Camping areas near Eldridge, Iowa sit within rolling hills and prairie landscapes typical of eastern Iowa, where elevations range from 580 to 725 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region are situated along waterways including the Mississippi River backwaters, Cedar River, and Rock Creek. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F-85°F with higher humidity levels in July and August.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: 3-mile Hennepin Canal access from Geneseo Campground offers kayak and canoe rentals right on site. "Right on the Hennepin Canal. RV, tent, Cabins, and Yurt camping. The couple that run this campsite are so sweet! Pedal bikes for kids (and grown ups), a spray ground, and more!" notes Elizabeth R.
Hiking trails through diverse ecosystems: Scott County Park features interconnected trail networks through woodland, wetland and prairie habitats. At Wilderness Campground, "a ton of the best hiking trails converge at this CG, so if you're tent camper and want to be located right in the thick of nature, while having direct access to prize hiking above just about anything else, then this is your haven," writes Stuart K.
Educational nature programs: The Eco Tourism Center at Rock Creek County Marina and Campground features "a mini museum of the local wildlife" with "native animals including large fish aquarium" and "naturalist programs," according to visitors. A camper adds, "They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed."
What campers like
Varied accommodation styles: For glamping close to Eldridge, Iowa, Camp Liberty offers "site for all tastes: primitive and modern cabins and lodges, tents for small or large groups and couples" with "hard roads, fire pits, tables, water, showers, supplies," reports James M. The camp is "surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake."
Privacy between campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. At Morrison-Rockwood State Park, "Most of the camp sites are fairly secluded from one another by distance and from surrounding foliage. The sites were very well spaced apart," notes Stacie H., who also mentioned "the CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen!"
Riverfront locations: Several campgrounds provide direct water access. At Rock Creek, sites include "fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge." One visitor noted, "We had site #5 FHU. Easy and friendly check in. Nice lake in park," explaining that while it "was still off season so pool etc was not open," it provided "easy on/off interstate."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most camping and glamping options around Eldridge operate from April through October with limited year-round facilities. "Showers are open until October 14 this year," notes a recent Rock Creek visitor, while at Cedar River Campground, the season runs "April 15 to October 15."
Weather and bug preparation: Mississippi River backwater locations can experience heavy insect activity. One Rock Creek visitor warns, "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest." Similarly, another camper observed, "Gorgeous surrounding, something for everyone... Lots of bugs, high humidity and it can flood."
Campsite selection strategies: Research specific site characteristics before booking. At Morrison-Rockwood, "Check your site before booking! One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice. Glamping with young kids? These sites would be a perfect."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity options: Some campgrounds organize sites around play areas. At Morrison-Rockwood, "We had site 57 which is in a loop which goes around a playground. It was great for the kids who could go play and the sites in this loop provide plenty of space and privacy."
Water recreation for kids: Multiple locations offer swimming and fishing access. At Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA, "Facilities were well maintained and the staff was great! Traveling with 3 younger kids and they enjoyed all the activities," reports Dan B. Another visitor mentioned the "nice pool" and noted "good fishing beautiful sunsets on west side of campground."
Rental equipment availability: Several locations offer kid-friendly gear. Cedar River Campground includes a "playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access" while Geneseo provides "Pedal bikes for kids (and grown ups), a spray ground, and more!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for varied terrain. At Morrison-Rockwood, "The pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out," while another noted "Sites were more like a rainbow then flat but more then enough space to back up."
Hookup availability varies: Check specific utilities before booking luxury glamping near Eldridge, Iowa. Woodside Campground provides "basics like electric, water, sewer, fire rings, hard pads," but has "not much shade though trees are planted." At Geneseo, "Very convenient location a lot of amenities and activities," but some sites "could use some gravel."
