Camping near Delmar, Iowa features abundant natural waterways, with the Mississippi River marking its eastern border and providing diverse recreation opportunities. The region's soil composition ranges from sandy along riverbanks to rich loam inland, creating varied camping terrain that drains differently after rainfall. Campsites typically fill quickly from June through August due to the region's popularity with both local and out-of-state campers.
What to do
Water recreation: Explore the Mississippi backwaters. At Rock Creek County Marina and Campground, campers can rent canoes and kayaks to navigate the Mississippi's backwater channels. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," notes Jeff and Linda L.
Fishing: Cast from shore or boat. Fishermans Corner provides excellent access for anglers along the Mississippi. "There is access along river for fishing. Railroad runs nearby can be loud," explains James M. The site offers concrete pads with electric hookups and direct water access.
Hiking: Utilize connected trail systems. Many campgrounds connect to the Great River Trail system. "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," writes Sebastian G. about Fishermans Corner.
What campers like
Level sites: Concrete pads at Corps of Engineers parks. Blanding Landing offers properly graded sites that RVers appreciate. "Overall nice campground. Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric," reports Mary S.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained shower houses. Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at Geneseo Campground. "Friendly staff, very clean and peaceful. Nice shower rooms and amenities and very reasonably priced," writes Tom N. The campground maintains both flush toilets and portable facilities.
Nature viewing: Wildlife observation opportunities. Spruce Creek Park offers direct river access and views. "Great spot on the Mississippi River. Has I known the park beforehand, I would have picked a spot on the river. Still a two hundred foot walk and I am there," says David D.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks border many riverside campgrounds. Several RV parks near Delmar have railroad tracks nearby with frequent train traffic. "Very quiet at night, even though the place was packed. Close to groceries, fuel," notes Bob M. about Shady Creek, though he doesn't mention the nearby train tracks that other campers report.
Seasonal flooding: Check conditions before booking. Low-lying campgrounds can experience flooding during spring and after heavy rainfall. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," warns James M. about Rock Creek Marina.
Reservation requirements: Many parks require advance booking. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park has clearly defined reservation policies. "We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable," explains Lee D.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: On-site recreation for children. "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. Great place for the family," notes Ryan about Rock Creek Marina.
Educational centers: Nature programs nearby. Off Shore RV Park provides access to educational programming. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park," describes James M.
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate repellent. The riverfront location means insect activity can be intense. "Bugs were not too bad when we were there (October) which was surprising as it was so close to the river and still warm," shares Lee D. about Fishermans Corner, suggesting late-season camping may reduce bug encounters.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water sources require planning. At Shady Creek, water stations are shared between multiple sites. "Water is dispersed between sites (not for fixed hookup) and good electric. There's a train but it was infrequent so it did not disrupt our sleep," reports Sarah C.
Site selection: Request riverside spots when available. "Some sites are right on the river w/ views - worth it to try to get those. Our spot was last min and just a short walk from river - still beautiful," advises Sarah C. Most campgrounds offer both standard and premium waterfront sites.
Leveling requirements: Bring blocks for uneven sites. "We had such a lovely stay here! We will be back! It's a beautiful setting, very quaint with the Rustic chapel and the view for miles. The sites are all clean and most all are level. Unfortunately our site 26 seemed to be the most unlevel, which was our only negative. We had to use all our blocks to get us as level as possible," shares Stephanie S. about Rustic Barn Campground.
