Stephen R.
Guide
GuideBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Very nice camp grounds and nice trails and beach
Tent Camping near Davenport, IA
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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.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Davenport (16)
1. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."
Check Availabilityfrom $70 - $80 / night
2. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
"The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced."
"Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."
Check Availabilityfrom $14 - $32 / night
3. Silva Campground
4. Cedar River Campground
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
5. YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi River
6. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
"This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."
7. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
"The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
8. Hidden River Campground
9. Lock and Dam 13
"You have to park off a gravel road on the iowa side and its about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks. Very beautiful and peaceful place. Great fishing, especially along the spillway."
10. Chief Blackhawk Group Camp
"There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind"
"Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake"
Drive Time
- 57 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 7 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 9 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 22 min from Peoria, IL
Tent Camping Reviews near Davenport, IA
587 Reviews of 16 Davenport Campgrounds
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.
LegendPark 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!
Benjamin S.ScoutLouisa County Fairgrounds
$25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!
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.LegendRock Creek County Marina and Campground
Neat county Park and campground in Mississippi River backwaters
This campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
- James M.Legend
Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.
This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
- James M.Legend
Buffalo Shores County Park
Nice county campground on the Mississippi River
This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
- ttravellerLegend
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Grea clean campground
Tons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station
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
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campsite near Davenport, IA?
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 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
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Davenport, IA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Davenport, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Davenport, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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