124 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Muscatine, Iowa cluster along the Mississippi River and surrounding natural areas, providing a mix of developed facilities and more rustic options. Shady Creek and Wildcat Den State Park offer established campgrounds with both tent and RV sites, while Clark's Ferry provides riverside camping with electric hookups and boat access. Most campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and basic amenities, with several offering full hookups for RVs. The Mississippi River serves as a focal point for many camping experiences, with several sites offering direct river access for fishing and boating.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most facilities operating from April through October. The Mississippi River's water levels significantly impact camping availability, particularly at riverside locations like Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek. During spring and early summer, flooding can temporarily close campgrounds or limit access to certain areas. Muscatine County Conservation manages several recreation areas including Saulsbury Bridge, which offers both main camping with electrical hookups and primitive tent sites. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds fill quickly. As one camper noted, "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."
Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with many campers highlighting the peaceful setting and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Corps of Engineers manages several campgrounds along the Mississippi, providing well-maintained facilities with electric hookups and water access. Wildcat Den State Park offers a more secluded camping experience with hiking trails through sandstone cliffs and wooded areas. Several visitors mentioned the historical attractions near camping areas, including the Pine Creek Grist Mill at Wildcat Den. Campers report varying levels of cell service throughout the region, with some areas having limited or no coverage. A reviewer described Shady Creek as "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. Beautiful views of the Mississippi and most of all quiet."
"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."
"We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa. We've been here in all four seasons and each one provides a different landscape."
"Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees."
from $14 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Great campsite close to the bathrooms for an affordable price."
from $25 - $26 / night
Check Availability"The sites are very close to each other. The sites at Riverview and Silva both seemed smaller."
"Good campgrounds with trails including equestrian options, and water! Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away."
"Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Neat, newer cabins nettled along the sand pit lakes. Well maintained park with bike trail running through, fishing, hiking, paddling all within areas of cabins."
"Cabins are newer, ADA accessible, and face lakes for great shore access and shared fire pits."
from $110 - $250 / 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
ScoutThe campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
GuideGood spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
TravelerWe really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
Traveler30 for full hook up. Need a a longer water house as double spigots are every few sites. Firewood at the office. Good location convenient.
ScoutI would give it a zero if I could. Uneven pads for camper, right next to interstate and loud, neighbors so close it is unreal. Do not believe the pictures online posted those are campsites for permanent seasonal campers in the back. I was told the cost was $650 a month then charged $718 on my card. Campers are placed tongue to the back of your neighbor in front of you camper. so if one wants to move out you have to pack up your camper and move yours to a temporary spot for a couple of days so they can get out then pack up your camper again and move it again. They broke the contract doing that with us so instead of signing a new contract on a new spot we went ahead and went to another campground. Owner (which you never see, never picks up phone or has an office you can go to) continually tries to charge my credit card a large sum of money because she is mad. Update three weeks later still trying to charge my credit card various amounts. We didn’t even complete the whole month we paid for and did not ask for a refund for the days not stayed so technically they owe us money. Also you are not allowed to have any mail sent to you if renting monthly' and there was a lot of trash and illicit drug use going on in the campground.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
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.
TravelerIf 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
The Mississippi River valley shapes the terrain around Muscatine, Iowa, creating a diverse landscape of riverside bottomlands, forested bluffs, and prairie remnants. Campgrounds in the area sit at elevations ranging from 530-680 feet above sea level, with the river itself impacting seasonal camping access. Train noise affects multiple campsites, particularly those closest to the Mississippi where rail lines follow the river corridor.
Hiking through forested bluffs: Wildcat Den State Park offers extensive trail systems through unique sandstone formations. "Excellent hiking to Devils Punch bowl and more. Excellent spring wildflowers, historical grist mill and schoolhouse," notes James M. from Wildcat Den State Park Campground.
Paddle the local waterways: Cedar River Campground provides direct river access for kayaking. A visitor explained: "Neat park with lots of paddling, fishing, hiking, beach. Cabins are newer, ADA accessible, and face lakes for great shore access and shared fire pits," according to James M. at Deep Lakes Park Cabins.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points allow anglers to target Mississippi River species. "Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park," mentions James M. about Fairport State Recreation Area.
Boat rentals: Some parks offer equipment for water exploration. "We decided to rent a small pontoon. This pontoon was very rickety and we did not end up staying out as long as we had planned. The boat rentals are all on a first come first serve basis so it's the luck of the draw," shares Stephanie D. from Cedar River Campground.
