7 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Camping options around Fruitland, Iowa focus primarily on established campgrounds along river corridors, offering diverse accommodation types from tent camping to cabin rentals. Several county and state recreation areas provide water-based recreation access, including Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, Deep Lakes Park, and multiple sites along the Cedar and Mississippi Rivers. Most campgrounds feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with a mix of primitive tent sites and RV-compatible areas within 20 miles of Fruitland.
Seasonal conditions significantly impact camping availability, particularly for sites near waterways. The Cedar River and nearby creeks are prone to flooding, especially during spring and early summer, occasionally leading to campground closures. As one camper noted, "The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River... even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge." Facilities generally operate from April through October, though some campgrounds like Langwood Education Center remain open year-round with limited services during winter months. Campers should check with county conservation offices about potential closures before traveling to riverside campgrounds.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with access to fishing, paddling, and hiking trails being frequently mentioned advantages. Deep Lakes Park offers newer cabin accommodations that provide comfortable lake access, described by visitors as "neat, newer cabins nestled along the sand pit lakes" with "bike trail running through, fishing, hiking, paddling all within areas of cabins." Primitive camping areas like those at Saulsbury Bridge offer more secluded experiences in bottomland forests with walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campground amenities vary considerably, from basic sites with vault toilets to developed campgrounds featuring modern restrooms with showers, playgrounds, and boat ramps. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration, though some permit advance reservations for electric sites and cabins.
"What a gem we found in Muscatine Iowa. Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites. Clean restrooms and lots of hot water for Shower."
"We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $26 / night
"Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa. We've been here in all four seasons and each one provides a different landscape."
"Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees."
Available next weekend
from $10 - $25 / night
"Located about seven miles east of Muscatine and roughly 20 miles from Davenport, this intimate 42-site campground is decidedly more about the river than resort-style recreation, with every back-in campsite"
"Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park."
Available next weekend
from $20 / night
"Neat, newer cabins nettled along the sand pit lakes. Well maintained park with bike trail running through, fishing, hiking, paddling all within areas of cabins."
"Cabins are newer, ADA accessible, and face lakes for great shore access and shared fire pits."
from $110 - $250 / night
"Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting. There are three separate campgrounds."
from $15 - $20 / night
"Great campsite close to the bathrooms for an affordable price."
"Just off Highway 22 and runs along Mississippi River and railroad tracks. Shady sites, showers, 50 amp service, fish cleaning station, playground, and small amphitheater for naturalist programs. "
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $26 / night
"The sites are very close to each other. The sites at Riverview and Silva both seemed smaller."
"Good campgrounds with trails including equestrian options, and water! Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away."
"There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town."
from $10 - $20 / night
from $14 / night
from $25 - $600 / night
ScoutClean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
LegendJust minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
Scout$25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people that include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags; All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, store and grill, paddle rentals, nature center too.
LegendPark has multiple cabins. Pintail Cabin is an ADA compliant, fully accessible cabin that sleeps up to 6 people. The cabin includes a queen-size adjustable bed that raises and lowers for easy access, twin size bunk bed, a full-size sofa sleeper, table/chairs. Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, electric cook top, sink. Central Heat/AC. Bathroom has accessible roll-in shower. There is also has a large deck and an accessible picnic table and fire ring outside. Bedding, towels, and kitchen cookware and utensils are not provided. The cabin has an ADA compliant access ramp. Tents are not permitted on this site. There is a playground, boat ramp, paddle rentals, Eco Tourism Center with small store and grill, and a nature center offering programs! The Blue Heron pontoon boat offers tours on the water too!
LegendThis campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
LegendThis campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
ScoutNew owners, free laundry 🧺
LegendThis campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
Camping options near Fruitland, Iowa center on access points along the Mississippi and Cedar Rivers, with several locations subject to seasonal flooding conditions. The relatively flat terrain features a mix of bottomland forests, restored prairie, and agricultural surroundings that create diverse wildlife habitats. Winter camping availability varies significantly between parks, with some sites only operational from April through October due to freezing temperatures and maintenance schedules.
Fishing from riverfront sites: At Shady Creek, campers can fish directly from their campsites along the Mississippi River. "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi," notes reviewer Donna T.
Kayaking and canoeing: The waterways around Fruitland provide numerous paddling opportunities. At Deep Lakes Park, visitors enjoy "lots of paddling, fishing, hiking, beach" options with cabins that "face lakes for great shore access."
Hiking through diverse terrain: Multiple trail systems connect camping areas to natural features. Wildcat Den State Park Campground features "lots of hiking trails" with "beautiful area with lots of hiking trails. We keep coming back to this one," according to Dorothy H.
Wildlife viewing: Bottomland forests and restored prairie areas create habitat for numerous bird species. The parks provide opportunities to see "wildlife with bald eagles near by" as noted at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve.
Riverside camping spots: Sites directly on the water consistently receive positive reviews. At Clarks Ferry, one camper noted, "Beautiful clean campground right next to the Mississippi River, Lots of Maple Trees, level concrete pads."
Quiet surroundings: Despite proximity to waterways and occasional trains, many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area's Cedar River Campground, sites are described as "larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain reliable restroom facilities. A Loud Thunder Forest Preserve visitor remarked on "The cleanest restrooms and showers I have ever seen" while noting they "can't wait to return to the new area for RV's and 5th wheels!"
Proximity to towns: Many camping locations balance natural settings with convenient access to supplies. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area's Cedar River Campground is just "15-20 minutes to the closest town," providing a balance between seclusion and convenience.
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near the Mississippi River are located near active rail lines. At Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, one camper noted the trains were "noisy, other than that very quiet."
Weather impacts on facilities: Spring and early summer rainfall affects site availability. Cedar River Campground at Saulsbury Bridge experiences periodic flooding that can limit access to certain areas.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance planning during peak months. At Shady Creek, campers advise to "make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick! The campground even has a military spot!"
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between providers and locations. One visitor to Shady Creek noted, "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service. The campground is close to Muscatine if you need to make a run but far enough out to feel like you're really camping."
Educational opportunities: Langwood Education Center provides dedicated space for nature education. The center offers "a quiet and serene setting for camping, hiking, canoeing, and reconnecting with nature" with rates starting at "$99 per day/$194 per overnight for up to 100 people."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Clarks Ferry has "two playgrounds - one message for smaller kids and one mostly for bigger."
Multi-activity sites: Locations with diverse recreation options help keep families engaged. At Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, "they rent kayaks, john boats, pontoons, and mini-pontoons" allowing families to explore Lake George.
Spaced camping sites: Look for campgrounds with adequate separation between sites. At Wildcat Den State Park, one camper noted the park offers "Clean camping sites, fantastic trails and fun historic sites to check out."
Pad characteristics: Many sites feature concrete pads for easy leveling. A visitor to Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area noted "The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River."
Water hookup access: Some campgrounds have shared water access requiring longer hoses. At Shady Creek, "water was shared by 4 sites and was 30 ft away."
Electric availability: Electric hookups vary significantly between parks and specific sites. Shady Creek offers "Electric was 30/50 at each site" according to one reviewer.
Accessibility features: Several campgrounds provide ADA-compliant facilities. Deep Lakes Park cabins are "ADA accessible" with good shore access for various water activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Fruitland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fruitland, IA is Shady Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What parks are near Fruitland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Fruitland, IA that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Coralville Lake.
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