping- no electricity, only pit toilets, sometimes fresh water, and no showers (milk jug showers!) Little by little, I’m warming him up to camping. This is a great place for new campers, families of young kids, or just looking for an easier trip. There’s a shower house with flush toilets, warm showers, and surprisingly CLEAN! The site was medium size. Enough room to spread out. Ground was flat so finding a tent site was no problem. Electric hookup worked. Picnic table was good. Check your site before booking! One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice. Glamping with young kids? These sites would be a perfect. AT&T and Verizon cell service worked fine

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Sherman Co Park

    Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

    The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice Flat, Well-Groomed Albeit Barren CG

    This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you – with each site offering FHUs with electric, water& sewage, fire rings and picnic tables. If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, Woodside is somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever. Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water.

    Albeit with a short hike through the forest, Woodside CG is near Cody Lake and Glynn’s Creek, which offers some decent oaring in your kayak or canoe. Sitting adjacent to Cody Lake is an eponymous community shelter than can be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean as well access to Glynn’s Creek Trailhead which is a moderate hike and further afield throughout the rest of the park, there’s no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found Woodside to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. Oh, and the incredibly friendly rangers that constantly patrol and keep this beautiful park in full working order were nothing short of amazing.

    Happy Camping!

  • Napunani
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Prophetstown State Park Campground

    Pit (Vault) Toilet in Campground

    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! 

    PROS 

    Park beautifully maintained and mowed throughout S

    Site 109 shady 

    Site 109 gravel parking pad level 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Metal campfire ring with cooking grate 

    Roadways easy to maneuver without obstacles 

    Quite except for train whistle close by 

    Partial privacy from neighbors 

    Toilet/shower facility in next campground (Savanna) very clean and sufficiently stocked

     Very nice 12 ft wide asphalt bike trails 

    Night sky friendly as no street lights in campground 

    Firewood for sale at entrance gate 

    Frequent park ranger campground drive throughs 

    Double lane dump station 

    Double lane portable water fill stations 

    CONS 

    The aroma of the pit toilet between Spruce and Savanna Campgrounds could be smelled throughout both campgrounds. Disgusting!!! No hand wash station at pit toilet 

    Modern toilet/shower facility only in Savanna Campground 

    No security gate closure overnight 

    All trash dumpsters near campground entrance gatehouse 

    5pm checkin 

    No interpretive programs Monday thru Thursday

Guide to Davenport

Tent camping options near Davenport, Iowa include both primitive and developed sites situated along rivers and lakes. The region features several county-managed recreation areas with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Most tent sites in the area sit at elevations between 580-720 feet with summer temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F during peak camping season from May through October.

What to do

Paddling access: At Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr., campers can explore the Wapsipinicon River directly from the property. "Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail," notes reviewer James M., who also mentions that the center offers "paddling access, a modern cabin that sleeps 6, ADA accessible."

Fishing opportunities: Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. According to James M., this campground offers "lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming" with full-service amenities for RVs.

Astronomy viewing: Dark skies at Wapsi River Environmental Center make stargazing possible. "No city like that so night sky shines with stars," reports James M., who also mentions the "Menke Observatory offers sky programs" for those interested in guided astronomy experiences.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Indian Meadows Campground receives praise for its secluded tent sites. Wendy R. explains, "Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen."

Modern cabin amenities: The Kestrel Cabin at Wapsi River Environmental Center offers unexpected comfort in a natural setting. James M. describes it as having "modern amenities: stove, oven, micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."

Educational opportunities: For the best tent camping near Davenport with learning components, Wapsi River Center stands out. "The park specializes in environmental education and the Eagle View Eco Center with exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie, observatory, amphitheater," notes James M.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many tent sites near Davenport require advance planning. At Jungletown Ridge, campers appreciate the secluded atmosphere but must reserve ahead. Jake C. notes it's "perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights in the woods."

Seasonal availability: Most tent campgrounds operate between April and October. Cedar River Campground operates "April 15 to October 15" according to their listing, while others like Joinerville Park may require special permission during off-season periods.

Walk-in access requirements: Some of the most secluded tent camping spots require carrying gear from parking areas. At the primitive tent camp in Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, James M. explains "parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: For tent camping near Davenport with swimming, Cedar River Campground offers a pool and other family activities. Steve T. reports, "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be a fun break from the norm."

Nature exhibits: Families can explore educational displays at Wapsi River Environmental Center. "Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River," notes James M., making it suitable for children interested in wildlife.

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Cedar River Campground features "a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," according to Jackie J., who visited with family.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing concerns: RVers should note that many campgrounds designed primarily for tents offer limited space. At Cedar River Campground, Steve T. observed, "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned."

Seasonal camping options: For long-term stays, Joinerville County Park requires special permission. James M. explains it's "day use year-round though primitive camping is by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay."

Water access points: RVers seeking to launch boats should consider campgrounds with dedicated ramps. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground features "gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming," making it suitable for those bringing boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Davenport, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Davenport, IA is Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Davenport, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Davenport, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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