Scott County Park dominates the camping landscape near Donahue, Iowa, with multiple campgrounds offering distinct experiences within its 1,280 acres. The park sits on rolling wooded terrain approximately 300 feet above sea level, creating varied camping environments from open meadows to dense forest. Most campgrounds in the area close seasonally between October and April, though Park Terrace Campground remains open year-round for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: West Lake Park features four recently rehabilitated fishing lakes stocked with various species including trout in 2023. "Park has many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds," notes one camper about Park Terrace Campground.
Hiking forest trails: Scott County Park offers extensive trail networks connecting its six campgrounds. "The individual camping sites are incredibly spacious, fairly uneven land with all spaces offering substantial shade, thick backdrop behind each spot and tons of foliage... Lastly, one of the things that make Wilderness differentiated here in Scott County Park is that a ton of the best hiking trails converge at this CG," explains a visitor at Wilderness Campground.
River paddling experiences: The Wapsipinicon River provides paddling opportunities near Sherman Park. "This quant little campground is my favorite. There's plenty of room between sites in the electric section and there's even more room along the river in the primitive section, which is my personal favorite... Our favorite past time while we're there is to go tubing on the Wapsi River," shares a camper from Sherman Park.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: White-tailed deer are commonly spotted throughout Scott County Park. "Expect to see whitetail deer as they love to make the park home," comments one visitor at Bald Eagle Campground. The diverse habitats support various wildlife species.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained bathrooms and shower houses. At Sherman Park, a reviewer notes: "The bathroom/shower house is the nicest & cleanest I've seen. The camp host's are very friendly. There's also a nice newer playground for the kids and a few trail to explore."
Historical attractions: The Pioneer Village at Scott County Park offers a glimpse into the past. "We did one of the hiking trails. It was a nice trail just big enough for one person (or person on a bike) to walk through so you have to walk in a single file line. We also stopped at the Pioneer Village to check it out... It was very cool to see how things were done back then!" shares a visitor at Bald Eagle Campground.
What you should know
Winter closures: Most campgrounds near Donahue close seasonally. "RV sites are closed for season. This CG offers both primitive tent and RV sites. Seasonal host site offers firewood, there is a play ground, shelter, RR/showers, trails, dump station and two cabins available for rent," explains a camper at Pine Grove Campground.
Railroad noise: Campgrounds along the Mississippi River may experience train noise. At Fisherman's Corner, a visitor mentioned: "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." However, another noted: "Railroad runs nearby can be loud."
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. "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," reports a camper at Woodside Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming and waterslides: The swimming pool at Scott County Park offers summer recreation. "The pool was open while we were there but we did not partake. It was really hot out so the pool was packed! It looks really nice from the road, it has 2 water slides and a small child area fashioned similar to a splash park," shares a visitor at Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. "We stayed in the Pine Grove Campground, Lot #15 from Sunday, July 25, 2021 - Wednesday, August 4, 2021. This campground is electric hookup only... Everyone was very friendly and there were a ton of kids that were playing and riding around on their bikes. It was fun to watch everyone having a good time!"
Cabin options: For families wanting comfort without tents, several parks offer cabins. "Cabin sits at end of campground lane with covered porch, parking for 3 cars, ADA accessible. Cabin has 2 sleeping rooms, sleeping loft, and sofa. Capacity is 10, with all kitchen amenities. Has fire pit, wood available in campground, tables, and gas grill with rental."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA offers complete services for RVs. "This was a great one night stay. We were in site #5 FHU. Easy and friendly check in. Nice lake in park. It was still off season so pool etc was not open. Easy on/off interstate."
Level sites: Many campgrounds provide level pads for RVs. "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," notes a camper at Woodside Campground.
Overnight options: For travelers passing through, Interstate RV Park offers convenience. "Less than 1 mile north of I-80. Campground has a variety is sites surrounding a central camp office/store bathrooms, laundry and pool. Blain's Farm & Fleet across from entrance. A mix of hardtop and gravel lanes throughout park."
