132 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Mississippi River corridor defines the camping landscape around Donahue, Iowa, with a mix of Corps of Engineers facilities, county parks, and private campgrounds within a 20-mile radius. Scott County Park offers multiple camping areas including Pine Grove, Bald Eagle, and Wilderness campgrounds, featuring cabin rentals alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Most campgrounds in the region provide electric hookups, with water and sewer connections available at developed sites. The camping areas extend from the Wapsipinicon River in the north to the Quad Cities area in the south, with both riverside locations and inland wooded settings represented.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience, with most campgrounds operating from April through mid-October. Several campgrounds close entirely during winter months due to flood potential and freezing conditions. "This might be one of our favorite campgrounds in the area. It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway," noted one visitor about Mississippi Palisades State Park. Travelers should be aware that spring flooding can affect campground accessibility, particularly along the Cedar and Iowa Rivers where high water can temporarily close camping areas. Most campgrounds offer online reservations, though some maintain first-come, first-served sites for spontaneous trips.
Campers report high satisfaction with locations offering water proximity, whether alongside the Mississippi River or at inland lakes and reservoirs. Riverside camping allows visitors to watch barges pass by while enjoying fishing and paddling opportunities. The region's family-friendly campgrounds frequently feature playgrounds, hiking trails, and boat launches. According to one review, "Wildcat Den State Park is somewhat of an unknown gem. Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa." While developed campgrounds with full hookups dominate the region, primitive tent camping can be found at places like Wapsi River Environmental Education Center. Most campgrounds maintain shower facilities and modern restrooms, though some primitive areas only offer vault toilets. Local wildlife viewing includes bald eagles along the Mississippi River corridor, especially during winter months.
"Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."
"Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability"The host is on site plus a park ranger was frequently driving around to check on things. We were there on Labor Day weekend and everyone quieted down in the evening."
"Stayed the night here driving to PA. Very welcoming, you have to enter in gate 5, set up your tent site(towards the back near the woods) then pay $20."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Site 13 seemed to be one of the best situated. We stayed in Site 12 which had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the river."
"As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Easy on off from highway, cute little place but still fit a big rig towing a trailer. DoorDash in area is convenient. 50 ⚡️💩👍💧👍"
"It’s a bit noisy due to the nearness to the interstate."
"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."
"AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
from $70 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Pine Grove Campground is situated in Scott County Park."
"Another upside to Pine Grove is that it has a single hiking trail heading west that will connect you with a wider network of hiking & biking trails."
from $15 - $23 / night
Check Availability"The campground has a seasonal host offering firewood on site, showers and restrooms, play area, trails, and overflow parking just adjacent for the entrance."
"Unlike either nearby Woodside or Bald Eagle campgrounds, which are more geared for the RV driving and 5th Wheel hauling camping community, Wilderness CG isn’t very level, has decent natural barriers like"
from $15 - $23 / night
Check Availability"I met include restrooms and showers, campground host with firewood, available, trash, bins, playground area, trails nearby, I shelter to rent, a golf course across from the entrance, And the park has a"
"CG offers primitive site amenities: tables, fire rings, some hammock structures, spacious sites, shelter to rent, seasonal host with fire wood and golf course like cated at entrance."
from $15 - $23 / night
Check Availability"There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling."
"Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc."
"My wife, son, and I recently stayed here on our trip back home from Iowa. The campground was clean and quiet."
"Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."
TravelerWe stayed in the back of the park, hoping there would not be many people around. There was some kind of hippie gathering, the spent the weekend doing drugs and blasting music. The cell service is non existent, you can get a bar at the front of the park. A LOT of mosquitoes.
GuideThis is a beautiful location. The caves were gorgeous, there were fireflies and lots of wildlife. The sites are close together, but far enough apart to have privacy and space to walk around. The trails can be super slick and muddy in the rain, so wear proper gear if you're hiking!
ScoutNice peaceful place.
ScoutNice spots friendly people clean shower bathrooms volunteers are great
ScoutNice walking trails and good fishing at the lake
ScoutSite was walking distance from the lake. quiet cul-de-sac
ScoutWater pressure not great. Location by the river very nice. Great boat access and parking. Could’ve done without the trains but overall an ok place to stay, especially for river access. Recommend Lighthouse Grill and Bar- cool atmosphere and cheap drinks.
ScoutWe had a BLAST!! Stayed the night here driving to PA. Very welcoming, you have to enter in gate 5, set up your tent site(towards the back near the woods) then pay $20. It's not free, but there are restrooms and water near the tents and a shower near the office. Great hiking trails, we went on 2 hikes last night. 10/10 highly recommend! Watched Netflix so the Internet is great!!!
LegendThere’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single car in sight. This medium-sized, family-run campground has a gentle, lived-in charm with wide grassy sites, EZ pull-ins and a friendly check-in that feels more like stopping by a neighbor’s porch than traditional ‘campground operations.’ The amenities are simple but thoughtfully kept with clean restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of soft ground for kids to toss a football or chase fireflies before bed. One of my favorite moments was taking the boys down to the pond in the golden light, watching them skip rocks while my husband and I listened to the water slip by (ironically listening to 'sitting on the dock of the bay!'), which felt wonderfully unhurried. For families, this is a sweet overnight pick thanks to the calm setting, caring staff and the pond's built-in nature opportunities for biking, strolling and birdwatching. For the best campsite recommendation, choose Site 11, which is closest to the pond path with an open grassy backdrop that gives the kids room to roam while still keeping everything peaceful and EZ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Donahue, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Donahue, IA is Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What parks are near Donahue, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Donahue, IA that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Coralville Lake.
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