Scott County Park offers several campground options near Donahue, Iowa, including Wilderness Campground with heavily wooded sites that provide natural privacy barriers. The area features a mix of terrain types from bottomland river forest along the Mississippi to prairie landscapes with established trail systems. Camping amenities range from basic tent sites to full hookup RV locations, with most campgrounds open seasonally from April through October.
What to do
Biking on trails: At Geneseo Campground, visitors can access 72 miles of biking trails along the Hennepin Canal. The campground offers equipment rental options. "This incredibly friendly operation does an excellent job in how it is set up... e-bike, pedal carts & fat tire bike rental," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provides direct access to Mississippi River backwaters. "Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center. Sites include fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge," writes James M.
Historical sites: Visit the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village at Scott County Park to explore regional history. "Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with... Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne's church at the park's NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park," explains a camper.
What campers like
Privacy in wooded sites: Wilderness Campground at Scott County Park is known for secluded camping spots. "The surroundings here are thick and lush, providing you with a real authentic experience in nature and offers real amazing solitude, peace & quiet as well as substantial privacy," according to Stuart K.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds near Donahue maintain excellent bathrooms and shower facilities. One visitor to Morrison-Rockwood State Park remarked, "The CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! These bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean! There weren't even spiderwebs on the ceiling of the shower house."
Wildlife viewing: Observe local wildlife while camping. "The hiking trails were well maintained and there were lots of beautiful flowers, bird, and butterflies. We even saw a raccoon!" shared a camper at Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Choose your site carefully based on privacy needs and equipment. At Woodside Campground, "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."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities close during winter months. James M. notes about Wilderness Campground, "Closed for winter-CG offers plenty of secluded sites with seasonal host, firewood, playground, RR/showers, trails."
Flooding concerns: Areas near the Mississippi River and backwaters can experience flooding. Check water levels before planning a trip, especially during spring. Rock Creek Marina and Campground is located in bottomland riverine forest, and as one camper mentioned, "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Central Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc," notes James M.
Educational opportunities: Visit nature centers for family learning. Rock Creek County Marina and Campground has "an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," according to Chris F.
Glamping options for families: Families seeking glamping near Donahue, Iowa can find options like the yurt at Geneseo Campground. "And, just in case you either forgot your tent or RV, Geneseo Campground has 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they'll gladly rent you," reports Stuart K.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some sites. At Morrison-Rockwood State Park, one camper noted, "The pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out."
Convenient overnight stops: Little Bear Campground provides easy access for overnight travelers. "Very conveniently located off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It had full hook ups with a fire ring and picnic table. The spot was good sized and clean," writes Shannon G.
Big rig recommendations: Woodside Campground accommodates larger RVs better than other options. "This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you," advises Stuart K.