Concrete RV pads: Many campers appreciate level, stable parking at Shady Creek. Barbara P. notes: "Really enjoyed our stay, sites are large and staggered so you aren't staring at your neighbors and can enjoy the views...Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one."
Watching river traffic: The Mississippi River provides entertainment with passing barges. "The campground sits between the Mississippi River with barge traffic and busy rail road tracks. I know the horns blow all night and day long but I choose to ignore it," reports Elida L. from Clarks Ferry.
Affordable primitive camping: Budget options exist for tent campers. "Great moderate trails, boat/paddling/fishing access, showers, firewood available in main park, sites are a bit close, bait rentals nearby main marina in park with ice, bait, consessions, etc," explains James M. about Loud Thunder Forest Preserve.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds focus on nature education. "Surrounded by hardwood forests and native prairie, Langwood Education Center, located in rural Wapello, Iowa is the perfect spot for nature retreats, family gatherings, outdoor education classes, and more," notes Jessica H. from Langwood Education Center.
Train noise disrupts sleep: Multiple campgrounds sit near active rail lines. David D. reports about Shady Creek: "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."
Seasonal flooding affects access: River levels impact campground availability. "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," shares Jessica H. about Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between camping spots near Muscatine, Iowa. "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service. The campground is close to Muscatine if you need to make a run but far enough out to feel like you're really camping," notes Stephanie D.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others allow walk-ins. "Small campground and very affordable. Absolutely NO privacy between sites as it's basically a grassy field of sites surrounded by an outer loop of more grass. Saving grace was that on a random Thursday in June I was the only camper," reports Sarah B. about Wildcat Den State Park.
Playgrounds for kids: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," Jackie J. reports about Cedar River Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy spotting local animals. "With hiking trails throughout the property, the woods offer prime area to see migratory birds such as kingfishers, herons, and a multitude of warblers. At night, great horned and barred owls can be heard calling back and forth," shares Jessica H.
Swimming options: Some parks provide water recreation. "This campground is probably the smallest of the four in the area, plus the spaces don't feel crammed together, so you do get a more relaxed feel. All sites are paved. There are two playgrounds - one message for smaller kids and one mostly for bigger," explains Lisa H. about Clarks Ferry.
Historical attractions: Educational sites interest school-age children. "Park offers historical sites, Pine Creek running through, wooded/limestone cliff trails, shelters, and campsites. Main CG has primitive sites with tables, fire rings, reserved sites, restroom, CG Trailhead," notes James M.
Shared water hookups: At some campgrounds, utilities have unusual arrangements. Gary P. mentions about Shady Creek: "Electric was 30/50 at each site and water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach."
Tight camping spots: Some campgrounds have limited space between sites. "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned," notes Steve T. about Cedar River Campground.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full service hookups. "CG sits along Highway 22 and railroad, with 2 boat ramps for river access. CG host, restrooms, dump station, playground. Sites have electric, water, fire rings, tables, drive in pads," James M. explains about Fairport State Recreation Area.
Level sites critical: River valley terrain creates uneven ground at some campgrounds. "There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town," reports Wendy R. about Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV campgrounds with full hookups in Muscatine?
For RV camping near Muscatine, Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area offers well-maintained sites nestled between rolling farmland, native prairie, and the Cedar River. While not all sites have full hookups, electric sites are available. Another option for RVs is Fairport State Recreation Area Campground, which is big-rig friendly and provides drive-in access. If you're willing to travel a bit further, several Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the region offer electric hookups with convenient dump stations nearby. Many RVers also use the convenient dump station and water fill at West Overlook Campground when passing through the area.
What tent camping options are available around Muscatine?
Tent campers visiting Muscatine have several appealing options. West Overlook Campground, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, offers peaceful sites near a lake with amenities including a boat ramp, playground, and hiking trails. It's particularly popular with families. Sugar Bottom Campground provides a beautiful setting north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area with abundant wildlife and various site options ideal for tent camping. For those seeking a more rustic experience, the Cedar River Campground area within Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites with proximity to hiking trails, fishing, and kayaking/canoeing opportunities. Most of these campgrounds require reservations during peak season.
What are the best campgrounds near Muscatine, Iowa?
Shady Creek is a top choice near Muscatine, located along the Mississippi River with beautiful views of the water. This US Army Corps of Engineers campground offers level concrete pads, electric hookups, clean restrooms with hot showers, and well-maintained fire pits. Another excellent option is Clarks Ferry, which features shady sites, 50-amp service, a fish cleaning station, playground, and an amphitheater for naturalist programs. Both campgrounds are just off Highway 22 and provide convenient access to nearby attractions like Wildcat Den State Park and Fairport State Recreation Area.
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