Campsites near La Motte, Iowa cluster along the Mississippi River's western shores, with elevations ranging from 585 to 850 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter temperatures dropping below freezing. Primitive camping options become limited between November and April due to seasonal closures, though several locations maintain year-round availability.
What to do
Explore limestone caves: Maquoketa Caves State Park offers 13 distinct bat caves accessible via 6 miles of hiking trails. "The trails/scenery are AMAZING! LOVED IT! Needs some maintenance (ie, downed trees) but they may have limited staffing right now. I would suggest a visit even if you only have a few hours," notes a visitor to Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground.
Fish for trout: Swiss Valley County Park provides access to Catfish Creek, regularly stocked by the Iowa DNR. One camper at Swiss Valley County Park mentioned, "Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables."
Enjoy river views: Multiple observation points throughout the region provide panoramic views of the Mississippi. "The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out. None of the sites have water, but they do have electricity. If you can forgo electricity and don't mind a 50yd walk, the walk in sites are enclosed in beautiful groves of trees," reports an Andrew Y. about Maquoketa Caves.
Play mini-golf: Some campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond typical outdoor activities. "Lots to do here with the ability to play mini golf on a very nice course, walk through the trees and property, and get ice-cream from culvers," mentions a visitor to Palace Campground.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Multiple campgrounds receive positive reviews for their bathroom amenities. "Very clean as were the showers," notes a reviewer about Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, while another camper adds, "They have a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers."
Fishing accessibility: Direct water access ranks high among camper priorities. "CG has gravel road, seasonal host, restrooms, fire rings, boat ramp and good river access for fishing, boating, paddling," reports a visitor to COE Mississippi River Recreation Areas Pleasant Creek.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate adequate separation between camping spots. "I like the spacing, privacy and shade. There are several water hydrants throughout the campground to use," mentions a review of Miller Riverview City Park.
Natural features: Unique landscape elements provide memorable experiences. "This is a very basic park, no lake, no added attractions just trails, picnicking and a small, quiet and well shaded, electric sites," adds another Miller Riverview visitor.
What you should know
Train noise affects some locations: Railway proximity can disturb sleep at certain campgrounds. A visitor to Blanding Landing noted, "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often."
Seasonal cave closures: Bat hibernation periods limit cave access at Maquoketa Caves. "There are several factors to take into consideration when planning a trip here; due to concerns for wildlife (primarily bats) the caves close frequently, check the park website for details about when they will be open and respect the closures," advises a camper.
Spring flooding: Water levels impact riverside campsites. "You probably don't want sites 56,57,58 because they can flood," warns a Miller Riverview camper, while another mentions, "Checked the availability before you go. We were told this place floods on occasion and has to close. (It's that close to the river!)"
Limited winter options: Only Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground and Swiss Valley maintain year-round operations. "Terrific access to electric site near the bathroom! All to ourselves," reports a Mississippi Palisades winter visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Maquoketa Caves, "If you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites."
Indoor recreation options: Weather contingencies matter with children. "Nice rec room with TV, games, books, soft seating, pinball, ping pong, and pool table. Outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc," describes a visitor to Rustic Barn Campground.
Safety considerations: Site selection impacts family experience. A camper at Off Shore RV Park notes, "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. No shade since trees have not been planted as of this date. Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. Swiss Valley "has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails," mentions a camper, making it suitable for families seeking educational activities.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. "We stayed in site 25 which was on an end, had great views, a concrete patio with table and chairs, and was level. Not all sites had the patio nor were level," explains a Rustic Barn camper.
Hookup variations: Electric amperage differs between locations. "All sites designated for RV's are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet," notes a Maquoketa Caves visitor, providing specific measurements for planning.
Dump station access: Waste disposal facilities are not universal. "We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby," mentions a Swiss Valley visitor, indicating convenient amenities.
Surface conditions: Pad materials impact setup and comfort. "This campground includes a river resort with events center. CG offers river views, hard lanes, tables, fire rings, RR, playground, food," reports a camper at Off Shore RV Park, highlighting the durable surfaces available.
